6. Pressed Botanical Specimen Frames
Embrace the aesthetic of a Victorian naturalist with pressed botanical specimen frames that have a dark, Halloween twist. Instead of bright summer flowers, this project focuses on moody, skeletal leaves, dark ferns, and deep purple petals. Start by collecting leaves with interesting vein patterns, such as oak or maple, and press them inside heavy books for a week. You can also use dried, pressed dark flora like pansies or burgundy ranunculus.
Purchase double-glass floating frames with brass or black metal borders. Carefully place your pressed botanicals between the two panes of glass. To add a Halloween element, use a calligraphy pen or a fine-tip metallic marker to write scientific-sounding Latin names at the bottom of each leaf, or place a vintage-style illustration of an insect or skeleton key alongside the foliage. Hang these in a gallery wall arrangement for an elegant, intellectual nod to the spooky season.