There will only be two junior contests for the 2009 convention

Do you like to pick flowers, foliage, or leaves and then press them? So many things can be made from these. Just think of all the things you can get from your own yard! Preserve these pretty things and see them each time you eat lunch or dinner. Create a botanical plate that can also be functional (your plate has to be hand washed). An inexpensive wooden easel needs to accompany each plate. Insure the easel will hold the plate. The plates will be staged upright.

Class A – 1 Ages 6 – 11

Class A – 2 Ages 12 – 18

***Note: Instructions on the next page

Feed the birds their favorite food, such as sunflower seeds, nyger seed, cracked corn, etc., from something you have already used. We need to take care of our environment by recycling as much as possible. Using a milk jug (1/2 gal or gal), 2 liter soda bottle, coffee creamer container, or anything recyclable, create a bird feeder that can be hung in your backyard. Be sure to include a perch for the birds to feed from and a hanger to show your feeder could be hung. Decorating of the container is left up to the discretion of the exhibitor. The bird feeder needs to sit flat and should show functionality. Do Not include bird feed.

Class B – 1 Ages 6 – 11

Class B – 2 Ages 12 – 18

A smooth glass plate White Glue

Pressed flowers (yellow & purple pansies work best) Water

Dried Herbs (if you want to add more texture) Clear acrylic coating

Paint Brushes

Acrylic gold paint (optional)

Craft Sponge Brushes

Rice paper or tissue paper

Create a glass wash by mixing 3 parts glue to 1 part water. Using a sponge brush, coat only the BACK of the glass plate with the glue wash. Just cover the surface; you don’t need a thick coat-

Place the flowers face down onto the back of the plate so you can view them front the front when you turn the plate over. If you wish, add some herbs as well for texture. Be careful when handling the flowers – they will be paper-thin and many break easily!

Gently brush the glue wash over the flowers. This will seal them to the plate.

Rice paper can be found in craft stores. Cut a piece to fit and place it over the back of the plate. Be careful! Once the rice paper touches the glue, it is tough to remove so make sure you have it where you want it before placing it in the glue. Finally, add another coat of glue wash to secure the design to the glass. Brush any excess rice paper onto the back of the plate. Let it dry for two days.

If you want to add some pizzazz to your plate, trim it with gold acrylic paint. Paint around the trim on the back of the plate over the hardened paper to create a gold trim. Don’t paint on the front!

The final step is to spray on the clear acrylic coating. This should be done outside or in a well-ventilated area. Add about 10 coats to the bottom of the plate to get a thick level of protection.