You've just bought your first Flower Press. You are excited about trying a new hobby that might become a small business. You're eager to learn but don't know where to start. If this sounds like you, this blog is for you.
Nature offers a wonderful selection of flowers for beginners to press. (Spring hues are my absolute favorite; they are so dreamy!) These blooms are not only beautiful but also relatively easy to work with. Phew! Here are some of the best flowers for flower-pressing beginners:
Daisies: Daisies are simple yet charming, making them perfect for beginners. Their flat, symmetrical shape is easy to press and arrange.
Gently cut the daisies at their stems, leaving about an inch or two of stem attached. This makes it easier to handle them during the pressing process.
You will position the daisies on your lining paper or a clean, absorbent pressing material (such as blotting or parchment paper). Place them face down with the stem on top. If you want to press them face up for a different effect, that's also possible.
Leave the daisies in the press for about three days to one week. The exact time needed for drying can vary depending on humidity levels. Check the daisies periodically to ensure they are completely dry and ready for use.
Chrysanthemums: Chrysanthemums come in various colors and are known for their durability. They press well and add a pop of color to your creations.
Begin with fresh, fully-bloomed chrysanthemum flowers. Choose mums that have just opened, and avoid any with wilting or damaged petals.
Trim the stems of the chrysanthemums to about 1-2 inches in length. This will make it easier to handle and position them for pressing.
Position them face down with the stem on top, this will help flatten the stems much cleaner.
Leave the chrysanthemums in the press for approximately one to two weeks. Drying times can vary based on humidity levels. Check them periodically to ensure they are thoroughly dry and ready for use.
Asters: Asters are dainty and come in shades of purple and pink. They press beautifully and can be used for various crafting projects.
Start with freshly bloomed asters that are in their prime. Choose flowers with vibrant colors and undamaged petals.
Trim the stems of the asters to about 1-2 inches in length. This makes them easier to handle during the pressing process.
Position them face down with the stem on top.
Leave the asters in the press for about one to two weeks. Drying times can vary depending on humidity levels. Check them periodically to ensure they are fully dry and ready for use.
Marigolds: Marigolds are hardy and have vibrant, warm tones. They're easy to press, and add hues of oranges and reds to your designs.
Start with fresh, fully-bloomed marigold flowers. Choose flowers in their prime, and avoid any wilting or damaged petals.
Trim the stems of the marigolds to about 1-2 inches in length. This makes them easier to handle during the pressing process.
Position them face down with the stem on top.
Leave the marigolds in the press for about one to two weeks. Drying times can vary depending on humidity levels. Check them periodically to ensure they are fully dry and ready for use.
Maple Leaves: While not flowers, maple leaves are a quintessential part of nature. They press easily and add an authentic feel to your projects.
Choose freshly fallen or picked maple leaves. Look for leaves that are in good condition, without browning or tears.
Gently clean the leaves to remove any dirt or debris. Allow them to air dry completely before pressing.
If the leaves are too large, you can trim them to a manageable size. However, try to preserve their natural shape and characteristics.
Leave the maple leaves in the press for approximately one to two weeks. The drying time can vary based on humidity levels. Check the leaves periodically to ensure they are fully dry and ready for use.
Pansies: Pansies come in a variety of colors and have flat faces that are ideal for pressing. They maintain their color well when pressed.
Begin with fresh, fully bloomed pansies. Choose flowers that are in their prime, without wilting or damaged petals.
Trim the stems of the pansies to about 1-2 inches in length. This makes them easier to handle during the pressing process.
Leave the pansies in the press for about three days to one week. The exact time needed for drying can vary depending on humidity levels. Check the pansies periodically to ensure they are completely dry and ready for use.
Zinnias: Zinnias are available in rich, warm hues. They are relatively easy to press, and their vibrant colors make them a great addition to any arrangement.
Begin with fresh, fully bloomed zinnia flowers. Choose flowers that are in their prime, without wilting or damaged petals.
Trim the stems of the zinnias to about 1-2 inches in length. This makes them easier to handle during the pressing process.
Position them face down with the stem on top.
Leave the zinnias in the press for about one to two weeks. Drying times can vary depending on humidity levels. Check them periodically to ensure they are fully dry and ready for use.
Sunflowers: Smaller varieties of sunflowers are manageable for beginners. Their sunny disposition adds a touch of positivity to your pressed flower creations.
Choose fresh sunflowers that are fully bloomed. Look for flowers with healthy, undamaged petals and vibrant colors.
The center of sunflowers is so large, that we are going to have the discect the sunflower and then put it back together after the pressing process. I know, I know, it sounds crazy but trust me, it is the way to get the best results.
Pluck the petals off the center of the sunflower. Lay the individual petals face down on your lining paper or absorbent paper, ensuring that they are not touching.
Once your sheet is full, you'll cover the petals with a sponge. Lay down a drying board on top, then another sheet of lining paper, and you'll repeat the process. Depending on how many petals you have, you can press up to 6 layers.
Leave the sunflower petals in the press for about one to two weeks. Drying times can vary depending on humidity levels. Check them periodically to ensure they are fully dry and ready for use.
Once they are dried, you can reassemble the petals with floral glue. Once you've put your petals back together, you'll have a beautifully pressed sunflower.
TIP: If you need help with any flowers you have to disassemble and reassemble, head over to www.ditsyflowers.com, hit the chat button, and I can walk you through it.
Cosmos: Cosmos flowers are delicate and lovely for pressing. They come in various shades, including soft pinks and whites, perfect for projects regardless of season.
Begin with fresh, fully-bloomed cosmos. Choose flowers that are in their prime, without wilting or damaged petals.
Trim the stems of the cosmos to about 1-2 inches in length. This makes them easier to handle during the pressing process.
Position them face down with the stem on top.
Leave the cosmos in the press for about one to two weeks. Drying times can vary depending on humidity levels. Check them periodically to ensure they are fully dry and ready for use.
Queen Anne's Lace: This delicate wildflower has intricate blooms that press beautifully. It adds an airy, lacy touch to your floral arrangements.
Begin with fresh Queen Anne's lace flowers that are in full bloom. Choose those that are free from blemishes or damage.
Gently clean the flowers to remove any dirt or debris. Allow them to air dry completely before pressing.
Trim the stems of the Queen Anne's lace to a manageable length, typically about 1 inch.
Leave the Queen Anne's lace flowers in the press for approximately three days to one week. Drying times can vary depending on humidity levels. Check them periodically to ensure they are fully dry and ready for use.
Remember, when pressing flowers, always ensure they are dry and moisture-free to prevent mold. With these beginner-friendly flowers, you can create stunning pressed flower crafts that capture the beauty of any season. I love seeing the beautiful creations you create with your flower press! Send any inspo to my Instagram.
If you have any questions or need help with the art of flower pressing, I am here to help. Just shoot over to my website and hit the chat button, or to my Instagram and slide into my DM's. :)
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