To press flowers effectively, follow these key steps:
Supplies Needed
- Fresh flowers
- Absorbent paper (parchment paper, blotting paper, or newspaper)
- Heavy book or a flower press (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: tweezers for handling delicate dried flowers
Basic Book Press Method
- Prepare Flowers: Pick fresh flowers with flat blooms if possible; remove excess moisture and separate petals if needed.
- Arrange Flowers: Place flowers face down on a sheet of parchment or absorbent paper, spacing them apart.
- Cover and Press: Place another sheet of paper on top, then close the book carefully.
- Apply Weight: Put a heavy object on top of the book to ensure even pressure.
- Drying Time: Leave the flowers to dry for 2 to 4 weeks, depending on thickness. Some suggest changing the paper every few days to prevent mold, but parchment paper may not require this.
- Remove Carefully: Use tweezers to handle the delicate dried flowers
Homemade Wooden Flower Press Method
- Build the Press: Use two pieces of plywood or MDF with holes drilled in each corner, plus bolts and wingnuts.
- Layer Flowers: Place flowers between sheets of blotting or parchment paper, sandwich between cardboard pieces.
- Assemble and Tighten: Stack the layers between the wooden boards and tighten the wingnuts evenly.
- Dry: Leave in a warm, dry place for 2 to 4 weeks until fully dried
Alternative Methods
- Microwave Pressing: Use a microwave flower press to dry flowers quickly by microwaving in short bursts, releasing moisture in between.
- Ironing: Place flowers between parchment paper and iron on low heat for short intervals, avoiding steam
Tips for Best Results
- Choose flowers with naturally flat blooms like violets or daisies.
- Avoid textured paper that can imprint on petals.
- Keep pressure even to prevent damage.
- Label flowers with date and type to track drying time.
- Change absorbent paper early on to reduce browning and mold
Pressing flowers preserves their color and shape for crafts, framing, or keepsakes, and can be done simply with household items or specialized equipment depending on your preference and time available.
