Pressed Flower Art
Transform fresh blooms into lasting botanical keepsakes by pressing flowers flat and arranging them into bookmarks, cards, framed art, or decorative pieces. This nature-inspired craft connects you with the outdoors while creating beautiful, personalized artwork that preserves the fleeting beauty of flowers.
What You'll Do
What You Need
Required
- ●Heavy book (dictionary, phone book, or textbook)($0)
- ●Plain white paper or parchment paper($0)
- ●Fresh flowers with flat, single-layer petals (pansies, daisies, violets, ferns)($0)
- ●Additional heavy books or weights($0)
Optional
- ○Scissors for trimming stems($0)
- ○Wooden flower press kit($15-25)
How To Do It
- 1
Collect your flowers
Gather flowers on a dry day after morning dew has evaporated. Choose blooms that are fresh, unblemished, and 75% open. Flat flowers with work best: pansies, daisies, violets, cosmos, Queen Anne's lace, and ferns. Avoid thick, fleshy flowers like roses or tulips for your first project.
- 2
Prepare the flowers
Pat flowers gently with a paper towel if there is any moisture. Trim stems to your desired length. For thicker flowers, you can remove some petals or split the flower in half to help it press flat.
- 3
Set up your press
Open a heavy book to somewhere in the middle. Line both pages with plain white paper or parchment paper to prevent ink transfer and absorb moisture. This protective layer is essential.
- 4
Arrange and press
Place flowers on the paper, spreading petals flat and evenly. Leave at least half an inch between flowers so they do not overlap or stick together. Cover with another sheet of paper, then carefully close the book.
- 5
Add weight and wait
Stack additional heavy books on top for extra pressure. Store in a warm, dry location away from humidity. Wait 2-3 weeks for flowers to dry completely. Do not check them for at least one week, as opening too early can cause wrinkling.
Tips
- →Common mistake: flowers that are still damp. Always wait until dew has evaporated and pat dry before , or your flowers will mold and turn brown.
- →Start with naturally flat flowers like pansies, violas, and daisies. They press easily and maintain their color well.
- →Press flowers immediately after picking. Wilted flowers lose their color and shape.
- →Replace the after 3-4 days for thick flowers to prevent moisture buildup.
- →Use tweezers to handle pressed flowers as they are extremely delicate and can tear easily.
Communities
Resources
- Homestead and Chill: Pressing Flowers for Beginners
Comprehensive guide covering four pressing methods with pros and cons of each
- First Day of Home: Complete Beginner's Guide
Step-by-step tutorial with tips on best flowers to use and color preservation
- Flower Press Studio YouTube Channel
Educational videos on flower pressing techniques and project ideas
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to press flowers?
The itself takes just 20-30 minutes, but flowers need 2-3 weeks to dry completely. Thinner flowers like pansies may dry in 2 weeks, while thicker blooms need 3-4 weeks. Never rush this process or flowers will be damp and prone to mold.
How much does it cost to start pressed flower art?
You can start for free using household items: a heavy book, plain paper, and flowers from your garden or a walk. A dedicated wooden flower press costs $15-25 but is optional for beginners.
What flowers work best for pressing?
Flat flowers with are easiest: pansies, violas, daisies, cosmos, violets, Queen Anne's lace, and ferns. Avoid thick, fleshy flowers like roses, tulips, or succulents as they hold too much moisture and often mold.
What is the most common mistake beginners make?
flowers that are still damp from dew or rain. This causes mold and browning. Always collect flowers on dry afternoons and pat them with a paper towel before .
Why did my pressed flowers turn brown?
Brown flowers usually result from moisture (mold), too slowly, or using flowers past their prime. Pick fresh, dry blooms and ensure good weight pressure. White flowers naturally brown more than colored ones.
What can I make with pressed flowers?
Bookmarks, greeting cards, framed wall art, phone cases, resin jewelry, candle decorations, gift tags, and scrapbook embellishments. Start simple with bookmarks or cards before trying resin projects.