Pressing flowers is an age-old craft that combines the beauty of nature with the timeless appeal of preservation. Whether you’re looking to create stunning art pieces, preserve memories from special occasions, or simply enjoy the meditative process of working with flowers, learning how to press flowers is a rewarding endeavor. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you have all the knowledge you need to start pressing flowers like a pro.
Understanding the Basics of Flower Pressing
Pressing flowers involves flattening and drying flowers to preserve their natural beauty. The goal is to remove the moisture from the flowers while retaining their shape, color, and texture. This can be achieved using several methods, each with its own advantages and ideal use cases.
Choosing the Right Flowers for Pressing
The first step in pressing flowers is selecting the right blooms. Not all flowers press well, so it’s important to choose those that are best suited for the process.
1. Best Flowers for Pressing
Some flowers are better suited for pressing due to their natural characteristics. Flowers with flat blooms and less moisture content tend to press more successfully. Here are some ideal candidates:
Pansies and Violas: These flowers have delicate petals and a flat shape, making them perfect for pressing.
Daisies: Their simple structure and minimal moisture content make them a favorite among flower pressers.
Wildflowers: Many wildflowers, like buttercups and forget-me-nots, press beautifully due to their small size and low moisture content.
Ferns and Leaves: Don’t limit yourself to flowers; many leaves and ferns also press well and add interesting textures to your designs.
2. Avoiding Problematic Flowers
Some flowers are not well-suited for pressing due to their high moisture content or complex structures. Flowers to avoid include:
Succulents: These contain too much water and will rot instead of drying properly.
Thick Flowers: Blooms like peonies or roses can be difficult to press due to their multiple layers and high moisture content. If you want to press these, consider separating the petals first.
Bulky Flowers: Flowers with a lot of depth, like sunflowers, do not press well because they don’t flatten easily.
Preparing Your Flowers for Pressing
Proper preparation is crucial for successful flower pressing. This involves picking the right time to harvest your flowers and preparing them for the pressing process.
1. When to Harvest
Harvest your flowers at the right time for optimal results. Flowers should be picked when they are at their peak — fully open but not starting to wilt. The best time of day to harvest flowers is in the late morning, after the dew has evaporated but before the heat of the day sets in.
2. Prepping the Flowers
Once you’ve harvested your flowers, you need to prepare them for pressing:
Trim the Stems: Cut the stems to a manageable length, leaving just enough to work with easily.
Remove Excess Leaves: Strip away any leaves that you don’t want to include in your pressed flower design.
Arrange the Flowers: Lay your flowers out on a flat surface and arrange them as you’d like them to be pressed. This will make the actual pressing process easier and ensure you get the best results.
Methods for Pressing Flowers
There are several methods for pressing flowers, each with its own pros and cons. The method you choose will depend on your resources and the type of flowers you’re pressing.
1. Traditional Flower Press
A flower press is a device specifically designed for pressing flowers. It consists of two boards held together by bolts, with layers of absorbent paper and cardboard in between.
Materials Needed:
- Flower press
- Absorbent paper (e.g., blotting paper, newspaper)
- Cardboard
Steps:
- Layering: Start by placing a piece of cardboard on the bottom board of the press. Add a layer of absorbent paper on top of the cardboard.
- Placing Flowers: Arrange your flowers on the absorbent paper. Make sure they are not overlapping, as this can cause uneven pressing.
- Covering: Place another layer of absorbent paper over the flowers, followed by a piece of cardboard.
- Repeating: Repeat the layering process until all your flowers are in the press.
- Pressing: Place the top board on the stack and tighten the bolts to apply pressure.
- Drying: Leave the flowers in the press for several weeks. Check periodically to ensure they are drying properly and replace any damp paper if necessary.
2. Books
If you don’t have a flower press, you can use heavy books to press your flowers. This method is simple and accessible, requiring just a few household items.
Materials Needed:
- Heavy books
- Absorbent paper (e.g., blotting paper, newspaper)
- Additional weights (optional)
Steps:
- Layering: Open a heavy book and place a piece of absorbent paper on one of the pages.
- Placing Flowers: Arrange your flowers on the paper, making sure they are not overlapping.
- Covering: Place another piece of absorbent paper over the flowers and close the book.
- Adding Weight: Place additional books or weights on top to ensure enough pressure.
- Drying: Leave the flowers to dry for several weeks, checking periodically and replacing damp paper as needed.
3. Microwave Pressing
Microwave pressing is a faster method that uses heat to speed up the drying process. It’s a great option if you need pressed flowers quickly, but it requires careful monitoring to avoid damaging the flowers.
Materials Needed:
- Microwave-safe container
- Ceramic tiles
- Absorbent paper (e.g., blotting paper, microwave-safe paper towels)
Steps:
- Layering: Place a piece of absorbent paper inside the microwave-safe container.
- Placing Flowers: Arrange your flowers on the paper, making sure they are not overlapping.
- Covering: Place another piece of absorbent paper over the flowers.
- Adding Weight: Add ceramic tiles or another microwave-safe weight on top to apply pressure.
- Microwaving: Microwave on a low setting for 30-60 seconds. Check the flowers and repeat in short intervals until they are dry. Be cautious to avoid overheating and burning the flowers.
4. Ironing
Ironing is another quick method for pressing flowers. It’s a good option for small batches of flowers and can be done with a household iron.
Materials Needed:
- Iron
- Absorbent paper (e.g., blotting paper, parchment paper)
- Heavy book or other weights
Steps:
- Layering: Place a piece of absorbent paper on a flat, heat-resistant surface.
- Placing Flowers: Arrange your flowers on the paper, making sure they are not overlapping.
- Covering: Place another piece of absorbent paper over the flowers.
- Pressing: Place a heavy book on top for a few minutes to start the pressing process.
- Ironing: Remove the book and press the iron on a low, no-steam setting over the paper. Move the iron in a circular motion for 10-15 seconds.
- Cooling: Allow the paper to cool and repeat if necessary until the flowers are fully dried.
SEE ALSO: How to Pressing Flowers Without Losing Color?
Tips for Successful Flower Pressing
Flower pressing is an art that takes practice and patience. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:
1. Use Fresh Flowers
Freshly picked flowers yield the best results. Older flowers or those that have started to wilt will not press as well and may lose their color more quickly.
2. Even Pressure is Key
Ensure that pressure is evenly distributed across the flowers. Uneven pressure can result in flowers that are not uniformly pressed and dried.
3. Be Patient
Pressing flowers can take time, especially with traditional methods. Rushing the process can lead to poor results, so be patient and allow the flowers to dry completely.
4. Change Paper Regularly
If you notice the absorbent paper becoming damp, replace it to prevent mold and ensure proper drying.
5. Experiment with Different Flowers
Each flower presses differently, so experiment with a variety of blooms to see which ones you like best. Don’t be afraid to try pressing leaves and ferns as well.
6. Preserve Color
To help preserve the color of your pressed flowers, store them away from direct sunlight and moisture. You can also use a spray fixative to help maintain their vibrancy.
Creative Uses for Pressed Flowers
Once you’ve mastered the art of pressing flowers, you’ll have a beautiful collection of pressed blooms ready for use in a variety of creative projects. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
1. Greeting Cards
Create unique, handmade greeting cards by gluing pressed flowers onto cardstock. Personalize your designs for birthdays, weddings, or any special occasion.
2. Framed Art
Arrange your pressed flowers in a pleasing design and frame them for a stunning piece of wall art. Use different backgrounds, such as colored paper or fabric, to enhance the beauty of the flowers.
3. Bookmarks
Make personalized bookmarks by laminating pressed flowers between sheets of clear contact paper. These make thoughtful gifts for book lovers.
4. Jewelry
Incorporate pressed flowers into resin jewelry for a wearable piece of nature. You can create earrings, pendants, and more with this technique.
5. Scrapbooking
Add a natural touch to your scrapbooks by including pressed flowers. They can be used to embellish pages, create borders, or highlight special memories.
6. Candle Decoration
Embed pressed flowers in candle wax for a beautiful decorative effect. This can be done with homemade candles or by melting and reshaping store-bought candles.
7. Homemade Paper
Create your own paper with embedded pressed flowers. This can be used for writing letters, creating art, or making handmade books.
Conclusion
Pressing flowers is a delightful and rewarding hobby that allows you to capture the fleeting beauty of nature and preserve it for years to come. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, the process of pressing flowers offers endless possibilities for creativity and expression. With patience, practice, and the right techniques, you can create stunning works of art and cherished keepsakes that celebrate the natural world. So gather your favorite blooms, choose your pressing method, and start exploring the enchanting world of pressed flowers today.