Preserving the beauty of flowers is a cherished hobby, allowing you to relive special moments or create stunning decorations. Flower pressing is a rewarding process that transforms delicate blooms into lasting keepsakes. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to successfully press flowers, ensuring your floral treasures remain vibrant for years to come.
Choosing the Right Flowers
The success of your flower pressing project hinges on selecting the right blooms. Opt for flowers that are relatively flat and not overly thick or succulent. These flowers will press more easily and evenly. Here are some excellent choices:
- Pansies: Their delicate petals and vibrant colors make them ideal for pressing.
- Violets: Similar to pansies, their compact structure presses well.
- Daisies: Choose smaller varieties for easier pressing.
- Lavender: The thin flower spikes press beautifully, retaining their fragrance.
- Roses: Choose smaller, single-petal varieties for best results. Buds also work well!
Avoid: Thick, fleshy flowers like roses (unless you choose smaller varieties or buds), carnations, and lilies. These are more challenging to press effectively.
Harvesting Your Flowers
Timing is key! Harvest your flowers in the morning after the dew has dried, ensuring they are free from moisture. Gently snip or cut the stems, leaving a small portion attached to aid in handling. Immediately place your flowers in a cool, dark, and dry place to prevent wilting.
Methods for Pressing Flowers
There are several ways to press flowers, each with its own advantages:
1. The Traditional Book Method:
This is a classic and simple technique, requiring only:
- Heavy books: Choose several heavy books (encyclopedias are perfect!).
- Newspaper or blotting paper: Use several sheets to absorb moisture.
- Flowers: Your carefully selected blooms.
Steps:
- Place a sheet of newspaper or blotting paper on a flat surface.
- Arrange your flowers on the paper, ensuring they are flat and not overlapping excessively.
- Cover the flowers with another sheet of newspaper or blotting paper.
- Place the flower-sandwiched paper inside your heavy books.
- Add more books on top for extra weight.
- Wait! This is the most crucial step. Leave the flowers under pressure for 2-4 weeks, checking periodically to replace damp paper with dry paper.
2. The Flower Press Method:
A flower press provides even pressure and is ideal for larger projects. You can easily purchase a flower press online or at craft stores. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for using the press; the process is generally similar to the book method, but with more consistent pressure.
After Pressing: Preserving Your Pressed Flowers
Once your flowers are dry and pressed, you'll need to protect them from damage and deterioration. Here's how:
- Handle with care: Pressed flowers are delicate. Avoid excessive handling.
- Store in a cool, dark, and dry place: Protect them from humidity and light.
- Consider lamination: This will add an extra layer of protection, increasing their lifespan.
- Use archival-quality materials: When creating projects with your pressed flowers, use acid-free materials to prevent discoloration.
Creative Uses for Pressed Flowers
Your beautifully pressed flowers can be used to craft many stunning items, including:
- Greeting cards: Create unique and personalized cards.
- Scrapbooks: Incorporate them into your cherished memories.
- Resin jewelry: Encapsulate them in resin for beautiful and long-lasting pendants or earrings.
- Picture frames: Create a beautiful, personalized frame.
- Bookmarks: Add a touch of nature to your reading material.
Flower pressing is a beautiful and rewarding craft. With a bit of patience and care, you can preserve the beauty of your favorite flowers for years to come. Enjoy the process!
