Desert Blooms

by Linda
(Dolan Springs)

Every spring when the desert begins to bloom (especially after a real rainy season), I collect blooms from the "weeds" that grow on the side of the roads. Some of these "weeds" have beautiful little flowers on them and will surprise you with their beauty if you take time to stop and pick them. I then press them in paper towels between the pages of a very thick and heavy book. If you use a heavy book, the air won't get to the blooms as much and the color will stay instead of getting gray.
After they've dried, I get a piece of pastel construction paper and I arrange them on the page in the shape of a bouquet. When I'm satisfied with the look I use clear Elmer's Glue and fix them to the paper. I place a piece of waxed paper on top and then the heavy book once again to keep the page from curling while drying.
Embellishment at this point is a personal choice. Place it in suitable frame and Voila!! you have a wonderful personalized gift for someone special