Peonies are beloved for their lush, vibrant blooms and sweet fragrance. Preserving these flowers by pressing them allows you to enjoy their beauty long after the blooming season has ended. Pressed peonies can be used in various crafts, such as making greeting cards, framed art, or decorating journals. This article will guide you through the process of pressing peonies flowers, ensuring that you capture their charm and elegance.
Selecting the Right Peonies for Pressing
The first step in pressing peonies is to choose the right blooms. Ideally, you should select peonies that are at their peak of freshness. Look for flowers that have just opened or are about to open fully. Avoid flowers that are wilting, browning, or have any signs of damage, as these imperfections will become more pronounced once the flower is pressed.
Preparing the Peonies for Pressing
Once you have selected your peonies, it is essential to prepare them properly for pressing. Follow these steps to ensure that your flowers are ready:
Cutting the Stems: Using a pair of sharp scissors or garden shears, cut the stems of the peonies at an angle. This will help the flowers absorb water more efficiently and stay fresh longer before pressing.
Removing Excess Foliage: Remove any excess leaves or foliage from the stems. Leaves can be pressed along with the flowers, but too many leaves can overcrowd the press and make the process more challenging.
Drying the Flowers: Before pressing, it is crucial to ensure that the flowers are as dry as possible. Gently pat the peonies with a paper towel to remove any surface moisture. If the flowers are particularly damp, you can leave them in a cool, dry place for a few hours to allow them to air dry.
Choosing a Pressing Method
There are several methods for pressing flowers, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The method you choose will depend on the tools and materials you have available, as well as your personal preferences. Here are three popular methods for pressing peonies:
1. Traditional Flower Press:
Materials Needed: Flower press, blotting paper or newspaper, cardboard.
Steps:
Open the flower press and place a piece of blotting paper or newspaper on the bottom layer.
Arrange the peonies on the paper, making sure they do not overlap.
Place another piece of blotting paper or newspaper over the flowers.
Add a layer of cardboard on top of the paper.
Close the press and tighten the screws to apply even pressure.
Leave the flowers in the press for 2-4 weeks, checking periodically to ensure they are drying properly.
2. Book Pressing:
Materials Needed: Heavy books, blotting paper or newspaper.
Steps:
Open a heavy book to the middle pages.
Place a piece of blotting paper or newspaper on the page.
Arrange the peonies on the paper, ensuring they are not overlapping.
Cover the flowers with another piece of blotting paper or newspaper.
Close the book and add additional heavy books on top to apply pressure.
Leave the flowers in the book for 2-4 weeks, checking occasionally for dryness.
3. Microwave Pressing:
Materials Needed: Microwave-safe pressing kit or ceramic tiles, blotting paper, rubber bands.
Steps:
Place a piece of blotting paper on a microwave-safe pressing kit or between two ceramic tiles.
Arrange the peonies on the paper, making sure they do not overlap.
Cover the flowers with another piece of blotting paper.
Close the press or secure the tiles with rubber bands.
Microwave on low power for 30-60 seconds, then let the press cool for a minute.
Repeat the microwaving process until the flowers are dry, checking frequently to avoid burning.
Pressing Techniques for Peonies
Peonies have thick petals and a dense structure, which can make pressing them more challenging than other flowers. Here are some techniques to ensure that your peonies press beautifully:
Flattening the Petals: Gently flatten the petals of the peonies with your fingers before placing them in the press. This will help them lie more evenly and prevent them from overlapping.
Using Desiccants: If you are using a traditional flower press or book pressing method, you can place desiccants (such as silica gel packets) around the flowers to help absorb excess moisture and speed up the drying process.
Layering with Thin Flowers: To distribute pressure evenly, consider layering the peonies with thinner flowers or leaves. This will create a more even press and help the peonies dry uniformly.
Checking and Adjusting: Periodically check the progress of your pressed peonies. If you notice any areas that are not drying evenly, you can adjust the positioning of the flowers or add additional blotting paper to absorb moisture.
SEE ALSO: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Paper Peony Flowers
Maintaining Color and Shape
One of the challenges of pressing peonies is maintaining their vibrant color and natural shape. Here are some tips to help you preserve the beauty of your peonies:
Pressing Fresh Flowers: The fresher the flower, the better it will retain its color. Press peonies as soon
as possible after cutting them to preserve their vibrancy.
Avoiding Sunlight: Keep the pressed flowers away from direct sunlight, as UV rays can cause colors to fade over time.
Using Acid-Free Materials: When pressing and storing your peonies, use acid-free blotting paper and cardboard to prevent discoloration and deterioration.
Storing Properly: Store your pressed peonies in a cool, dry place. Consider placing them in an airtight container or between sheets of acid-free paper to protect them from moisture and air exposure.
Creative Uses for Pressed Peonies
Once you have successfully pressed your peonies, you can use them in various creative projects. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
Framed Art: Arrange your pressed peonies in a decorative pattern and frame them to create a beautiful piece of wall art.
Greeting Cards: Attach pressed peonies to the front of greeting cards for a personal and unique touch.
Bookmarks: Create custom bookmarks by laminating pressed peonies and adding a tassel or ribbon.
Decorative Journals: Use pressed peonies to decorate the covers of journals or scrapbooks, adding a touch of natural elegance.
Candles and Soap: Embed pressed peonies in homemade candles or soap for a floral touch.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Pressing flowers is a delicate process, and sometimes issues may arise. Here are some common problems and solutions:
Flowers Not Drying Properly: If your flowers are not drying evenly, try adding more blotting paper or changing the pressing method. Ensure that the press is applying even pressure to all parts of the flower.
Colors Fading: To prevent colors from fading, press flowers as soon as they are picked and store them away from sunlight. Using acid-free materials can also help preserve color.
Flowers Sticking to Paper: If flowers stick to the blotting paper, gently peel them off with a pair of tweezers. You can also try using a different type of paper that is less absorbent.
Conclusion
Pressing peonies flowers is a rewarding and enjoyable activity that allows you to preserve the beauty of these stunning blooms. By selecting the right flowers, preparing them properly, and using effective pressing techniques, you can create beautiful pressed peonies that will last for years. Whether you use them in art projects, crafts, or simply as keepsakes, pressed peonies are a lovely way to capture the essence of spring and bring a touch of nature into your home.