How To Press Flowers

Pressing flowers is a simple and enjoyable craft that allows you to preserve the beauty of blooms for a long time. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you press flowers successfully:

Materials Needed:

1. Fresh flowers
2. Heavy books or a flower press
3. Blotting paper, parchment paper, or coffee filters
4. Optional: Tweezers for delicate handling

Instructions:

1. Choose Your Flowers:

• Time It Right: The best time to pick flowers for pressing is mid-morning after the dew has dried but before the sun is too hot.
• Select the Right Blooms: Choose flowers that are freshly bloomed and free of imperfections.

2. Prepare the Flowers:

• Trim the Stems: Cut the stems short, leaving just enough to handle the flower comfortably.
• Split Thick Flowers: If the flower is very thick (like roses or dahlias), consider splitting them down the middle to ensure even pressing.

3. Prepare the Pressing Materials:

• Use Blotting Paper: Place the flower between two sheets of blotting paper, parchment paper, or coffee filters. These papers absorb moisture effectively, preventing mold.
• Arrange the Flowers: Lay the flowers flat on the paper, spreading out petals as necessary to avoid overlap and ensure even pressing.

4. Pressing with Books:

• Layering: Place the sandwich of paper and flowers inside a heavy book (an old phone book or a dictionary works well).
• Weighting Down: Stack additional heavy books or weights on top to apply consistent pressure.
• Leave to Dry: Keep the setup in a dry, dark place. This helps prevent fading and mold.

5. Using a Flower Press:

• Assemble the Press: If using a flower press, assemble it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, placing the sandwich of paper and flowers between the press boards.
• Tighten: Apply pressure by tightening the screws or straps on the flower press.

6. Wait for the Drying Process:

• Be Patient: Depending on the thickness and moisture content of the flowers, expect the drying process to take 1-3 weeks.
• Check Occasionally: Check the flowers occasionally to ensure they are drying properly and not molding. Replace the blotting paper if it becomes too damp.

7. Remove and Store:

• Careful Handling: Once dried, carefully remove the pressed flowers from the paper using tweezers if necessary.
• Store Safely: Store the pressed flowers in a sealed container or frame them for display.

Tips:

• Experiment: Try different flowers and leaves to see how they press. Some retain color and shape better than others.
• Labeling: If you press a variety of flowers, consider labeling them with the date and type for future reference.
• Creative Projects: Use pressed flowers in crafts such as making greeting cards, decorating journals, or creating framed art.

By following these steps, you can create beautiful pressed flowers to use in a variety of decorative and craft projects! Happy pressing!