Pressing flowers has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. It all started during my travels when I wanted to preserve little moments and memories from each place I visited. Back then, I used whatever I had on hand, flyers from tours or even napkins to absorb the moisture while tucking flowers into the pages of a book.
As I pressed more flowers, I stuck with the book method for a while, but it wasn’t long before I decided to take things a step further. I bought my first small flower press online, excited to streamline the process. However, I quickly realized it was too small for many of the blooms I wanted to preserve. That’s when my husband stepped in, and together we started making our own presses using plywood. Now, with custom-made presses, I can preserve flowers of all shapes and sizes with ease.
Why Press Flowers?
Flowers hold memories, a wedding bouquet, a first date, a heartfelt gift, or even just a bloom that caught your eye during a walk. Pressing flowers allows you to preserve those moments in a way that’s both artistic and sentimental. Plus, pressed flowers are perfect for all kinds of creative projects: framed art, greeting cards, resin crafts, and more.
The Classic Book Method
If you’re new to pressing flowers, books are an excellent starting point. Here’s how to do it:
Choose Your Flowers: Pick fresh. Avoid overly thick or wet blooms, as they can mold.
Prepare the Flowers: Trim excess stems and arrange the petals the way you’d like them to dry.
Grab a Heavy Book: A big dictionary or an old textbook works perfectly. Line the pages with parchment paper or coffee filters to protect the book and absorb moisture.
Press and Wait: Place your flowers between the pages, close the book, and stack more books on top for extra weight. Let them dry for about 1-2 weeks. Be patient, good things take time! PS: I press wedding bouquets for over 12 weeks sometimes :)
Flower Pressers for the Dedicated Presser
If you’re planning to press flowers regularly, investing in a flower press can make your life easier. Flower presses come in various sizes and styles, but they all work similarly: two sturdy boards held together by bolts, wingnuts, or straps, with layers of absorbent paper and cardboard in between.
Using a flower press is straightforward:
Arrange your flowers on the absorbent paper.
Place another layer of paper on top.
Tighten the press to apply even pressure.
The results are typically faster and more consistent than the book method, making it a great option if you’re working on multiple projects at once.
Microfleur: For the Impatient Crafters
If you’re short on time but still want beautifully pressed flowers, the Microfleur is a game-changer. This microwave flower press allows you to press flowers in minutes rather than weeks. Here’s how it works:
Place your flowers between the layers of the Microfleur.
Pop it in the microwave for short bursts (usually 20-30 seconds).
Check frequently to avoid over-drying or browning.
The Microfleur is perfect for quick projects or if you just can’t wait to see your blooms preserved. That said, I only use it for emergencies, as I’ve found it can be quite tedious. You have to constantly go in and out of the microwave to ensure the flowers don’t burn, and the small size means pressing one flower at a time. It works, but it’s definitely not my preferred method.
Tips for Success
Choose the Right Flowers: Thin flowers like pansies, daisies, and ferns press more easily than thick ones like roses. For thicker flowers, consider splitting them in half or press petal by petal.
Patience Pays Off: Even with faster methods, rushing can lead to uneven results. Take your time to arrange the flowers just right.
Store Carefully: Once your flowers are pressed, keep them in a dry, flat place until you’re ready to use them.
Once your flowers are pressed, the possibilities are endless! Frame them, add them to journal pages, use them in resin crafts, or even design your own greeting cards. Pressing flowers is not just a craft, it’s a way to hold onto memories and create something beautiful from nature.
Happy pressing!
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