Flower pressing is a timeless method of preserving flowers, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of your blooms longer and create stunning floral arrangements. Whether you're an aspiring florist or a nature enthusiast, making your flower press can be a rewarding and creative endeavour.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore four easy methods for beginners on how to make a flower press. Capture the fleeting beauty of blooming flowers, transforming them into stunning works of art that grace your home.
Method 1: Cardboard Flower Press
The cardboard flower press method is ideal for beginners due to its simplicity, affordability, and accessibility. It enables you to create a functional press using common household materials, such as cardboard, which is often readily available.
This budget-friendly method does not require specialised skills or tools, making it an excellent option for those new to flower pressing.
Materials Needed:
- Cardboard sheets (2-4 pieces)
- Paper towels or blotting paper
- Fresh flowers to press
- Parchment paper
- Scissors
- String or rubber bands
- Books or heavy objects
Cardboard Flower Press Process
Step 1: Cut the cardboard into square or rectangular pieces, roughly 8-10 inches in size. You'll need two to four of these pieces, depending on the thickness and sturdiness of your cardboard.
Step 2: Select a variety of fresh flowers and foliage to press. Ensure they are free from any signs of decay or disease. Flowers with flat petals work well for pressing.
Step 3: Lay down a blotting paper on a flat surface. Arrange your flowers on top of the absorbent material, leaving some space between them. Add another layer of blotting paper on top of the flowers.
Step 4: Place one piece of cardboard on the bottom as the base. Then, carefully transfer the layered flowers and absorbent material onto the cardboard. Add another piece of cardboard to create a sandwich with the flowers and absorbent material in the middle.
Step 5: Use string or rubber bands to secure the layers tightly. Ensure the press is secure but not too tight to crush the flowers.
Step 6: Place books or other heavy objects on the cardboard flower press for consistent pressure. The weight helps flatten the flowers and aids in the drying process.
Step 7: Check the flowers periodically, especially in the first few days, to ensure the blotting paper absorbs moisture effectively. Replace the blotting paper if it becomes saturated.
Step 8: Leave the cardboard flower press in a dry, cool place for several weeks. The flowers will gradually dry and become flattened.
Method 2: Wooden Flower Press
The wooden flower press method is an excellent choice for those seeking a more professional-looking flower press. Compared to the cardboard flower press method, this one press offers greater durability and consistency in pressing flowers.
It's less prone to wear and tear and can simultaneously handle pressing larger quantities of flowers. While it may require more effort in woodworking, the results often justify the investment for those serious about flower pressing.
Materials Needed:
- Wooden boards (two pieces of your preferred wood, around 10x10 inches)
- Absorbent paper or blotting paper
- Fresh flowers to press
- Parchment paper
- Clamps
- Scissors
Wooden Flower Press Process
Step 1: Select two wooden boards of your preferred wood type, ensuring they are smooth and free from splinters. Then, cut them into equal-sized squares or rectangles, typically around 10x10 inches. Sand the edges to ensure they are smooth and won't damage your flowers.
Step 2: Lay a sheet of blotting paper flat to keep your fresh flowers in good condition. Then, add flowers on top of the absorbent material, leaving some space between them. Add another layer of blotting paper to absorb moisture on top of the flowers.
Step 3: Put one of the wooden boards at the bottom. Then, gently move the layered flowers and absorbent material onto the wooden board. Put the second wooden board on top to make a sandwich with the flowers and absorbent material in the middle.
Step 4: Use clamps to tightly secure the wooden boards, ensuring even and consistent pressure across the flowers.
Step 5: As with the cardboard method, you need to check the flowers to see if the blotting paper is absorbing moisture effectively. Replace the blotting paper when it's wet.
Step 6: Allow your flower press to dry completely for several weeks until it's flattened. Make sure to leave it in a dry, cool place.
Method 3: Microwave Flower Press
Compared to traditional cardboard or wooden press methods, the microwave flower press offers distinct speed and colour retention advantages. However, it may not be as suitable for particularly delicate flowers or with high moisture content.
Additionally, traditional methods allow the preservation of larger quantities of flowers simultaneously, making them a better choice for bulk pressing.
Materials Needed:
- Microwave-safe plates
- Microwave-safe paper towels
- Fresh flowers to press
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Books or heavyweights (for final pressing, if desired)
Microwave Flower Press Process
Step 1: Ensure that you have microwave-safe plates and microwave-safe paper towels.
Step 2: Lay your fresh flowers on a microwave-safe paper towel on top of the plate. Make sure that the flowers don't overlap. Then, place another paper towel on top of the flowers.
Step 3: Microwave the flowers in short bursts, approximately 20 seconds at a time. The exact time may vary depending on your microwave's power.
Step 4: Carefully remove the plate from the microwave after each burst to check the flowers' progress. You will know that the flowers are ready when they feel dry and flat to the touch.
Step 5: To maintain the flatness of the flowers, transfer them to a traditional press (cardboard or wooden) with blotting paper for final drying and pressing. Alternatively, you can place the dried flowers inside a book to maintain their flatness while preserving their colour.
Method 4: Book Flower Press
The book flower press method is a simple yet effective way to press flowers using items you likely already have at home. However, it may not provide as much pressure or consistent results as the other methods.
Nevertheless, it's a suitable choice for beginners or those who want to try flower pressing without investing in additional equipment. It's also a fun craft project for all ages.
Materials Needed:
- Heavy book with clean, smooth pages
- Fresh flowers to press
- Absorbent paper or blotting paper
- Parchment paper (optional)
Book Flower Press Process
Step 1: Select a heavy book with clean, smooth pages. Hardcover books work well for this purpose, providing more weight and pressure.
Step 2: Lay down a sheet of blotting paper, then place your fresh flowers. Leave enough space between them so they don't overlap. Don't forget to cover it with another blotting paper.
Step 3: Open the book to a clean page, leaving a few empty pages before and after for added protection. Carefully transfer the layered flowers and absorbent material onto the clean page of the open book. Close the book gently, ensuring the flowers and absorbent material remain flat.
Step 4: Place other heavy books or objects on top of the closed book to provide additional pressure. This will help flatten the flowers further.
Step 5: Leave the closed book in a dry, cool place for several weeks.
Creative Ideas For Your Pressed Dry Flowers
What to do with your pressed flowers? Try these creative ideas! Showcase your pressed flowers in various artistic and functional ways, adding a touch of natural beauty to your surroundings and personal accessories.
Let your imagination bloom as you explore the countless possibilities of using your pressed flowers in arts and crafts.
Pressed Flower Artwork
Create stunning artwork by arranging your pressed flowers on a canvas or heavy cardstock. You can design intricate patterns and abstract compositions or even depict specific scenes or motifs using your pressed flowers.
Once you've arranged the flowers to your satisfaction, secure them in place using adhesive or transparent glue. Frame your artwork to protect it and hang it as a unique and colourful wall decoration.
Pressed Flower Jewellery
If you want unique gift ideas for Valentine's, anniversaries, or graduation, turn your pressed flowers into beautiful jewellery pieces. You can encapsulate your pressed flowers in resin to make pendants, earrings, or even bracelets.
Use small dried flowers to create delicate and unique jewellery items that capture the essence of nature. With creativity, you can craft wearable art that brings a touch of the outdoors to your everyday style.
Pressed Flower Greeting Cards And Stationery
Personalise your gifts with a pressed flower greeting card! You can also use your pressed flowers for your invitations and stationery. Attach your pressed flowers to the front of cards or envelopes using double-sided adhesive tape or glue.
You can press flowers directly into the paper while still damp, creating beautiful watercolour-style designs. Your custom-made cards and stationery will add a touch of elegance and nature's beauty to your correspondence.
Additional Tips And Techniques When Pressing Flowers
The following tips and techniques can help enhance flower pressing skills and create impressive, long-lasting pressed flower arrangements and crafts:
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Select Flowers at Their Peak Bloom: For the most vibrant and long-lasting pressed flowers, choose blossoms at their peak bloom. These flowers have fully developed colours and are less likely to wilt or lose pigmentation during pressing.
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Choose Naturally Flat Blooms: Pressing naturally flat blooms is easier and often yields better results. Some examples of flowers that press well due to their flat petals or structure include Daisies, Pansies, Violets, and Ferns.
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Position Flowers Carefully: When arranging flowers for pressing, try creating symmetrical or asymmetrical designs and floral patterns, or even recreate specific scenes or images. Consider the composition and balance of your arrangement for the best visual impact.
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Store Pressed Flowers Properly: To maintain the vibrancy of your pressed flowers, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry location. This prevents exposure to humidity, which can cause your flowers to become discoloured or mouldy over time. You can also add a packet of silica gel to the container to absorb residual moisture.
- Use Blotting Paper Instead of Paper Towels: Blotting paper is preferred for flower pressing because it absorbs moisture without leaving behind lint or fibres. It also preserves your pressed blooms' delicate details and colours more effectively.
Conclusion About How To Make A Flower Press
Creating your flower press is a wonderful way to preserve the beauty of nature and unlock your creativity. By following these four easy methods for beginners, you'll embark on a journey of turning delicate blooms into timeless works of art.
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Frequently Asked Questions About How To Make A Flower Press
How Do I Prevent My Pressed Flowers From Turning Brown?
To prevent pressed flowers from turning brown, ensure they are completely dry before storing them in an airtight container. Avoid exposing them to moisture or humidity.
Can I Press Flowers With Thick Or Succulent Stems?
While pressing flowers with thick or succulent stems is challenging, you can try removing excess moisture by gently squeezing the stems with a paper towel before pressing them.
Is It Possible To Press Flowers That Have Already Dried On The Plant?
It's best to press fresh flowers, as those already dried on the plant may become brittle and crumble during the pressing process.
Can I Press Flowers That Have A Strong Fragrance?
While you can press flowers with a strong fragrance, be aware that the scent may diminish during the pressing process. If you wish to preserve the fragrance, consider alternative methods to preserve flowers, like air-drying or making potpourri.
