How to press flowers

Have you ever stumbled upon a vibrant bouquet of flowers that you wish could last a bit longer than just a week? Maybe you want to preserve those beautiful blooms from a special occasion or create a unique piece of art for your home. Pressing flowers is a wonderful way to keep the memories alive and incorporate nature into your decor. Today, I’ll guide you through the art of flower pressing, ensuring you can cherish those fragile petals for years to come.

To press flowers, you’ll need fresh blooms, heavy books or a flower press, parchment paper, and a little patience. Start by selecting and trimming the flowers you wish to preserve, ensuring they are dry and free from dew. Place the flowers between two sheets of parchment paper, then place them in the middle of a heavy book. Close the book and stack additional weight on top to press down the flowers. Leave them for at least one to two weeks. Afterward, carefully remove the dried flowers and use them in crafts, gifts, or decor.

Pressing flowers is an art form, but it’s also a simple process that anyone can learn. Begin with selecting the flowers you want to press. It is best to choose blooms that are relatively flat, like daisies, violets, pansies, or even leaves from trees. Avoid flowers that are thick or bulky as they might not dry out properly. Ensure that the flowers are fresh and free of moisture; it’s typically best to pick them in the morning after the dew has dried but before they begin to wilt.

Next, gather your materials. You’ll need some parchment paper, a heavy book, or a dedicated flower press if you have one. If using a book, place a sheet of parchment paper on the page, arrange your flowers on it, then cover them with another sheet of parchment. This helps absorb moisture and keeps them from sticking to the pages.

Once your flowers are placed properly, close the book and add weight on top, such as another heavy book or a stack of magazines, to apply pressure. It’s important to manage the pressure well without crushing the flowers. Store the book in a dry, cool place out of direct sunlight to prevent any fading.

You will want to leave your flowers pressed for at least one to two weeks. The exact time may vary depending on the flower type and thickness. After this period has passed, carefully open the book and remove your flowers. They should be thin, dry, and somewhat brittle – perfect for various crafting projects! You can use pressed flowers for greeting card designs, home decor, or even framing as wall art. Remember, the more delicate your handling, the longer your pressed flowers will last!