Pressing flowers with a wooden flower press that has straps is a simple and effective way to preserve their beauty. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Materials Needed:
Wooden Flower Press (2 Boards)
Lining Paper
Sponges
Fresh flowers
Tweezers
Scissors
Steps:
Prepare Your Flower Press: Open the wooden flower press and lay it flat on a clean surface. Lay down your bottom press board. On top of that, you will lay down one drying plate.
Harvest and Prepare Flowers: Choose fresh flowers with vibrant colors. Harvest them in the morning when their moisture content is lower. Remove any excess leaves or stems that could cause uneven pressing.
Layer Flowers and Blotting Paper: Open one of the wooden frames and place a sheet of blotting paper on the bottom. Arrange your flowers on top of the blotting paper, making sure they don't overlap. You can create a pattern or design if desired. Leave some space between flowers to avoid overlapping.
Cut, Trim, and Splice Your Specimens: Cut any unwanted leaves or greenery from flower stems. Trim off any dead or dying leaves or blooms. If you are pressing large petaled flowers, use your utility knife to deconstruct the flower into individual petals.
Add Another Blotting Paper Layer: Place another layer of blotting paper over the arranged flowers. This helps absorb excess moisture and prevents the flowers from sticking to the wooden frame.
Repeat for Additional Layers: If your wooden press allows for multiple layers, you can repeat the process of arranging flowers and adding blotting paper until you've used up your materials.
Close the Press: Place the second wooden frame on top of the last blotting paper layer. Make sure the flowers are properly aligned and centered within the press.
Secure with Straps: Use the straps attached to the press to secure the two wooden frames together. The straps should be tightened evenly to apply consistent pressure.
Leave to Dry: Once the press is secured, find a dry, cool place to store it. The press needs to be stored flat and undisturbed. Check your flowers after about a week, but they may take longer to fully dry and flatten. Thicker flowers or those with high moisture content might need more time.
Unwrap and Display: Once your pressed flowers are fully dried and flattened, carefully remove them from the press. Handle them gently to avoid damaging the delicate petals. You can now use these pressed flowers for various crafts or display them as decorative pieces.
Remember, the key to successful flower pressing is patience. Allow enough time for the flowers to dry properly to achieve the best results.
Get Crafty! You will not believe how many projects there are that you can do with your pressed flowers. From making jewelry, to suncatchers, greeting cards, and so much more. My two favorite ways to spread the flower pressing love is through fall prep (think dreamy pressed flower pumpkins and lanterns) and by gifting pressed flowers.