What is Pressed Flower Art?
Pressed flower art is the centuries-old practice of preserving flowers and foliage by flattening and drying them. This botanical art form transforms fresh blooms into lasting keepsakes that can be displayed in frames, incorporated into crafts, or used to create stunning decorative pieces.
Victorian-era botanists popularized flower pressing as a way to document plant specimens, but today it's enjoyed by craft enthusiasts, artists, and nature lovers as a creative outlet. The beauty of pressed flowers lies in how they retain their colors, delicate structures, and organic forms while becoming permanent art pieces.
Why Press Flowers?
- Preserve memories: Keep flowers from special occasions like weddings, anniversaries, or gardens
- Create art: Make unique botanical compositions and framed displays
- Relaxing hobby: A meditative craft that connects you with nature
- Low cost: Minimal supplies needed to get started
- Year-round enjoyment: Capture summer blooms to enjoy all year
Flower Pressing Methods
There are several effective methods for pressing flowers, each with its own advantages. Choose based on your timeline, the types of flowers you're pressing, and the supplies you have available.
1. Traditional Flower Press
A dedicated flower press is the gold standard for botanical preservation. These presses consist of wooden boards with bolts that apply even pressure, with cardboard and blotting paper layers to absorb moisture.
Drying time: 2-4 weeks
Best for: Serious hobbyists pressing multiple flowers regularly
Pros: Even pressure, consistent results, can press many flowers at once
Cons: Longer drying time, requires dedicated equipment
A quality wooden flower press like the Berstuk Wooden Flower Press with its large 10.8" x 6.9" pressing area is ideal for beginners and experienced crafters alike. For larger projects, consider the Hygge & Sage Extra Large Press which includes bonus blotting paper and tweezers.
2. Heavy Book Method
The simplest approach uses thick, heavy books you already own. Place flowers between sheets of parchment paper, insert into the book, and stack additional weight on top.
Drying time: 2-4 weeks
Best for: Beginners, occasional pressing, flat flowers
Pros: No special equipment needed, free
Cons: May damage books, uneven pressure, limited capacity
Tip: Use phone books or old textbooks you don't mind potentially staining. Always place parchment or wax paper around flowers to protect book pages.
3. Microwave Pressing
For those who want faster results, microwave flower presses dramatically reduce drying time from weeks to minutes. These specialized presses use ceramic tiles or felt pads designed for microwave use.
Drying time: 1-3 minutes
Best for: Impatient crafters, thin flowers, quick projects
Pros: Extremely fast, good color preservation
Cons: Can burn flowers if overheated, works best with thin specimens
The Microfleur Max Flower Press is a popular choice that fits most microwaves and produces excellent results with proper technique.
4. Iron Pressing
Using a clothes iron provides another quick-drying method. Place flowers between parchment paper and press with a warm iron (no steam).
Drying time: 10-15 minutes
Best for: Quick projects, flat leaves, thin petals
Pros: Fast, uses common household item
Cons: Requires attention, can scorch if too hot, less consistent
Tip: Start with low heat and gradually increase. Press in short intervals, checking frequently.
5. Silica Gel Drying
While not technically pressing, silica gel preserves flowers in three dimensions with exceptional color retention. The crystals absorb moisture while supporting the flower's natural shape.
Drying time: 2-7 days
Best for: Preserving flower shape, thick blooms like roses
Pros: Maintains 3D form, excellent colors, reusable crystals
Cons: Not flat, requires more silica gel, flowers more fragile
For silica gel drying, ACTIVA Silica Gel is a trusted choice that can be reused indefinitely when regenerated in the oven.
Best Flowers for Pressing
Not all flowers press equally well. The best candidates are naturally flat or thin, while bulky blooms require special techniques or may be better suited for silica gel drying.
Excellent for Pressing
- Pansies - Already flat, vibrant colors
- Violets - Delicate and press beautifully
- Daisies - Classic look, easy to press
- Cosmos - Thin petals, lovely shapes
- Ferns - Naturally flat, intricate detail
- Queen Anne's Lace - Delicate lacey pattern
- Larkspur - Beautiful spikes of color
- Hydrangea florets - Individual flowers press flat
- Coreopsis - Bright yellow, presses flat
- Lobelia - Tiny, delicate flowers
Moderate Difficulty
- Roses - Press petals individually or slice in half
- Tulips - Press petals separately
- Zinnias - Remove and press individual petals
- Carnations - Pull apart and press layers
- Marigolds - Flatten or press petals alone
- Sunflowers - Small varieties work; press petals of large ones
Foliage & Extras
- Fern fronds - Press beautifully
- Ivy leaves - Retain shape and color well
- Maple leaves - Great for fall compositions
- Herbs - Lavender, sage, and thyme work well
- Grasses - Add texture to arrangements
- Clover - Including lucky four-leaf specimens
Harvesting Tips
- Pick flowers mid-morning after dew has dried but before afternoon heat
- Choose flowers that are freshly opened, not past their peak
- Avoid flowers with blemishes, insect damage, or brown spots
- Press flowers as soon as possible after cutting
- Remove thick stems and press separately if needed
Step-by-Step Pressing Guide
Gather Your Materials
You'll need a flower press or heavy books, blotting paper or parchment paper, cardboard (for book method), and freshly picked flowers. Quality blotting paper is essential for absorbing moisture and preventing mold.
Prepare Your Flowers
Gently clean flowers with a soft brush to remove dirt or insects. For thick flowers, consider slicing them in half lengthwise or pressing individual petals. Remove excess stem length. Fine-tip craft tweezers help handle delicate specimens without damaging petals.
Arrange on Blotting Paper
Place a sheet of blotting paper on your press or cardboard. Arrange flowers face-down, ensuring they don't overlap. Leave at least an inch between specimens. Gently manipulate petals into desired positions—this is how they'll look when dried.
Add Layers and Close
Cover with another sheet of blotting paper, then cardboard if using books. Add more layers if pressing multiple batches. Tighten the press screws evenly, or stack 15-20 pounds of books on top.
Wait and Check
Leave for 2-4 weeks in a dry location. After one week, you can carefully check progress and replace damp blotting paper. Flowers are ready when they feel papery and completely dry with no moisture.
Remove and Store
Gently lift dried flowers using tweezers. Handle by the stem or edges, never the center. Store flat in acid-free paper or use immediately in projects. Keep away from humidity and direct sunlight to preserve colors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Pressing wet flowers: Always let dew dry before harvesting
- Not changing blotting paper: Moist paper leads to mold and browning
- Insufficient pressure: Flowers need consistent weight to flatten properly
- Removing too early: Partially dried flowers will curl and turn brown
- Overcrowding: Overlapping flowers won't dry evenly
Creative Display Ideas
Once your flowers are pressed, the creative possibilities are endless. Here are inspiring ways to showcase your botanical treasures.
Floating Glass Frames
Double-sided glass frames let light pass through your pressed flowers, creating a stunning stained-glass effect. Hang them in windows or on walls as elegant botanical art. Sets like these gold floating frames with their metal latches make arranging and rearranging easy.
Framed Compositions
Create botanical artwork by arranging pressed flowers on quality paper or fabric, then frame. Design symmetrical arrangements, spell words with petals, or recreate garden scenes. The REDHUGO tabletop frames offer a modern geometric look perfect for minimalist decor.
Resin Jewelry & Coasters
Embed pressed flowers in clear epoxy resin to create unique jewelry, coasters, and paperweights. The resin preserves flowers permanently while adding durability and a glossy finish.
Greeting Cards & Bookmarks
Add pressed flowers to handmade cards, bookmarks, and gift tags for a personal touch. Simply glue flowers to cardstock and optionally cover with clear contact paper or laminate for protection.
Candle Decorating
Adhere pressed flowers to the outside of plain pillar candles using decoupage medium. As the candle burns, the flowers remain on the outer shell, creating a beautiful botanical lantern effect.
Phone Cases & Accessories
Clear phone cases make perfect backdrops for pressed flower arrangements. Position flowers, seal with resin or a clear case cover, and enjoy a one-of-a-kind accessory.
Preservation Tips for Displayed Work
- Keep pressed flower art out of direct sunlight to prevent fading
- Use UV-protective glass for framed pieces displayed in bright rooms
- Maintain low humidity to prevent mold or moisture damage
- Apply a sealant or clear coat to exposed pieces for added protection
- Handle with clean, dry hands or cotton gloves
Recommended Supplies
Having the right tools makes flower pressing more enjoyable and produces better results. Here are our top recommendations for each category.
Flower Presses
Berstuk Wooden Flower Press
Large 10.8" x 6.9" pressing surface with video tutorials included. Excellent for beginners with its thoughtful design and comprehensive instructions.
Check Price on AmazonHygge & Sage Premium Extra Large Press
Generous 8" x 11" size with 6 layers. Includes extra blotting paper, scissors, tweezers, and bonus ebook. Great value bundle.
Check Price on AmazonAboofx 10-Layer Press
Extra large 11" x 11" press with 10 layers for high-volume pressing. Ideal for serious hobbyists and those preserving wedding flowers.
Check Price on AmazonMicrofleur Max Microwave Press
Dry flowers in minutes instead of weeks. 9" diameter fits most microwaves. Perfect for quick projects and preserving colors.
Check Price on AmazonDisplay Frames
Gold Floating Glass Frames (Set of 2)
6" x 6" double glass frames with chains for hanging. Classic gold finish lets light through for stunning window displays.
Check Price on AmazonKigley Mini Brass Frames (12 Pack)
Adorable 3.5" x 2.5" frames perfect for single flowers or small arrangements. Great for gifts or creating a gallery wall.
Check Price on AmazonREDHUGO Tabletop Frame
Modern geometric brass frame with tempered glass. Stands on tabletop or shelf for elegant botanical display.
Check Price on AmazonAccessories
ACTIVA Silica Gel (5 lb)
Professional-grade silica gel for 3D flower drying. Reusable indefinitely—simply regenerate in oven when saturated.
Check Price on AmazonBlotting Paper (20 Sheets)
Large A4 size highly absorbent blotting paper. Essential for moisture absorption and preventing mold during pressing.
Check Price on AmazonALLEX Japanese Craft Tweezers
Precision fine-point tweezers for handling delicate pressed flowers without damage. Made in Japan with exceptional quality.
Check Price on AmazonBeaditive Curved Tip Tweezers
4.5" curved tip tweezers ideal for picking up and positioning pressed flowers in frames and arrangements.
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
How long do pressed flowers last?
Properly pressed and stored flowers can last for decades. The keys to longevity are keeping them away from direct sunlight (which causes fading), maintaining low humidity, and sealing them in frames or with protective coatings. Flowers displayed in UV-protective glass frames in climate-controlled rooms can retain their beauty for 20+ years.
Why are my pressed flowers turning brown?
Brown flowers usually result from one of these issues: pressing flowers that were already past their peak, inadequate pressure allowing air pockets, moisture trapped during pressing leading to mold, or removing flowers before they're fully dried. Always use fresh flowers, ensure consistent pressure, change blotting paper if it becomes damp, and wait the full 2-4 weeks before removing.
Can I press flowers from a bouquet?
Yes, but the sooner the better. Bouquet flowers have already been cut for some time and may be past optimal pressing condition. Press them within 24 hours of receiving for best results. Note that some florist flowers are treated with preservatives that may affect pressing outcomes.
How do I preserve the color of pressed flowers?
Color preservation depends on drying speed—faster drying typically preserves more color. Microwave pressing often produces the most vibrant results. For traditional pressing, use plenty of absorbent paper, change it regularly, and store the press in a warm, dry location. Some flowers naturally retain color better than others; pansies, violets, and larkspur are known for excellent color retention.
Can I press succulents or thick flowers?
Thick, moisture-rich specimens like succulents are challenging to press traditionally. Options include: slicing them in half to reduce thickness, pressing individual petals or leaves, using the silica gel method for 3D preservation, or accepting that they may take 6-8 weeks to fully dry. Monitor closely for mold with any thick specimens.
What paper should I use for pressing?
Use absorbent, uncoated paper. Dedicated blotting paper works best, but parchment paper, coffee filters, or plain newsprint (printed areas may transfer ink) also work. Avoid glossy paper, wax paper (for traditional pressing), or paper towels with textured patterns that may imprint on petals.