Hi, I’m Leah! A Pressed Flower Artist based in Somerset, UK, and Contempfleury is the brand under which I journal and share my artwork. What sets my practice apart is the unique balance I strike between flowers and luxurious yarns, creating contemporary pieces that are truly magical. Here is the story of how Contempfleury was born:
The seeds were sown for my business some years ago when my daughter was just two years old. Christmas came that year, and I worried about the overwhelming feeling that little kids face when confronted with a mountain of new toys. Don’t get me wrong, I was grateful for every toy she would receive, but at the same time, I was conscious of the plastic and future expectations wrapped in each gift. Knowing she would receive too much, I desperately wanted to give my only child a gift to remember her second Christmas!
I flitted between gifting her nothing physical and investing in a unique piece of timeless, forever art. Opting for the latter, I searched for something handmade, original, and timeless. I never found the gift I was looking for, but instead, I bought her a beautiful, classic, limited-edition print. I’ve created this collection of wall art for other parents looking for a special forever gift.
A year later, a shift in my life’s path led me to discover a new passion. With more time at home with my daughter, I was immersed in nostalgia for my childhood, reigniting past hobbies and a creative spark. The art of pressing by day and embroidering by night, these two seemingly unrelated hobbies found a natural and unlikely fusion, evolving over the years into the unique collections you see today. This journey is not just about creating art; it’s about reconnecting with my past and sharing my love for creativity with the world in a way that is truly personal and unique.
Contempfleury art is not just a product, it’s a labor of love. Each piece is meticulously crafted, using only the finest materials that are designed to last for generations. I select museum quality papers that withstand fading for up to 200 years, an ink printing process that uses premium pigment inks, and luxurious blends of silk and alpaca yarns. The symmetry and structure of the embroidery stitches are juxtaposed with the romantic, soft edges of the flower and petals. This unique combination is what give Contempfleury it’s signature style.
Flower pressing has become an obsession. I press page upon page of flowers and experiment with their anatomy. I dissect individual petals, stigmas, leaves, ovaries, and stems to achieve the best-pressed specimens. Each year, I concentrate on growing one or two particular flower types and repeat the pressing process until I perfect it. I am only satisfied when I achieve a delicate papery flower preserved to the standard I’m looking for.
My love for luxurious yarns stems from my early career background in handknitting for Vogue Knitting and Rowan Yarns. I also have an MA in Constructed Textiles from the Royal College of Art, London; my DNA is rather woolly! I knew it would make me happy to use luxurious fibres with my flowers, so I did, and each contributed equally to my style.
Don’t Miss a Thing
Join the Contempfleury community on Etsy, Instagram , and Pinterest for a glimpse into the world of pressed flower art. Be the first to see new creations, get inspired, and be a part of our artistic journey. We value your support and feedback, and we can’t wait to share our passion with you.
Like an artist might use a paintbrush, Pressed Flower Artist, Leah uses page upon page of flowers and ball upon ball of wool to add colour to her world and the Contempfleury portfolio. I hope you enjoy it!
