Pressing flowers is one of those quietly satisfying crafts: slow, simple and endlessly rewarding. A pressed petal can hold a moment — a wedding bouquet, a summer walk, a cup of coffee on the morning you felt brave. If you’ve ever wanted to turn blooms into keepsakes, cards or artwork, pressing is the most approachable place to start. Here’s a thoughtful, practical guide to pressing flowers at home — with methods, tips and common pitfalls.
Why press flowers?
- Pressing preserves shape and colour in a flat, versatile form that’s perfect for greeting cards, framed art, bookmarks and jewellery.
- It’s low-cost and low-tech: you don’t need fancy kit to begin.
- The process invites patience; it’s a creative practice that rewards small, deliberate actions.
What you’ll need (basic materials)
- Clean books (or a flower press)
- Absorbent paper: blotting paper, coffee filters, or uninked newspaper (acid-free paper is best for longevity)
- Heavy objects (if not using books): bricks, weights or a DIY wood press with bolts
- Scissors or pruning shears
- Tweezers (for delicate handling)
- PVA or archival glue for mounting (optional)
- Silica gel (optional — for preserving 3D blooms)
Flowers that press well (and which to avoid)
Press well:
- Pansies and violas
- Cosmos
- Daisies and chamomile
- Ferns and eucalyptus leaves
- Sweet peas, phlox and poppy petals
Be careful with / avoid:
- Thick blooms like peonies, tulips and camellias — they’re bulky and may brown unless pre-sliced or dried with silica gel.
- Succulents and citrus blossoms (high water content).
- Protected native flowers — don’t pick from reserves; respect local rules.
Method 1 — The classic book press (best for beginners)
- Pick flowers in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day. Choose fresh, unbruised blooms.
- Trim stems and open petals so they sit flat. Remove excess foliage.
- Lay a sheet of absorbent paper on a flat surface, arrange flowers face-down, then cover with another sheet.
- Place the sandwich inside a heavy book. Stack more books on top for weight, or place the book in a dry, ventilated spot.
- Change the paper after 2–3 days if it feels damp, then leave for 2–4 weeks. Thin blooms may be ready in 7–14 days; thicker ones take longer.
- When dry and papery, carefully remove with tweezers.
Method 2 — DIY flower press (faster, more even)
- Make a press from two pieces of plywood, four bolts and wingnuts. Layer alternating cardboard and blotting paper between the boards, tighten bolts evenly, and check weekly.
- A wood press applies uniform pressure and dries slightly faster than books. It’s ideal if you press regularly.
Method 3 — Microwave pressing (quick results, needs care)
- Use a microwave flower press or a ceramic tile with paper towels. Work in short bursts (20–30 seconds), checking between intervals.
- Microwave pressing can dry flowers in minutes, but it’s easy to overcook them — colours can darken and petals can scorch. Follow product instructions if using a commercial microwave press.
Method 4 — Silica gel for bulky blooms
- For roses, peonies and other three-dimensional flowers, silica gel removes moisture while maintaining shape. Bury the bloom in silica, leave for a few days, then carefully unearth. This is drying rather than pressing, but it preserves volume and some colour better than flattening.
Care, colour and longevity tips
- Use acid-free paper and store pressed flowers away from direct sunlight to avoid fading.
- Label and date specimens — it helps if you’re building a collection.
- Mount on archival paper with acid-free glue for long-term keepsakes.
- For display, protect with UV glass to slow colour loss.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Not drying fully — leads to mould. Change papers and allow extra time.
- Pressing wet flowers — blot first; moisture prolongs drying.
- Crushing delicate blooms — arrange carefully and use tweezers.
- Storing in humid places — use airtight containers with silica packets.
Creative uses for pressed flowers
- Hand-made greeting cards and wedding invitations
- Framed botanical art or gallery walls
- Bookmarks and gift tags
- Resin jewellery or phone-case inlays
- Decorating candles or home-printed wrapping paper
A gentle note on ethics
If you’re gathering blooms, do it responsibly: pick from your garden, ask permission before foraging, and avoid protected native species. Supporting local growers and florists also keeps the floral community resilient.
Explore seasonal blooms and curated flowers online at B&M Florist.
