What You'll Need:
- Fresh flowers (such as roses, daisies, or carnations)
- A thick book (like a large atlas or textbook)
- Baking paper
- Steps to Press Flowers
Tips for selecting, picking, and preparing your flowers
Choose the Best Blooms: Always opt for flowers that are close to full bloom and free from blemishes or dark spots. This ensures the final pressed flowers will look their best.
Pick at the Right Time: Harvest flowers from your garden in the morning after the dew has evaporated. This timing helps to avoid any excess moisture that can hinder the pressing process.
Ensure Dryness: Make sure the flowers are completely dry. Wet or damp flowers are prone to mold during pressing, so proper dryness is essential.
Maintain Bouquets Properly: If you're using flowers from a bouquet, keep them in water until you're ready to press them.
Here are some tips to maintain bouquet freshness:
Always cut stems at an angle to improve water uptake.
Place flowers in a vase with water and add flower food to maintain their vitality.
Replace the water daily and remove any leaves below the water line to prevent bacterial growth.
Handle Large Flowers with Care: For large flowers with layered petals, consider separating the petals before pressing. You can later “reconstruct” the flower if desired, to maintain its full appearance.
Step 1: Select Your Flowers
Begin by choosing the flowers you wish to press. Fresh flowers that have been recently picked are ideal as they retain their colour and shape better during the pressing process. If you haven’t received flowers recently, treat yourself to a fresh bouquet. Many services offer affordable and same-day flower delivery, providing you with a variety of fresh blooms to work with.
Step 2: Prepare Your Flowers
Once you have your flowers, trim the stems and soak them in cold water for a few hours. This step ensures that the flowers are well-hydrated and in optimal condition for pressing. If you plan to press flowers with their stems attached, ensure the stems are fully dry before proceeding.
Step 3: Set Up Your Pressing Materials
Open your thick book to its middle pages, providing weight on both sides. Place a sheet of baking paper on the top and bottom pages to protect both the book and the flowers. Baking paper helps absorb moisture and prevents the flowers from sticking to the pages.
Step 4: Arrange and Press the Flowers
Carefully place your prepared flowers on the baking paper, arranging them in a natural, flat position. Close the book gently, making sure the flowers are fully covered by the baking paper and do not touch the book’s pages directly. Avoid adding heavy weights on top of the book, as a slight airflow is necessary to aid in the drying process.
Step 5: Allow the Flowers to Dry
Leave your flowers in the book for about one to two weeks. After the first week, check the flowers to see if they are adequately dried. If not, leave them for another week. If you notice any moisture or dampness, replace the baking paper with fresh, dry sheets.
Alternative Methods for Pressing Flowers
While the book method is traditional and effective, there are other ways to press flowers:
Microwave Method: Place flowers between two pieces of ceramic tiles or microwave-safe plates, and microwave your specimen in 10-second bursts until the flowers feel paper-thin. Always air out the plates in between bursts to prevent browning or scorching..
Iron Method: You can also use a household iron to dry flowers quickly. While this method is not my favourite, as I believe it doesn't achieve the same quality as other techniques, it can be useful when you need pressed flowers immediately and don't have access to a microwave.
turn off any steam settings on your iron and apply low heat to the flowers for 15-30 seconds at a time. Allow the flowers to cool briefly before pressing them again.
Once the petals are partially dried, you can switch to the book or wooden press method to complete the drying process.
Creative Uses for Pressed Flowers
Once your flowers are pressed, there are numerous creative ways to use them:
1. Framed Art
Create a beautiful piece of art by arranging your pressed flowers in a frame. Place a piece of decorative cardboard in a frame, arrange your flowers, and secure them with a small amount of glue. This makes for a lovely wall decoration or a thoughtful gift.
2. Greeting Cards
Incorporate pressed flowers into homemade greeting cards. Simply glue the flowers onto the card’s front, adding a touch of natural beauty to your messages.
3. Bookmarks
Make unique bookmarks by laminating pressed flowers between two pieces of clear contact paper. These bookmarks are perfect for book lovers and make wonderful gifts.
4. Jewelry
Create custom jewelry by embedding pressed flowers in resin to make pendants, earrings, or bracelets. This craft allows you to carry a piece of nature with you wherever you go.
5. Potpourri
Combine your pressed flowers with aromatic oils and other dried botanicals to create homemade potpourri. This adds a delightful fragrance to your home and can be used as a decorative item.
6. Home Décor
Use pressed flowers to enhance various home décor items such as candles, coasters, or lampshades. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to personalize your space with nature’s beauty.
Pressing flowers is a timeless and rewarding craft that allows you to preserve the beauty and sentiment of your favourite blooms. Whether you’re commemorating a special occasion or simply enjoying the process, pressed flowers can be used in a variety of creative and decorative ways. With a little patience and the right techniques, you can create lasting mementos that celebrate the natural beauty of flowers. So, visit your local floral supplier, pick out your favourite blooms, and start pressing today!