Flowers are an ever-present part of the human experience; whether it be a birthday party, meeting a special someone for the first time, or for the hundredth, the feelings of love and gentle yearning that these little dainty, colorful buds evoke are unmatched.
One more crucial thing to note about these creatures is their versatility. They fit every occasion; creating an event that a flower won’t immediately improve and beautify is tough. When something is always present in your happy, sad, and bittersweet moments, memories will inevitably be attached to it.
It is human nature to want to preserve and safe-keep memories that you hold dear; why not hold all those memories in a flower petal? Or better yet, several flower petals by simply learning how to press flowers?
Pressed flowers are an easy way to freeze a little and loved memory from slipping away with the sands of time, a memory that you want to cherish and look back on forever can be frozen within these tiny dried petals. You can preserve a gift from a loved one or use the dried and preserved flowers to honor a special event by pressing flowers and safekeeping them.
You can use this simple, undemanding, and tranquil technique to safeguard and freeze the abstract beauty of spring by keeping the remnants of the summer blossoms alive almost indefinitely You can properly press flowers using many things easily available in the comfort of your home, such as books, an iron, a microwave, or even two sheets of paper.
The best gifts are gifts that hold a personal significance a cutesy personalized decoration, you can now give the best gifts to the people that you care about by using pressed flowers to add a personal touch to anything at all. Do you want to add a one-of-a-kind floral touch to your home? By pressing your favorite flowers and producing a DIY botanical print, you can have them on display all year. Giving a meaningful gift to someone? Make the card extra unique by using pressed flowers.
1. A Little History of Pressing Flowers
Humans have long been fascinated with gathering and conserving flowers, a tradition that is said to have originated in ancient cultures. Japanese painters began the practice of Oshibana in the 16th century, making enormous artworks using pressed flowers as their material. Westerners became fascinated with using pressed flowers as an art form when commerce with Japan expanded in the mid-1800s. By the early 1900s, flower pressing became an activity much enjoyed in England and the United States.
Perhaps the most tempting aspect of this hobby was its ease of access. Although some instruments were used, like the wooden flower press (a simple device designed to compress the specimens between two boards tightly), complex equipment was not necessary to achieve a satisfactory end product. In reality, all needed to start this new activity was a massive book, only a few flowers, and perhaps some patience.
The same is true today as it was over a century ago. Flower pressing is a simple activity that may be started with items that most people already have at home. Whether you want to save a few blossoms or establish your botanical scrapbook, this is the place to be. You can easily learn how to press flowers with anything you can easily access. That’s why this hobby is so special because anyone can do it!
There are many ways in which you can press flowers, we will explore all of them one by one, and then you can decide which is the best fit for you.
1.2 Choosing the Right Flowers
Before learning to press flowers, you must use the best flowers to achieve the greatest outcomes. Most of this process will inevitably be trial and error, but following directions will surely make the process easier and more fun. For a distinctive design, use a variety of focus flowers, greenery, and filler flowers.
- You must use fresh flowers, so pick flowers right when they bloom. Because the color will fade when pressed, catch the blossom at its peak for the most vibrant print. Consider the following when selecting your flowers:
- The flowers must be in good shape so make sure there are no blemishes or tears.
- Make sure you choose flowers that have already been dried out, preferably in the sunlight. Mold grows on wet plants but doesn’t on dry flowers.
- Choose flowers with flat buds. Cut it in half if the bloom is globe-shaped to make pressing easier.
If pressing flowers from a bouquet, do not delay the process. Remove a few flowers from the bouquet while the blooms are still bright and healthy.
If you pick your favorite flowers from your garden, it’s preferable to do it early in the morning right after the dew has evaporated. Harvest them just before their apex. Collect blossoms and leaves at various stages of growth for adding flowers to framed pressed-flower art to give your design a natural aspect. The higher the quality of the blossoms when picked, the better they will look dried and pressed. Learn more about how to take care of flowers here.
Condition your blooms first for the greatest outcomes and the most vibrant colors. To increase water absorption, immediately immerse the stems after cutting, soak them in a basin and recut at an incline. Half-fill a clean vase with water and flower food.
Violets, daisies, single-petal roses, and other flowers like these are the best choices for pressing because they are naturally flat. Ferns and other sorts of foliage flatten well as well. Remove the stamens from flowers with obvious stamens so the pollen does not stain.
You can also completely dry hefty flowers like multi-petal roses or carnations, as well as fruits and vegetables, but it will take longer and require more attention.
1.3 Paper To Be Used
Before we move into the technicalities of how to press flowers, it is important to choose the right papers.
It is important to prevent browning; to do that, you need to dry flowers as early as you can. You may do this with various papers, including printer paper, flat cardboard, plain clean face tissues, and even non-corrugated coffee filters. Avoid using paper towels since their textures may imprint on the petals.
2. How To Press Flowers Using the Book Method
The easiest way of pressing flowers needs no special equipment other than absorbent paper, a thick and heavy book, a phone book, or even an album. The pigments in the petals, stems, and leaves may stain the paper, and it can turn brown, and the pages will absorb moisture, you should add an extra layer of paper on either side of the flowers you’re pressing. Let’s explore how to press flowers using only a book!
2.1 Things You Will Need
- Flowers
- Heavy book
- Absorbent paper (parchment paper, coffee filters, and thin cardboard can also be used)
- Something heavy that can be used to press the book
2.2 How to Press Flowers Using a Book:
Step 1: First, prepare your flower. Remove any undesirable leaves and place them flat on parchment paper.
Step 2: Place absorbent paper across the pages of the book you’re using. Large volumes, such as dictionaries and phone books, are ideal because they are hefty and contain many pages to work with. The water from the bloom has the potential to wrinkle the book pages. First, prepare your flower. Remove any undesirable leaves and place them flat on parchment paper.
Step 3: Place your freshly bloomed blossoms on parchment paper facing down. Close the book carefully so as not to disturb the flowers.
Step 4: Pile heavy things (like a brick or more books) on top of the book. Keep it somewhere away from sight, to avoid randomly bumping into your setup.
Step 5: Allow the flowers to rest for a few weeks (roughly two to four weeks). The more you push the flowers, the less water remains in them. Let the flowers sit for two to three weeks before taking them from the book. Make sure they papery texture, if they don’t let them sit for a longer period.
You can also use two pieces of paper to press flowers; gently position the flowers in two layers of basic, absorbent printer paper, accompanied by a stack of heavy books.
Leave the flowers to dry for a at least week before inspecting them. However, You can consider changing the absorbent material at that point. Allow three to four weeks for the entire process to dry completely.
You can exhibit your pressed dried flowers once you’ve finished them!
3. How to Press Flowers in a Microwave Flower Press
Microwave presses metal of an original flower press and might use a microwave for heating. This method is shorter, delivering a dry flower in minutes rather than days.
Microwave presses can be created or purchased. Or you can make your own using everyday kitchen supplies! The ones bought are carefully built with apertures that allow steam to escape, allowing the bloom to dry faster.
3.1 Things You’ll Need
- Microwaveable plate
- Flowers
- Paper that absorbs (parchment paper, coffee filters, thin cardboard)
3.2 How to Press Flowers Using a Microwave:
Step 1: Place your flowers on a sheet of parchment paper facing down. Cover the flowers with new parchment paper.
Step 2: Line your microwave tray with parchment paper and flowers. Set the plate on top.
Step 3: Microwave on low for less than a minute (but more than 30 seconds) Examine the results and then repeat until the blossom is dried to your liking.
Warning: Although the plate should not become extremely hot, perform a touch test before grabbing the entire plate.
3.3 How To Make Your Own Microwave Flower Press
You can make your microwave flower press by joining two ceramic tiles with rubber bands. Press the flowers between two sheets of either parchment or absorbent paper, then place them carefully between the tiles. Heat the materials for 30 to 60 seconds in each go, while simultaneously allowing them to cool before repeating.
Alternatively, place the flowers inside a book (as long as the binding is free of metal!) and carefully close the book. Heat the set-up for 30 to 60 seconds at each interval, inspecting for dry flowers. Microwave the book for no more than one minute at a time and not at very high heat. Allow a minute for the book to cool down between each interval.
Once dry, use the conventional air-drying press with a heavy item to complete the process. The blooms should be completely dried in a day or two.
4. How to Press Flowers with An Iron
Carefully press the flowers in the center of the two pieces of either parchment or absorbent paper. Another technique to expedite the process is to iron the flowers.
Set the iron to the lowest setting. Remove any residual water from the iron, you don’t need any more moisture.
4.1 Things You’ll Need
- Books
- Flowers
- Parchment paper
- Iron
4.2 How To Press Flowers Using An Iron:
Step 1:Place your flowers between two pieces of absorbent or parchment paper. Flatten the flowers using a heavy and flat object and make ironing easier.
Step 2: Preheat your iron to low heat. Make certain that no water or steam features are used.
Step 3: Remove the book once the iron is hot. Place the flowers and paper on an ironing board.
Step 4: For around 15 seconds, press the iron on the upper sheet. Remove the paper until it is cool (about 15 more seconds). Repeat this technique until the blossom is completely dry.
You don’t need to use a gliding motion, Let it sit for 10 to 15 seconds so that it cools down before repeating. Lift the paper carefully now and then to observe if the blossom is stiff and dried.
5. How to Press Flowers With a Pressing Iron
Flower presses are specifically intended to produce pressed flowers. Layers of paper are connected by bolts and wingnuts between two stronger boards.
5.1 Things You’ll Need
- Flowers
- Flower press
- Parchment paper
5.2 How To Press Flowers With a Pressing Iron:
Step 1: Clean up any unwanted leaves from your flowers.
Step 2: Take the wingnuts off the bolts. Remove the top of the press and turn the paper face up.
Step 3: Use your parchment paper to cover the wood. You can reuse the press this way without having to disinfect it.
Step 4: Arrange the flowers on absorbent paper. Replace the top with care. Replace the wingnuts and tighten them.
Step 5: Wait three to four weeks. Replace the parchment paper a couple of times throughout the process to prevent browning. The flowers can be retrieved from the press and used for decoration to commemorate a special event once they are dried.
5.3 How To Make Your Own Flower Press
Step 1: Make two 9-by-12-inch rectangles out of plywood. Drill holes in all four corners of the two boards to ensure correct stacking.
Step 2: Place the flower gently between the two sheets of paper in the following order: wood, paper, followed by your flower, another sheet of paper, and the wood.
Step 3: Tighten everything together with wingnuts and bolts. The blotter sheets should ideally be replaced after four days (this helps prevent browning), and the flower should be pressed for three to four weeks.
6. How to Create a DIY Frame For Your Pressed Flowers
Now that you’ve learned how to press flowers, it’s time to show off the lovely variety you’ve created.
6.1 Things You’ll Need:
- Flower presses
- The glass frame
- The paper towel
6.2 How To Do It:
Step one is to clean your frame.
Before utilizing the glass frame, make sure it is clean. Take off the backing and clean it with a moist paper towel. A cleaning solution may react with the pressed flowers and tarnish them so it is better to forgo its usage. Allow the frame to dry.
Step 2: Use your crushed flowers to make a design.
This is the part of the process where you can test your boundaries and express yourself! When it comes to flower framing, the possibilities are unlimited. Use a unique pattern or an excellent form, such as a heart. You can utilize only the flower buds or the stem for a more natural effect. When arranging the flowers in the frame, ensure they are facing down.
Step 3: Return the back to the frame with care.
Fix the back. Place the frame’s rear on top, taking care not to disturb the flower pattern. Remove the back and tweak the flowers until they are perfectly positioned.
Step 4: Everyone can admire this display!
You’ve produced a one-of-a-kind piece of decor. Display this one-of-a-kind artwork in your house or give it as a present to someone who appreciates flowers as much as you do.
Conclusion
Pressed flowers prove to be very helpful in a myriad of ways. They lend a one-of-a-kind touch to anything from floral prints to handicraft cards. Try using pressed flowers in a thank-you gift to demonstrate your gratitude. Or just a small crafty way of safekeeping any special memory or moment. No matter what you want to decorate, or commemorate, learning how to press flowers will help you achieve anything.
Last Updated on by Sathi
