A Just Bloom Florist Guide to Hand Pressing Flowers

Flower pressing is a timeless craft that preserves the beauty of nature in delicate, flattened forms perfect for art projects, bookmarks, cards, and keepsakes. This traditional method requires only basic materials and patience.

What You'll Need

Essential Materials

• Fresh flowers (pick at the right time for best results)

• Absorbent paper - blotting paper, parchment paper, or coffee filters work well

• Heavy books - phone books, dictionaries, or encyclopedias are ideal

• Additional weight - more books, bricks, or heavy objects

• Tweezers - for handling delicate pressed flowers

• Small brush - soft paintbrush for cleaning

Optional Supplies

• Flower press (if you prefer a dedicated tool over books)

• Cardboard sheets for extra protection

• Wax paper as an alternative barrier

• Labels to identify flowers and pressing dates

Choosing the Right Flowers

Best Flowers for Pressing

• Pansies - flat faces press beautifully

• Violets - small and delicate, perfect for beginners

• Daisies - classic choice with good results

• Ferns and leaves - add lovely texture and shapes

• Lavender - retains color and fragrance well

• Baby's breath - creates delicate, airy effects

• Rose petals - individual petals work better than whole roses

• Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and mint

Flowers to Avoid

• Thick, succulent flowers (like tulips or daffodils)

• Very watery flowers (impatiens can work but are challenging)

• Extremely delicate flowers that fall apart easily

When and How to Harvest

Timing is Everything

• Best time: Mid-morning after dew has evaporated but before the heat of the day

• Avoid: Early morning (too wet) or midday (flowers are stressed)

• Weather: Choose a dry day, avoiding flowers that are wet from rain

Harvesting Tips

• Use sharp, clean scissors or garden shears

• Cut stems longer than needed - you can trim later

• Place flowers immediately in water or press within an hour

• Handle flowers gently to avoid bruising

The Hand Pressing Process

Step 1: Prepare Your Flowers

1. Clean gently - remove any dirt, insects, or damaged parts

2. Trim stems - cut to desired length, usually 1-2 inches

3. Arrange quickly - work fast to prevent wilting

4. Remove thick centers from flowers like daisies if desired (this helps them press flatter)

Step 2: Set Up Your Pressing Station

1. Choose your book - select a heavy book you don't mind using for weeks

2. Find the right page - avoid glossy pages; choose absorbent paper pages

3. Create barriers - place parchment paper or blotting paper on the page

Step 3: Arrange the Flowers

1. Layout carefully - place flowers face down on the paper

2. Avoid overlapping - each flower needs its own space

3. Flatten gently - smooth out petals and leaves by hand

4. Consider composition - arrange stems and leaves attractively

Step 4: Add Protection and Weight

1. Cover with paper - place another sheet of absorbent paper over flowers

2. Close the book gently but firmly

3. Add weight - stack more heavy books or objects on top

4. Label and date - note what you're pressing and when

The Waiting Game

Drying Time

• Minimum: 2-3 weeks for most flowers

• Thick flowers: 4-6 weeks or longer

• Check progress: Resist peeking too often, but you can check after 2 weeks

• Signs they're ready: Flowers feel papery and completely dry

Storage During Pressing

• Keep in a dry place - avoid basements or humid areas

• Maintain consistent pressure - don't move or disturb the setup

• Temperature: Room temperature is ideal; avoid extreme heat or cold

Finishing and Storage

Removing Pressed Flowers

1. Work carefully - use tweezers for delicate handling

2. Peel gently - flowers may stick slightly to paper

3. Brush clean - use a soft brush to remove any paper fibers

4. Handle minimally - pressed flowers are fragile

Storage Methods

• Between wax paper - store flat in books or folders

• In boxes - acid-free boxes with tissue paper layers

• Plastic sleeves - for frequently used specimens

• Label everything - include flower type and pressing date

Creative Uses for Pressed Flowers

Art and Crafts

• Framed art - create botanical displays

• Greeting cards - attach with small amounts of glue

• Bookmarks - laminate for durability

• Journal decoration - add to scrapbooks or nature journals

• Candle making - embed in homemade candles

• Resin crafts - preserve in clear resin for jewelry or coasters

Gift Ideas

• Personalized stationery with favorite flowers

• Memory books featuring flowers from special occasions

• Botanical artwork for nature lovers

• Pressed flower potpourri sachets

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Flowers Turn Brown

• Cause: Too much moisture or insufficient drying time

• Solution: Press longer, ensure good air circulation

• Prevention: Choose drier flowers, use more absorbent paper

Flowers Fall Apart

• Cause: Over-dried or handled too roughly

• Solution: Use tweezers, work more gently

• Prevention: Check progress periodically, don't over-press

Poor Color Retention

• Cause: Some flowers naturally fade

• Solution: Choose naturally colorfast varieties

• Prevention: Press quickly after picking, store away from light

Flowers Stick to Paper

• Cause: Moisture causing adhesion

• Solution: Gently separate with thin blade

• Prevention: Use proper barrier papers, ensure flowers are surface-dry

Advanced Tips

Color Preservation

• White flowers often retain color best

• Purple and blue flowers generally keep their hues

• Red flowers may turn brown or black

• Yellow flowers often fade but can still be beautiful

Professional Touches

• Arrange compositions before pressing for planned artwork

• Create gradients by pressing flowers at different stages of bloom

• Mix textures combine flowers with interesting leaves and stems

• Document varieties keep notes on what works best in your climate

Seasonal Considerations

• Spring: Focus on early blooms like violets and small bulb flowers

• Summer: Greatest variety available, work in batches

• Fall: Great for colorful leaves and late-blooming flowers

• Winter: Use houseplants or preserved materials from other seasons

Care and Maintenance

Long-term Storage

• Avoid humidity - use silica gel packets if necessary

• Check periodically - look for signs of mold or deterioration

• Replace storage materials as needed

• Keep records of what you have and when it was pressed

Preserving Your Investment

• Handle minimally - each touch can cause damage

• Work in good light - avoid straining to see details

• Use proper tools - invest in good tweezers and brushes

• Plan projects - know how you'll use flowers before pressing

Getting Started: Your First Project

Beginner's First Press

1. Start simple - choose pansies, violets, or small daisies

2. Press just a few - don't overwhelm yourself

3. Use a dedicated book - something you can leave undisturbed

4. Set a calendar reminder - to check progress in 2-3 weeks

5. Plan a simple project - bookmark or greeting card for your first use

Building Your Skills

• Try different flowers as you gain confidence

• Experiment with arrangements to learn what works

• Keep notes on what succeeds and what doesn't

• Connect with others - join online groups or local clubs

• Be patient - this craft rewards careful attention and time

Flower pressing connects us with nature's beauty in a lasting way. Each pressed flower becomes a small treasure, capturing a moment in time and preserving it for years to come. Whether you're creating art, gifts, or simply enjoying the meditative process, hand-pressed flowers offer endless creative possibilities and a wonderful way to bring the garden indoors.