Flower pressing is a timeless art that allows us to preserve nature's beauty in a delicate and enduring form. You can press flowers using cardboard and paper towels, but there is something nostalgic about using a wooden flower press that stands out as a traditional yet effective way to create pressed flowers for crafts.
In this comprehensive guide, I'll explore the fascinating world of flower pressing, examining the best techniques, the distinction between pressing and drying flowers, and the longevity of pressed blooms. I'll share some of my favorite tips and tricks and my favorite flower press, which I think you'll love.
What is Flower Pressing and How Does it Work?
Flower pressing is a preservation technique that involves flattening and drying flowers to maintain their shape, color, and beauty. The process removes moisture from the flowers while retaining their natural pigments and form. One of the most popular tools for flower pressing is the wooden flower press, which consists of wooden frames and layers of absorbent paper.
Take this flower press, for instance. This press has beautifully engraved wildflowers on the top press board. It has everything you need to start pressing flowers today, from blotting paper, lining paper, scissors, tweezers, and an exclusive Flower Pressing Handbook that is perfect for beginners looking to learn more about this art form.
When you purchase a flower press kit like this one, flower pressing is pretty simple (and addicting). You place down your bottom pressboard, one blotting paper, and one lining paper, and you arrange your freshly cut flowers onto the lining paper. You will ensure that none of your blooms are touching and that larger ones are faced down onto the lining paper to ensure even pressing.
You will cover the flowers with a sponge that will act as a barrier to protect your blooms and help absorb moisture from the flowers as they dry. You will repeat this process up to 6 more times before you place the top press board on top and fasten the press with the provided straps. This is a relaxing and rewarding process that becomes very therapeutic. For a more in-depth look at how to press flowers or the flower pressing process in general, my blog has some great resources.
The Best Way to Press Flowers Using a Wooden Flower Press:
1. Harvesting: Choose flowers at their peak bloom, preferably in the morning when fresh and hydrated.
2. Preparation: Trim excess foliage and ensure the flowers are free from dirt and pests.
3. Layering: Place the flowers between layers of absorbent paper within the wooden press, ensuring they don't overlap.
4. Pressing: Tighten the straps of the wooden press gradually, applying even pressure to flatten the flowers.
5. Drying: Store the press in a dry, well-ventilated area for days to several weeks, allowing the flowers to dry completely.
Difference Between Drying and Pressing Flowers:
While drying and pressing flowers aim to preserve them, they involve distinct processes and outcomes. Both produce beautifully preserved flowers that can be enjoyed for years.
Drying: This method involves air-drying flowers by hanging them upside down or laying them flat. This method retains the three-dimensional shape of the flowers but may result in color fading.
Pressing: The flower pressing techniques you will want to follow: A flower press flattens flowers between absorbent materials to create a two-dimensional, pressed specimen. Flower pressing retains vibrant colors and is ideal for creating crafts like pressed flower cards, pressed flower bookmarks, and pressed flower framed artworks.
How Long Can Pressed Flowers Last?
When properly pressed and stored, pressed flowers can last for years, if not decades. Their longevity depends on various factors, including the flower species you are working with, the pressing technique you use, and the storage conditions of your pressed flowers.
I have collected some tips on how to prolong the lifespan of pressed flowers, and I hope this helps you do the same:
- Use archival-quality paper and materials to press and prevent discoloration and deterioration. This includes high-quality, absorbent blotting paper, my favorite addition to flower pressing - flower press lining paper. Lining paper is a light addition to preserving flowers that not only help ensure your flowers don't stick to the blotting paper but also help prevent cracking or fading from blooms.
- Store pressed flowers in a dry, dark place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. My favorite spots are in drawer dressers, bookshelves, or plastic tubs.
- Avoid exposure to moisture, as it can cause mold and decay. This is especially true for people who live in humid environments. You will have to take extra caution to protect your pressed flowers in this case. (Check my blog for another post on this topic.)
In the realm of crafts and botanical artistry, flower pressing with a wooden flower press remains a cherished tradition that artists and flower lovers alike have come to love. By mastering pressing flowers, you can preserve memories, tell a story of a favorite day or trip, capture nature's beauty, and create timeless works like pressed flower art and handmaking pressed flower gifts. If you haven't started yet, trust me, you will love flower pressing.
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