What is pressed flower art? Pressed flower art is a beautiful way to capture the delicate beauty of nature by flattening and drying flowers and leaves to create artistic compositions. Can I press any flower? While many flowers can be pressed, some, like succulents and very fleshy flowers, might not press as well. Who is pressed flower art for? Anyone who loves nature, crafts, or unique home decor can enjoy making pressed flower art!
This guide will walk you through every step of creating your own stunning pressed flower art. From selecting the perfect blooms to the final framing, you’ll learn how to master this rewarding craft. Preserving flowers allows you to keep their vibrant colors and intricate details long after they’ve bloomed.
Selecting Your Blooms: The Foundation of Your Art
The success of your pressed flower art begins with choosing the right materials. Not all flowers are created equal when it comes to pressing.
Best Flowers for Pressing
Many flowers lend themselves beautifully to pressing, retaining their shape and color. Look for flowers with flatter petals and less moisture.
- Daisies: Their simple, flat petals press exceptionally well.
- Pansies and Violas: These have charming, delicate faces that look lovely when pressed.
- Forget-Me-Nots: Tiny and abundant, they add a touch of whimsy.
- Hydrangeas: While they can be a bit bulky, individual florets press nicely.
- Ferns and Leaves: Many types of foliage, especially those with fine details, press beautifully.
- Queen Anne’s Lace: This intricate flower creates a stunning lacy effect.
- Cosmos: Their airy petals hold their color well.
- Roses (smaller varieties): While large roses can be tricky, smaller ones can be pressed by separating petals.
- Lavender: The individual florets press well and retain their scent.
- Baby’s Breath: These tiny blooms add a delicate filler effect.
Flowers to Avoid or Approach with Caution
Some flowers have too much moisture or complex structures that make pressing difficult.
- Succulents: Their fleshy nature prevents them from drying properly.
- Very Fleshy Flowers (e.g., Dahlias, Peonies): High moisture content can lead to mold. If you try them, press individual petals.
- Flowers with Deep Cups (e.g., Poppies, Tulips): These are hard to flatten evenly.
- Cacti and Cacti Flowers: Too much water content.
When to Pick Your Flowers
The timing of your harvest is crucial for drying flowers.
- Best Time: Pick flowers in the morning after the dew has dried. This ensures they have the least amount of moisture.
- Stage of Bloom: Choose flowers that are fully open but not yet starting to wilt or fade. Mid-bloom captures their best form.
- Avoid Rainy Days: Flowers picked after rain or on a damp day will have too much moisture, increasing the risk of mold during the pressing process.
Flower Pressing Techniques: Achieving Perfection
There are several methods for drying flowers, each with its own advantages. The goal of flower pressing techniques is to remove moisture slowly and evenly.
The Classic Flower Press Method
This is the most traditional and often most effective way to press flowers for botanical art pressing.
What You’ll Need:
- Two sturdy, flat boards (plywood or hardboard work well)
- Cardboard or thick blotting paper
- Newspaper or plain printer paper
- Heavy weights (books, bricks, or weights designed for flower presses)
- Screws and wing nuts (if making your own press)
How to Build a Simple Flower Press:
- Cut Boards: Cut two pieces of wood to the same size (e.g., 12×12 inches).
- Drill Holes: Drill a hole in each corner of both boards.
- Assemble: Place one board down. Stack layers of cardboard, newspaper, and then your flowers on top. Add another layer of cardboard and newspaper. Place the second board on top.
- Secure: Thread screws through the corner holes. Add wing nuts and tighten them to compress the layers. This creates a tight bond for effective pressing.
How to Use a Flower Press:
- Prepare Flowers: Gently clean any dirt off your flowers. Remove excess leaves or stems that are too thick.
- Layering:
- Place a sheet of cardboard or blotting paper on the bottom board (or the bottom of your assembled press).
- Lay a sheet of newspaper or plain paper on top of the cardboard.
- Arrange your flowers and leaves on the paper, ensuring they don’t overlap. Use a second sheet of paper on top of the flowers.
- Add another layer of cardboard.
- Compress: Stack your flower-filled layers between the two boards. If using a pre-made press, tighten the screws evenly. If using loose boards, place them flat and add heavy weights on top.
- Wait and Refresh: Leave the press undisturbed for 2-4 weeks. Every week, carefully open the press and replace the damp newspaper with fresh, dry sheets. This is key to preventing mold and ensuring thorough drying. This step is crucial for successful floral art preservation.
The Microwave Flower Press Method
This is a faster method, ideal for a quick result.
What You’ll Need:
- Microwave-safe plates or tiles
- Cardboard
- Newspaper or paper towels
- Rubber bands or clips
- A microwave
How to Use the Microwave Method:
- Prepare Layers: Create a stack: cardboard, newspaper, flowers, newspaper, cardboard.
- Wrap: Wrap this stack securely with rubber bands or clips to hold it together.
- Microwave: Place the stack on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on a low setting (defrost or 30% power) for 30-60 second intervals.
- Check and Repeat: Carefully remove the stack (it will be hot!). Check the flowers. If they feel dry, let them cool. If they still feel damp, re-wrap and microwave for another short interval.
- Final Pressing: Once dry, place the flowers in a book or a traditional press for a few extra days to ensure they are completely flat and firm.
The Book Pressing Method
This is the simplest method and requires no special equipment.
What You’ll Need:
- Heavy books
- Blotting paper or plain paper
How to Use the Book Method:
- Prepare Flowers: Lay flowers on sheets of blotting paper or plain paper.
- Layer: Place the paper with flowers between the pages of a heavy book.
- Weight: Stack more heavy books on top of the book containing your flowers.
- Wait: Leave them for 3-6 weeks, changing the paper every week if possible, to remove moisture.
Preparing Your Pressed Flowers for Art
Once your flowers are completely dry, a little preparation goes a long way for your pressed flower crafts.
Checking for Dryness
Your flowers are dry when they feel brittle and papery. There should be no soft or pliable parts. If they still feel flexible, they need more time.
Removing from Press
Handle your pressed flowers with extreme care. They are very delicate.
- Use Tweezers: Gently use fine-tipped tweezers to lift each flower or leaf from its paper.
- Work on a Flat Surface: Have a clean, flat surface ready for placing your dried specimens.
Storing Pressed Flowers
Proper storage keeps your pressed flowers in good condition until you’re ready to use them.
- Airtight Containers: Store them in airtight containers or plastic sleeves.
- Protection from Light: Keep them out of direct sunlight, which can cause fading.
- Desiccants: You can add silica gel packets to the containers to absorb any residual moisture.
Designing Your Pressed Flower Art: Arranging and Composition
This is where your creativity shines! Arranging pressed flowers is an art form in itself.
Principles of Composition
Think about how you want your final piece to look.
- Balance: Distribute visual weight evenly.
- Focal Point: Create a center of interest, perhaps a larger bloom or a striking leaf.
- Flow and Movement: Guide the viewer’s eye through the artwork.
- Color Harmony: Combine colors that look pleasing together.
- Texture: Mix different types of flowers and leaves for visual interest.
Layout Ideas
There are many ways to arrange your pressed flowers.
- Floral Bouquets: Recreate the look of a small bouquet.
- Wreaths: Arrange flowers in a circular pattern.
- Nature Scenes: Create miniature landscapes with leaves as trees and flowers as blossoms.
- Abstract Patterns: Focus on color and shape for a modern look.
- Single Statement Piece: Highlight one beautiful, large pressed flower.
Tools for Arranging
Having the right tools makes the process smoother.
- Tweezers: Essential for precise placement.
- Small Brush: To gently move delicate petals.
- Craft Knife or Scissors: For trimming stems or shaping pieces.
- Clear Adhesive: Special glue sticks or spray adhesives for paper are best.
Assembling Your Pressed Flower Art
Once you have your design finalized, it’s time to bring it all together.
Methods for Attaching Pressed Flowers
There are several ways to secure your delicate blooms to your background.
1. Using Glue Sticks or Craft Glue
This is a common and accessible method for DIY pressed flowers.
- Glue Stick: Apply a thin, even layer of acid-free glue stick to the back of the pressed flower or the background paper where the flower will go.
- Liquid Craft Glue: Use a small amount of clear-drying craft glue applied with a fine brush or a glue pen. Be very sparing to avoid creating lumps or discoloration.
2. Using Adhesive Dots or Tape
These offer a quick and clean attachment.
- Double-Sided Tape: Use a fine, double-sided tape designed for crafts.
- Adhesive Dots: Small, clear adhesive dots can be discreetly placed on the back of flowers.
3. Using Methyl Cellulose or Gum Arabic (for conservation)
These are archival methods that are reversible and less likely to damage the flowers.
- Preparation: Mix the powder with water according to package instructions to create a paste.
- Application: Apply a very thin layer to the back of the pressed flower with a brush.
- Attaching: Carefully press the flower onto the background.
4. Encasing in Laminate or Resin
These methods provide a protective, sealed finish.
- Laminating: Place your arrangement between two sheets of laminating film and run it through a laminator. Trim the edges.
- Resin: Pour clear resin over your arrangement on a sealed surface (like a silicone mat) or in a mold. This is a more advanced technique but offers a durable, glass-like finish. Ensure your flowers are completely dry before using resin, as moisture can cause cloudiness.
Mounting Your Pressed Flower Art
The background you choose significantly impacts the final look of your floral art preservation.
Choosing a Background Material
- Cardstock: Available in many colors and textures. Acid-free cardstock is recommended for longevity.
- Watercolor Paper: Provides a beautiful texture and can handle light adhesives.
- Fabric: Silk or linen can create a luxurious feel, but ensure the flowers are securely attached.
- Wood or Canvas: For a more rustic or modern look, though adhesives might need to be stronger.
Techniques for Mounting
- Direct Adhesion: Glue your pressed flowers directly onto your chosen background.
- Mounting on Clear Acetate/Plastic:
- Arrange flowers on a piece of clear acetate or stiff plastic.
- Glue another piece of acetate on top, sandwiching the flowers.
- This creates a floating effect.
- Creating a Shadow Box Effect:
- Use a shadow box frame.
- Mount your pressed flowers onto a backing board that fits inside the frame.
- The depth of the box adds dimension.
Framing Your Pressed Flower Art: The Final Touch
Framing protects your artwork and presents it beautifully, making it ready to display.
Types of Frames for Pressed Flowers
- Traditional Frames: With a mat and glass.
- Matting: Use an acid-free mat to create a border around your artwork. This gives the piece breathing room and a professional finish.
- Glass or Acrylic: Standard glass is fine, but UV-protective glass or acrylic is ideal to prevent fading from sunlight. Acrylic is lighter and shatter-resistant.
- Shadow Box Frames: As mentioned, these offer depth and are perfect for slightly bulkier arrangements or to add a 3D element.
- Floating Frames: These frames have glass or acrylic on both the front and back, allowing the artwork to appear “floating” between the panes. This is excellent for showcasing delicate pieces.
- Laminating Sheets: As discussed, this is a simple, budget-friendly way to protect smaller pieces.
Framing Tips
- Acid-Free Materials: Always use acid-free mats and backing boards to prevent discoloration and deterioration of your pressed flowers over time.
- Proper Sealing: Ensure the frame is well-sealed to protect the artwork from dust and humidity.
- Hanging: Use appropriate hardware to hang your framed art securely.
Caring for Your Pressed Flower Art
Proper care ensures your natural flower art remains beautiful for years to come.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Sunlight is the biggest enemy of pressed flowers, causing them to fade. Hang your artwork in a spot that doesn’t receive direct sun.
- Control Humidity: Keep your artwork in a climate-controlled environment. High humidity can cause mold or warp the paper.
- Gentle Cleaning: If the glass or acrylic needs dusting, use a soft, dry cloth. Avoid spraying cleaners directly onto the frame or artwork.
Pressed Flower Crafts: Beyond Simple Framing
Once you’ve mastered the basics, explore other creative pressed flower crafts.
- Greeting Cards: Glue pressed flowers onto blank cards.
- Bookmarks: Laminate pressed flowers between cardstock strips.
- Candles: Embed small, delicate pressed flowers into the sides of pillar candles (ensure they are safely encased and don’t pose a fire hazard).
- Jewelry: Use resin to set pressed flowers into pendants, earrings, or rings.
- Coasters: Seal pressed flowers onto ceramic tiles with a suitable sealant or resin.
- Journals and Notebooks: Decorate the covers of plain journals.
- Ornaments: Encapsulate pressed flowers in clear ornaments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How long does it take to press flowers?
A1: It typically takes 2-4 weeks using traditional methods, or a few days with faster methods like the microwave technique followed by a period of pressing.
Q2: My flowers are turning brown, what did I do wrong?
A2: Brown flowers can be due to too much moisture, pressing flowers that were too old or wilted, or not changing the blotting paper frequently enough. Ensure you pick flowers at their peak and refresh the paper regularly.
Q3: Can I press flowers that have been preserved with silica gel?
A3: Yes, silica gel is a desiccant that dries flowers quickly and effectively, often preserving color better than air-drying. Once dried with silica gel, they can be used for pressing.
Q4: What is the best adhesive for attaching pressed flowers?
A4: Acid-free glue sticks or clear-drying liquid craft glue are good choices. For archival quality, methyl cellulose or gum Arabic are recommended.
Q5: How do I prevent my pressed flowers from fading?
A5: Store and display your pressed flower art away from direct sunlight. Using UV-protective glass or acrylic in your frames also helps significantly.
Q6: Can I press whole flowers?
A6: Yes, but it’s often easier to press individual petals or smaller flowers. If pressing whole flowers, ensure they are not too bulky and remove excess inner petals to allow for even flattening.
Making pressed flower art is a wonderful way to connect with nature and create something truly unique. With patience and care, you can transform delicate blooms into timeless pieces of botanical art. Enjoy the process of drying flowers and creating beautiful pressed flower crafts!