Discover the art of pressing flowers, perfect for decorating greeting cards or invitations, framing as wall art, or crafting decorative items like bookmarks, handmade candles and suncatchers. For a simple yet elegant display, tuck pressed or dried flowers beneath a glass-topped side table or desk. This comprehensive guide will instruct you about the techniques of pressing and drying flowers.
See also: How to make a flower press?
How to prepare for pressing flowers?
Begin with unblemished, fresh flowers, preferably from perennials, annuals, and various other plants. Select flowers at the peak of their vibrant colour, keeping in mind that they will fade during the pressing process. Additionally, you can press flattened foliage, certain ornamental grasses, and herbs. It’s crucial to use your flowers promptly after gathering them to prevent browning.
To prevent mould, ensure that any residual rain or dew has dried before harvesting flowers. Gathering flowers in the midmorning, before they succumb to the day’s heat and begin wilting, is advisable. If you intend to press flower buds, opt for flattened buds, or cut rounded ones in half. Optionally, you can remove leaves from flowers and buds, although it’s often simpler to do so before pressing. Consider the desired arrangement of your flowers and foliage to minimise excessive handling that could lead to bruising.
Pressing flowers in a book
Pressing flowers within the pages of a book, or using a dedicated flower press, is an ideal method if you intend to utilise the dried flowers for purposes beyond decoration. Once the moisture has been extracted, the pressed flowers will be ready for crafting into bookmarks, cards, or for inclusion in photo albums and picture frames.
To initiate the process of pressing flowers within a book, select a substantial book and open it halfway. Place a sheet of cardstock or watercolour paper onto the page. Arrange flowers on this paper, ensuring they lay flat without overlapping. Then, position a piece of parchment paper or wax paper over flowers. Finally, gently close the book, and patiently wait for up to 30 days for flowers to fully dry and be ready for use.
How to make a wooden flower press?
Crafting a wooden flower press is a straight task, and here’s how to do it:
- Begin by using a circular saw to cut two pieces of wood, each measuring 3/4 to 1 inch in thickness. The dimensions of these boards can vary according to your preferences, such as 8 x 10 inches or 12 x 12 inches.
- To ensure even hole spacing, measure one inch diagonally from the corners of both boards and mark these spots. Stack the boards together to guarantee that your drill holes will align properly.
- Place the boards over a piece of scrap wood to serve as a drill stop, then proceed to drill holes in the corners of both boards using a drill bit slightly larger than the 1/4 x 4-inch carriage bolts you’ll be using.
- Utilise sandpaper or a sander to smooth rough edges present on the boards and within the holes.
- If desired, you can now stain or paint the boards. Allow them to dry thoroughly before employing the press.
- For the front board of the press, you have the option to decorate it with a design or affix pictures of flowers and leaves.
- To complete the press, you’ll need scrap cardboard and absorbent paper, such as parchment paper. These materials are used to layer flowers inside the press.
- Cut the cardboard and parchment paper slightly smaller than the boards. If preferred, you can substitute parchment paper with tissue paper, blotting paper, newsprint, or smooth coffee filters, as they effectively absorb moisture from plant materials. Avoid using textured paper or paper towels, as they may leave marks on flowers or leaves.
- Trim the corners of the cardboard and paper as needed to prevent them from covering holes on the boards.
- Begin assembling the press by placing the carriage bolts heads down on a work surface and sliding one board over them.
- Add one piece of cardboard and two pieces of absorbent paper on top of the board.
- Arrange flowers and foliage on the absorbent paper.
- If you are pressing a single layer, add two more pieces of absorbent paper on top of the flowers and another piece of cardboard. Slide the second board over the bolts, affix washers and wing nuts to each bolt, and tighten them evenly.
- If you intend to press multiple layers, continue stacking two pieces of absorbent paper, followed by flowers, two more pieces of absorbent paper, and one piece of cardboard. Once you have created as many layers as desired, finish with a piece of cardboard on top. Similar to pressing a single layer, slide the second board over the bolts, add washers and wing nuts to each bolt, and securely fasten the wing nuts.
- Leave flowers in the press for a duration of three to four weeks, with drying times varying based on factors like the moisture content of the flowers, ambient temperature, and humidity. If you decide to open the press for inspection or to add more flowers and foliage, take care not to disturb your design.
- When removing your pressed flowers, handle them delicately, as dried flowers are fragile. Store them in a craft box or make use of them as needed.
- If you employ glue for DIY crafts, ensure that the product dries clear. Glues and varnishes that eventually yellow can compromise the quality of your flower art.
Best flowers to use in a wooden press
Select flattened flowers and leaves, such as the following options:
- Pansies
- Violets
- Single-petal shrub roses
- Single daisies
- Ferns
- Cosmos
- Small herbs
- Larkspur
- Queen Anne’s lace
- California poppies
How to dry flowers?
There are many different methods to dry flowers.
Air-drying flowers
Gather flowers into a bundle, secure the stems with a twist tie or rubber band, and hang them upside-down in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. In a few weeks, the petals will shrink and take on a vintage look, and you can place them in a vase to enjoy for up to a year.
Drying flowers in an oven
Preheat the oven to 100 degrees Fahrenheit and leave the door slightly ajar for moisture to escape. Arrange the flowers on a cookie sheet and put them in the oven. Turn flowers every 15 minutes to avoid burning. Once they become crisp and brittle, carefully remove them and let them cool before using them.
Drying flowers in sand
Place flowers in an open container like a cardboard box. Add one or two inches of sandbox sand to cover flowers and stems. Keep the container in a warm, dry place for two to three weeks. Afterward, gently brush off any clinging sand using a small paintbrush.
Drying flowers in a microwave
For a quick drying method, put your selected flowers in a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl and cover them with four cups of cat litter. Microwave on high for two to three minutes. Allow the flowers to cool, then remove them and gently brush off any excess cat litter.
FAQs
Is it better to dry or press flowers?
Drying and pressing flowers are both effective methods, but drying is recommended, especially for flowers with round, bulbous blooms like roses, carnations, globe thistle, or peonies, as these can be challenging to press.
Do flowers lose colour when pressed?
The colour retention of pressed flowers varies; some retain their vibrant colours, some fade slightly, and others may undergo complete colour change.
How long do pressed flowers last?
With proper care, pressed plants can last for centuries. Museums house herbarium sheets dating as far back as the late 1600s and early 1700s.
Which flowers are the best for pressing?
Ideal candidates for pressing are flowers with naturally flat shapes and single-layered petals. Flowers like delphiniums, pansies, zinnias, violas, daisies, African violets, cosmos, geraniums, and smaller blooms work well.
Can you press flowers with normal paper?
Yes, you can press flowers by placing them between two sheets of tissue paper, paper towels, or any thin, porous paper.
Are pressed flowers permanent?
Pressed flowers can maintain their natural colour for a considerable time, but some fading is inevitable, typically occurring after an average of five-seven years. The duration of colour retention may vary from flower-to-flower.
Can you press a whole rose?
You can press roses with their stems, flower heads, or petals. Smaller roses are easier to press, but it's also possible to press larger ones, although it requires more patience, especially with roses that have thicker bases and stems.
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