How To Press Flowers, Methods For Beginners

We have prepared a 15-step guide for you to press your flowers.

Step 1: Select a Fresh Flower

You should choose the flowers that are in full bloom or just have started blooming. Fresh dry flowers that are free of moisture are the perfect fit for pressing.

In order to preserve their vivid hues and complex designs, flowers should be pressed while they are still young and at their pinnacle of bloom.

Step 2: Prepare Flowers

You should prepare your flowers properly before pressing them. You can gently trim the stems or remove any excess leaves from them. Then you need to arrange the flower in the direct pressing position.

Step 3: Pick a Suitable Pressing Method

There are several pressing methods that you may use in preserving your flowers. You can use a flower press, heavy books, or even improvise a press-your-own by putting the flower between sheets of paper and placing heavy weight on top of it.

Step 4: Collect Materials for Pressing

You will need different materials for different methods of pressing. For example, if you are using the DIY method, then you will need absorbent paper and a heavyweight like heavy books or a custom press.

Other important tools or supplies required for pressing include tweezers, scissors, pruning sheer, drill, and screws and nuts.

Step 5: Place the Absorbent Paper

After gathering all of the needed materials, you are going to spread the absorbent paper on a flat surface. Lay out your flowers in a single layer, non-overlapping on this paper.

Step 6: Position the Flowers

Arrange the flowers in the absorbent paper in the desired position. Make sure that the flowers don't overlap each other in this step. You can use tweezers to place the flowers precisely.

Step 7: Cover the Flowers

After placing the flowers, cover them with some more absorbent paper.  As the flowers dry, this covering keeps them safe and absorbs extra moisture.

To guarantee that the flowers are pressed flat and dry uniformly, place the top board or layer of the press on top and push down evenly.

Step 8: Put Pressure

You can apply pressure to the flowers with different materials depending on the method of pressing that you are using. For example, if you are using a flower press, close the press tightly.

Or if you are using a book, place the flowers properly and press the flowers with a book on top.

Step 9: Add Weights

Now you need to add additional weights on your pressed flowers to make sure that the pressure is even. Put weighty items on top of the board, such bricks or books, to guarantee even and constant compression. This additional weight facilitates even drying and helps to completely flatten the blossoms.

Step 10: Wait

The drying time of every plant may vary according to its type and moisture level. Generally, after pressing the flowers, you need to wait for about 1-2 weeks to let them completely dry out.

Step 11: Check the Flowers

After a couple of weeks, check the pressed flowers carefully. They need to be completely dry and crispy. If not, repeat the process for a few more days to achieve the desired result.

Step 12: Take off The Flowers

Once the flowers are completely dry, remove them from the press carefully. The dry and crispy flowers are easy to handle and can come off without crumbling.

Take extra care when handling the flowers to prevent breaking their fragile petals. If some blooms adhere to the paper, remove them gently with tweezers. Use the pressed flowers to create the project or decoration you have in mind, or store them in a cool, dry area.

Step 13: Handle with Care

The dried crispy flowers can be very sensitive and can break off easily if not handled properly. So, you need to be extra careful while dealing with them to avoid breaking or damaging them.

After collecting your fresh flowers to press, cut the stem down to about 1-2 inches. Take a sheet of your absorbent paper and place it on a clean flat surface; set your flowers on it, then cover with another sheet of paper.

You should carefully set the flower in the middle of a heavy book and close the book to add extra weight on top. You should put the book aside, without moving it, for 1-2 weeks until the flowers are completely dried.

To press flowers with an iron, firstly, you need to place the flowers between the two sheets of parchment paper or a thin cloth. After placing them on a flat surface set the iron to a low heat setting without steam.

Gently press the iron down on the parchment or cloth for about 30 seconds, then lift and check the flowers and let them cool completely. This method preserves the flowers' colors and shapes, making them suitable for various craft projects.

For pressing the flowers in microwave, you need to place the flowers in the paper towel forst. Then, place the towel along with flowers in the microwave-safe plates. Arrange the flowers evenly in the plate and microwave on high for 30-second intervals, checking the flowers after each interval to prevent burning or over-drying.

It typically takes 1 to 2 minutes in total. Once the flowers are dry and pressed, allow them to cool before gently removing them from the paper towels. 

This method is similar to that of the book method. To press flowers using a homemade wooden press, start by assembling your materials, which include two flat wooden boards, and screws with washers. Begin by placing one board on a flat surface and layer it with cardboard or paper if using.

Arrange your flowers on this board and over the flowers with another piece of cardboard or paper, then place the second wooden board on top. Secure the boards together and leave the press in a cool, dry place for about 1 to 2 weeks.

First of all, you'll need a few essential supplies for your plant pressing. In the beginning, you need to collect flowers with less moisture. Then get some absorbent paper such as newspaper, parchment paper, or paper towels. You will also need a flat surface like a heavy book or a dedicated flower press.

If you are using a book, place the flowers between two sheets of paper within the book, then close it and add weight on top to apply even pressure.

It is very important to pick flowers that can retain their color and shape after pressing. This will ensure the pressed flowers will remain vibrant and attractive. Flowers with flat, broad booms like lilies, violets, and daisies can be perfect for pressing.

Flowers with thick and waxy petals should be avoided as they can become brittle and lose their original form. Additionally, it's best to press flowers when they are fresh and at their peak bloom, ensuring that their colors and patterns are captured beautifully.

Fresh flowers should be pressed by sandwiching them between layers of absorbent paper in a flower press or homemade arrangement. Press the press firmly and evenly using screws or clamps. Check on the flowers every two to four weeks while they dry.

When the flowers are dried, take them gently and keep them in a cool, dry area so you may use them for crafts or decorations. Use only flowers that are flat and equally spaced apart to avoid distortion and to get the best results. Furthermore, take care when handling the dried flowers so as not to scuff their fragile petals.

Pressing flowers preserves their natural color, shape, and beauty and increases the longevity of their life. They are often used for various purposes which we have listed below:

Preservation

Pressing flowers is a great way to preserve their beauty over time which is one of the major reasons why people prefer it. It keeps their colors vivid and their shapes intact, so you can enjoy them long after they've faded.

By pressing, you also prevent the flowers from damaging or decaying, which extends their life and allows them to serve as lasting decorative pieces.

Crafting

Pressed flowers are used for a plethora of creative crafts. They are generally used to create handmade bookmarks, original greeting cards, and exquisite framed artwork that highlights the blossoms' inherent beauty.

Additionally, pressed flowers can be used in do-it-yourself crafts like making attractive magnets or resin coasters. Their subtle hues and patterns provide handmade goods with a unique finishing touch that imbues each with individual charm.

Decoration

Presses flowers are a great decor, to add personality and organic beauty to your surroundings. They are also used to make exquisite botanical collages, framed artwork, and beautifully crafted shadow boxes that perfectly capture the beauty of the flowers. 

Additionally, pressed flowers are used to make coasters, attractive trays, and even fabric patterns for curtains or couches. Their exquisite features and vivid hues give your surroundings a hint of nature's artistic sensibility, creating one-of-a-kind and eye-catching decorations that express your sense of fashion and love of the natural world.

Educational Purpose

Pressing flowers offers a practical approach to learning about the features and structures of plants, which is educational. It enables learners and lovers to study the detailed morphology, petal arrangement, and leaf structure of various flowers. 

In botanical studies, pressed flowers can be used to compare species, see variances, and comprehend the growth of plants. They also provide a tactile and visual way to learn about the diversity of plants and how environmental factors affect plant growth. This useful method contributes to a deeper comprehension and appreciation of plant biology.

As a Memory

A heartfelt way to hold onto memories from important events, like weddings and anniversaries, or precious times spent in your garden, is to press flowers. You can make everlasting souvenirs that bring back happy memories and feelings by photographing and saving the flowers from these occasions.

These pressed flowers can be used to create individualized crafts, including framed keepsakes, greeting cards, or décor pieces, providing a material remembrance of treasured times and events.

After pressing flowers and storing or using them, you should provide continuous care to them, for them to maintain their beauty and attractiveness. We have listed some ways for you to care for your pressed flowers:

Handle Gently 

While handling pressed flowers, you should avoid damaging their petals. Clean, dry hands or tweezers should be used to position the flowers and you should strictly avoid using pressure or bending them.

Avoid Humidity

Place the pressed flowers away from damp and humid locations such as bathrooms or basements, as overhydration can weaken them or make them moldy. You should keep it dry for a long period of time so that it keeps looking nice.

Protect from Light 

Make sure to keep pressed flowers away from bright sunlight because it can make their colors fade and look less pretty. Store them in a dark place, like a drawer or a shaded shelf, to help them stay colorful and nice for a long time. This way, they’ll look just as beautiful as when you first pressed them!