Handmade Christmas Gift Workshop with Pressed Flowers

Hi, I’m Susan Zhao, a Melbourne-based artist and the founder of Susan’s Pressed Flower Art Studio. I’ve been working with pressed flower art and cyanotype since 2013, and I absolutely love sharing this peaceful, nature-inspired craft with others.My journey started pretty simply — I was spending a lot of time in my garden and felt sad seeing beautiful fresh flowers die so quickly. I wanted to find a way to capture that fleeting beauty, so I began pressing them. What started as a personal hobby slowly grew into something much bigger — and by 2024, I’d launched my own studio, turning those little pieces of nature into art.I use only real flowers and leaves (most of them grown in my own garden), and I carefully press and design each piece by hand. A lot of people don’t realise how much creativity and care goes into pressed flower art — from the colour choices to the layout, it’s a very thoughtful process. I also combine it with cyanotype, which adds dreamy blue tones and makes each piece feel really timeless.Teaching has become one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. I love seeing people slow down, get creative, and surprise themselves. My classes are relaxed, beginner-friendly, and full of little tips I’ve picked up along the way. Whether you’re here to learn a new skill, enjoy a mindful moment, or make a special handmade gift, I’m here to help you feel confident and inspired.Over the past couple of years, I’ve taken part in art shows like the Victor Harbor Art Show, Bendigo Art Show, and Frankston Art Show — and I also run regular market stalls around Melbourne, including at Heide Market and Docklands District Makers' Market, St Kilda Market, Coburg Maker Design Market, and more.I also offer custom flower preservation — turning wedding bouquets or farewell flowers into meaningful keepsakes. It’s always such a privilege to be trusted with those memories.If you’re curious about the world of pressed flowers, I’d love to have you in one of my classes. Let’s get creative together and make something beautiful from nature!