How to Press Flowers: 4 Foolproof Methods

By Alexandra Matkowsky

Flowers have always been associated with special memories.

They are given on anniversaries and birthdays to show someone we care. 

Flowers have also been used to commemorate a special event or to decorate a home.

While the tradition of giving and receiving flowers is time-honoured, sometimes the flowers don't last as long as we'd like them to.

But there's no need to worry because there's a way to preserve your flowers so you can enjoy them for years - by pressing flowers!

We recommend trialling a few different ways to press flowers.

Experimenting with the various pressing methods will help you to determine which flowers press the best and what technique suits your craft project.

You can always learn how to dry flowers first and use these to press (and speed up) your craft idea.

Pressing flowers is a great way to preserve beauty and create unique keepsakes. Dried flowers are also being used frequently for weddings.

The process is relatively simple, and you only need a few supplies.

Picking the Right Flowers

The first step is to pick the right flowers.

You'll want to choose flat blooms with minimal petals that aren't too thick.

Thin petals will dry more evenly and prevent your flowers from becoming mouldy.

Avoid pressing any flower with a milky sap, as this can discolour your other pressed flowers.

Good candidates for flower pressing include:

- Daisies

- Roses

- Violets

- Pansies

- Carnations

Preparing the Flowers

Once you've selected your flowers, it's time to prepare them for pressing.

You can start by removing any excess leaves or stems.

Then, gently rinse the flowers and pat them dry with a clean towel.

Next, lay your flowers on some absorbent paper towels and place another layer on top.

Use a heavy book to press the flowers overnight.

How to Press Flowers:

There are a few different ways to press your flowers.

The most common method is with a heavy book.

Depending on which method you choose to press the flowers will determine what materials you need for this craft project.

1. How to press flowers with a book

Materials:

  • Flowers
  • Heavy Book
  • Absorbent Paper (e.g. parchment paper)

Pressing flowers with a book is a simple and effective way to preserve their beauty.

Start by laying your flowers out on some absorbent baking or parchment paper.

Place another layer of paper on top, then use a heavy book to press the flowers.

The pressure will cause the flowers to flatten and dry out, preserving their colour and shape.

This method usually takes 2-3 weeks.

2. How to press flowers with an iron:

Materials:

  • Flowers
  • Iron
  • Parchment Paper

Start by placing your flowers between two pieces of parchment paper.

Then, set your iron to low heat, ensuring no water or steam is used.

Then, press down on the paper for 10-15 seconds.

Move the iron around so you don't burn the flowers.

This method works best with small, delicate flowers.

3. How to press flowers in the microwave

Materials:

Another way to press flowers is to use a microwave.

Start by placing your flower between two sheets of absorbent paper.

Then, place the stack on a plate and microwave on high for 10-15 seconds.

Remove the plate and let it cool before handling.

4. How to press flowers with a Flower Press

Materials:

You can also press flowers using a flower press.

You can purchase This specialised tool online or at a craft store.

To use a flower press, place your flowers between two sheets of parchment paper, then place the flowers between the two plates and screw the press closed.

This method is similar to pressing flowers with a book and takes 2-3 weeks.

Checking on Your Flowers

After a week or two, check on your flowers to see how they progress.

If they're not completely dry, leave them for a few more days.

Once they're dry, remove them from the paper and arrange them how you'd like.

Displaying Pressed Flowers

There are many ways to display pressed flowers.

One popular option is to frame them under glass.

You can also glue them to cards or scrapbook pages or use them to decorate notebooks and journals.

You can also display your pressed flowers in a shadow box frame or make a decor piece using resin.

Storing Pressed Flowers

Once your flowers are pressed, it's time to store them.

If you are going to wait to display them, the best way to do this is to place them between two sheets of wax paper and keep them in a cool, dry place.

Conclusion

Pressing flowers is a great way to preserve beauty and create unique keepsakes.

With time and patience, you can create individual works of art that will last years. The process is relatively simple, and you only need a few supplies.

FAQ

How long does it take for flowers to press?

It usually takes 1-2 weeks for flowers to press fully. Depending on the type of flower, some may take longer than others.

Can I use a hair straightener to press flowers?

Yes, you can use a hair straightener to press flowers.

Set the straightener to low heat and press the flower for 10-15 seconds.

Move the straightener around so you don't burn the flower.

Is it better to dry or press flowers?

Pressing flowers is a great way to preserve their shape and colour.

Drying flowers will cause them to lose their shape and colour over time.

Where can I buy a flower press?

You can purchase a flower press online or at a craft store.

How long do pressed flowers last?

Pressed flowers will last for several years if stored properly.

Do press flowers keep their colour?

Yes, pressed flowers will keep their colour. Depending on the type of flower, some may fade over time.