Pressing flowers is a lovely way to preserve their beauty and create lasting keepsakes like bookmarks or use within childrens artwork. Here’s a step-by-step guide to pressing flowers successfully:
1.Choose the Right Flowers:
Select flowers that are not too thick and have low moisture content. Flowers like pansies, daisies, and violas are great choices. Ensure they are dry and free from dew or rain.
2. Prepare the Flowers:
Pick the flowers in the morning after the dew has evaporated. Remove any unwanted leaves and trim the stems to a manageable length.
3. Arrange the Flowers:
Place the flowers between two sheets of blotting paper, parchment paper, or coffee filters. You can also use plain white paper, but it might absorb less moisture. Arrange the flowers flat, ensuring none are overlapping.
4. Press the Flowers:
- Using Books:
Place the paper with flowers in the center of a heavy book. Add more weight by stacking additional books on top. Make sure the weight is evenly distributed.
- Using a Flower Press:
Place the flowers between the layers of the press and tighten the screws or straps to apply pressure.
5. Leave Them to Dry:
Let the flowers sit for 1-2 weeks. Check periodically to ensure they are drying evenly and not molding. Change the blotting paper if it becomes damp.
6. Check the Flowers:
After the drying period, carefully open the book or press to check the flowers. They should be flat and dry to the touch. If they are not fully dried, leave them for a few more days.
7. Store or Use the Flowers:
Once pressed, you can use the flowers in various crafts like making cards, bookmarks, or framed artwork. Store unused pressed flowers in an airtight container to keep them dry and protected. We love the Djeco range of flower press where illustrated cards are included ready to be decorated with pressed flowers.
Final Tips:
- Flower Selection: Thicker flowers can be pressed by splitting them in half or removing the center to reduce bulk.
- Colour Retention: Flowers with vibrant colours often retain their hues better when pressed, but keep in mind some fading is natural over time.
1.Choose the Right Flowers:
Select flowers that are not too thick and have low moisture content. Flowers like pansies, daisies, and violas are great choices. Ensure they are dry and free from dew or rain.
2. Prepare the Flowers:
Pick the flowers in the morning after the dew has evaporated. Remove any unwanted leaves and trim the stems to a manageable length.
3. Arrange the Flowers:
Place the flowers between two sheets of blotting paper, parchment paper, or coffee filters. You can also use plain white paper, but it might absorb less moisture. Arrange the flowers flat, ensuring none are overlapping.
4. Press the Flowers:
- Using Books:
Place the paper with flowers in the center of a heavy book. Add more weight by stacking additional books on top. Make sure the weight is evenly distributed.
- Using a Flower Press:
Place the flowers between the layers of the press and tighten the screws or straps to apply pressure.
5. Leave Them to Dry:
Let the flowers sit for 1-2 weeks. Check periodically to ensure they are drying evenly and not molding. Change the blotting paper if it becomes damp.
6. Check the Flowers:
After the drying period, carefully open the book or press to check the flowers. They should be flat and dry to the touch. If they are not fully dried, leave them for a few more days.
7. Store or Use the Flowers:
Once pressed, you can use the flowers in various crafts like making cards, bookmarks, or framed artwork. Store unused pressed flowers in an airtight container to keep them dry and protected. We love the Djeco range of flower press where illustrated cards are included ready to be decorated with pressed flowers.
Final Tips:
- Flower Selection: Thicker flowers can be pressed by splitting them in half or removing the center to reduce bulk.
- Colour Retention: Flowers with vibrant colours often retain their hues better when pressed, but keep in mind some fading is natural over time.
