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Flower pressing is the craft of flattening and drying flowers so that they can be used for decoration, art, and keepsakes. Pressed flowers can be used in cards, bookmarks, framed art, scrapbooks, journals, resin crafts, gift tags, and handmade stationery.
The basic idea is very simple: flowers are placed in a flower press, between absorbent layers, pressed flat, and left to dry. Once the moisture has gone, the flowers keep their shape and colour but are now dry, flat, and more delicate than before.
What Does Flower Pressing Mean?
Flower pressing means preserving flowers by removing moisture, whilst keeping them flat. Instead of drying flowers upright in a bunch, flower pressing flattens each flower or petal between paper, books or in a dedicated flower press.
Pressed flowers are usually fragile, but they can last a long time if they are handled carefully and kept away from damp conditions, bright sunlight, and rough handling.
Flower pressing is often used for nature crafts, memory keeping, and decorative paper crafts.
How Does Flower Pressing Work?
Flower pressing works by using pressure and absorbent paper to dry flowers flat. The paper absorbs moisture from the flowers, while the weight or press stops them from curling up as they dry.
A simple DIY method is to place flowers between sheets of paper inside a heavy book. The book can then be closed and weighted down for a few weeks whilst the flowers are allowed to dry.
A proper flower press works in a similar way, but usually uses boards, paper and screws or straps to apply pressure evenly.
What Do You Need for Flower Pressing?
You don’t need many supplies to start flower pressing. A beginner setup might include:
- Fresh flowers or leaves
- Absorbent paper
- A heavy book or flower press
- Cardboard sheets
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Tissue paper or baking paper
- A dry place to leave the flowers
- A notebook or label if you want to record the names of your flowers
You can buy a dedicated flower press or you can also start with books you already have at home. Just make sure the flowers are protected between paper so they don’t stain the pages of the book.
What Flowers Are Best for Pressing?
The best flowers for pressing are usually fairly flat, thin and not too watery. Small flowers and delicate petals tend to press more easily than thick, fleshy flowers.
Good flowers for beginners include:
- Pansies
- Violas
- Daisies
- Cosmos
- Forget-me-nots
- Ferns
- Leaves
- Small wildflowers
- Thin petals
- Pressed herbs
Very thick flowers, such as roses, carnations and large dahlias, can be harder to press whole. You can still press parts of them, such as individual petals, leaves, or smaller sections.
How Long Does Flower Pressing Take?
Flower pressing usually takes around two to four weeks, depending on the flower, the paper and the method you choose. Thin flowers may dry faster, whilst thicker flowers can take longer.
It’s important not to remove the flowers too early. If they still contain moisture, they may curl, fade, tear or go mouldy.
The flowers are ready when they feel dry, flat and papery rather than soft or damp.
Can You Press Flowers in a Book?
Yes, pressing flowers in a book is one of the easiest beginner methods. Place the flowers between sheets of absorbent paper, then put them inside a heavy book. Add more books or a weight on top to increase the pressure.
This method is simple and cheap (no need to buy a separate press), but it does take some patience. It’s also best to use a book that you don’t mind risking, as flowers can sometimes leave marks if they are not properly protected.
For better results, you can replace the paper after a few days if the flowers are very moist.
What Can You Make With Pressed Flowers?
Pressed flowers can be used in many decorative craft projects. Popular ideas include:
- Handmade cards
- Bookmarks
- Framed flower art
- Scrapbook pages
- Junk journals
- Gift tags
- Resin pendants
- Phone case decoration
- Candles
- Wedding keepsakes
- Botanical prints
- Decorative labels
Pressed flowers work especially well with paper crafts because they are flat and lightweight.
Is Flower Pressing Easy for Beginners?
Flower pressing is very beginner-friendly. The basic technique is easy, and you don’t have to buy expensive equipment to try it out. You can either use a book you already have, or invest quite inexpensively in a flower press.
The main challenge is choosing the right flowers and letting them dry fully. Flowers that are too thick, too wet or pressed when they are already damaged may not preserve well.
For a first project, try pressing small flowers, petals, and leaves rather than attempting to tackle big or thick flowers.
How Do You Keep Pressed Flowers From Fading?
Pressed flowers naturally fade over time, but you can help them last longer by storing and displaying them carefully.
To reduce fading:
- Keep them out of direct sunlight
- Store them somewhere dry
- Handle them with tweezers
- Use acid-free paper for keepsakes
- Frame them behind glass
- Avoid humid rooms
- Seal finished projects if suitable
Some flowers keep their colour better than others. Bright colours can soften as the flower dries, so the finished result may look more muted than when it was a fresh flower.
Is Flower Pressing the Same as Drying Flowers?
Flower pressing is a type of flower drying, but it is not the same as air drying flowers in a bunch.
Pressed flowers are flattened between layers while they dry. Air-dried flowers usually keep more of their three-dimensional shape because they are dried upright or hanging.
Pressed flowers are best for flat crafts like cards and framed art. Air-dried flowers are better for bouquets, wreaths and arrangements.
Why Do People Like Flower Pressing?
People like flower pressing because it is simple, gentle and personal. It can preserve flowers you have obtained from a garden, walk, wedding, special event, or a meaningful bouquet.
It is also a low-cost craft that connects well with nature. You can collect seasonal flowers and leaves, press them slowly, and use them later in creative projects.
Flower pressing is a good craft if you enjoy journaling, scrapbooking, card making, botanical art or slow seasonal crafts.
Final Thoughts
Flower pressing is the craft of drying flowers flat so they can be used in art, paper crafts and keepsakes. It is simple to start, inexpensive and suitable for beginners.
You can press flowers with a heavy book or a special flower press. Small, thin flowers usually work best, and the key is to let them dry fully before you use them.
Once pressed, flowers can be used for cards, bookmarks, framed art, journals, resin crafts and many other types of decorative projects.