This morning I gazed over the field. The fog slowly lifted. Before my eyes stood a kaleidescope of colors. Reds, golds, burgundies, lavenders and of course green. Not the autumnal colors. But the flowers, still exploding. As they became clearer, as the mist cast its luminescent light over the tall and short, quiet and bold, I thought of the lasting impressions these colors would make over the winter months.

I thought of the old phone book from NYC. Weighing a ton it is an amazing and inexpensive flower press. I will admit I have graduated to something a bit more sophisticated, but that telephone book still remains, practical and efficient.

Drying flowers is not necessarily an art form. Pick the flowers that will delight you and place them in a press or between pages of the directory between paper towels. Weigh the book down.

Within ten days to two weeks you will have a collection that can be used on cards, stationery, or embellishments for packages or candles.

What you can create with them is up to your imagination. The possibilities are endless. Select only perfect specimens. Keep in mind that yellow and orange blossoms will keep their vivid color, while blues, purples and pinks might fade. Reds, are even more difficult, turning a muddy brown if exposed to excessive light.

Another interesting concept is not to necessarily layer your dried flowers. Taking bold colors and placing them in a graphic sequence can be very effective. Try bee balm. Cut the bloom in half to remove some of the bulk. Press and then, perhaps, frame three or four flower heads laterally. Very bold and very beautiful.

Grab some of those beautiful blossoms, not just for your vases and jars, but for a keepsake of this year's magical garden.