How to Press Flowers: 4 Methods for Pressing Flowers

Pressed flower art involves drying flowers and flattening, or pressing, their petals and leaves. The process of pressing flowers omits light and extrudes moisture, helping to preserve the natural color and beauty of the flower. Flower pressing is an easy way to turn a bouquet of flowers into a keepsake. Once pressed, the dried flowers can be used in various craft projects or as home decor.

Pressed flowers can add a floral element to many DIY projects.

1. 1. Laminated in a bookmark: Laminating pressed flowers between two pieces of contact paper will allow you to mark your place in a book with a homemade piece of art.
2. 2. Displayed in a shadowbox or frame: Once you've dried and pressed your flowers, lightly spray them with hairspray. This will seal the flowers, making their color last longer. Place the flowers in a shadowbox or glass frame. Avoid placing the frame in direct sunlight, as this can turn the flower petals brown over time.
   
3. 3. Sealed in a paper lantern: Making a DIY lantern is as simple as sealing dried flowers between pieces of waxed paper with an iron and taping them into a hollow square. Place a tea light in the center to complete the mood lighting.

Most flowers can be pressed, but follow a few tips to get the best results.

1. 1. Choose partially dry flowers. Flowers that have already dried slightly and are free of morning dew will have less moisture, increasing your chances of getting good results.
2. 2. Pick unblemished flowers as soon as they bloom. Pressing flowers causes the flower's colors to fade, and any blemishes on the flower petals can cause discoloration. Picking unblemished flowers as soon as they bloom ensures that your flowers will stay as bright and colorful as possible.
3. 3. Choose flowers with a flat bud. Flowers with large, round buds—like roses, peonies, or hydrangeas—tend to have too much moisture to be dried and pressed. Instead, choose flowers with a flat bud, like daisies, pansies, or most wildflower varieties.

Once you've picked and partially dried your favorite flowers, use one of the following methods to press them.

1. 1. Press flowers with the book method. This is one of the oldest and most reliable methods for pressing flowers—especially if you have the time. Pick flowers and remove unwanted leaves. Place two sheets of absorbent paper between the pages of a heavy book such as a phone book. Good absorbent paper choices include parchment paper, coffee filters, blotting paper, or watercolor paper. Choose a book that you won't mind getting damaged as the moisture from the flowers could wrinkle the pages of the book. Place the flowers in a single layer between the pieces of paper, and close the book. Placing several heavy books on top will ensure that the book closes firmly for a better press. Leave the flowers in your book press for at least three weeks.
2. 2. Press flowers with a wooden flower press. A wooden flower press consists of two pieces of wood that are tightened together using bolts and wingnuts. You can purchase one from a hobby shop or find DIY plans online. Unscrew the wingnuts and bolts and place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper on the bottom board. Arrange your flower petals on the paper and place another piece of paper on top. Tighten the top board down, and leave your flowers in the press for three weeks. Change the paper once a week to avoid browning.
3. 3. Press flowers with an iron. Pressing flowers with an iron saves a lot of the time compared with other press methods. Before pressing flowers with an iron, place the flowers between two pieces of parchment paper and flatten them with a heavy book. Remove any water from your iron, and turn off the steam setting. Set the iron to the lowest heat setting. Leave the flowers between the parchment paper and place them on an ironing board. Once the iron is warm, firmly press down on the flowers for 15 seconds. Lift the iron and let the petals cool for 15 seconds. Repeat these steps until the flowers are stiff and dry.
4. 4. Press flowers with a microwave press. Microwave presses are sold in most craft stores but are easy to make at home as well. You’ll need two ceramic tiles, two rubber bands, and two pieces of cardboard. Place the flowers between the sheets of parchment paper, then place the sheets of paper between the pieces of cardboard. Place everything between the two ceramic tiles and use the rubber bands to tighten them all together. Place the press in a microwave on a low heat setting and microwave for 30 to 60 seconds. Allow the press to cool, then check to see if the flowers are stiff and dry before repeating the process. Heating the flowers too much will cause them to brown. Once the flowers are stiff and dry, transfer them to a book, and you'll have perfectly pressed flowers in about two days.

Get the MasterClass Annual Membership for exclusive access to video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Kelly Wearstler, Ron Finley, Bobbi Brown, RuPaul, and more.