The Art of Pressing Flowers

Insider's Garden : Episode TIG-110 -- More Projects »
PHOTO

A pressed-flower landscape is a delightful way to preserve the beauty of the summer garden.
Pressed flowers are a charming and beautiful way to preserve summer’s bounty for years. They are perfect for a variety of decorative accents, from simple bookmarks to elaborate artwork. Pressing flowers at home is simple and doesn't require a lot of expensive equipment. All you need are solid-white paper towels and a book, a wood press or a microwave press.

Some flowers are better adapted for pressing than others. Choose vividly colored flowers with thin petals. You'll have fun growing these and pressing them later:

  • Miniature roses: these work well in a window box with a southern or western exposure and full sun. Water well and fertilize regularly.
  • Pansies: this annual, a member of the viola family, lasts three to four months in a full-sun location.
  • African violets: the most common flowering houseplants, African violets come in a variety of colors. They like moist soil that drains well and regular feeding.
  • Primula: this large-bloomed plant will last about one season in full sun. South- or west-facing windows are best.
  • Hydrangea: a wonderful, shade-loving plant that comes in a variety of colors.
  • Paperwhite narcissus: a highly fragrant, flowering bulb that comes back year after year.
PHOTO

Figure A
PHOTO

Figure B
Poor choices for pressing include begonias and impatiens, which tend to fade. When harvesting the flowers, touch them as little as possible to avoid bruising the tender petals. Cut the flower as close as possible to the stem (figure A).

Book press

This time-honored method uses only a thick book and paper towels. Open the book midway and place a sheet of white paper towel on the page. Place a flower on the paper towel and fold the towel over on the flower. Gently close the book (figure B) and weigh it down with a brick or other heavy object. The flower will be dried in about 10 days.
Note: you can press more than one flower in a thick book. Allow for a thick section of pages between flowers.

Wood press

A simple wood press is available at craft stores or can be made at home. All you need are two squares of wood into which holes have been drilled into the four corners. Attach the two pieces together with the bolts and add washers and wing nuts.

PHOTO

Figure C
PHOTO

Figure D
PHOTO

Figure E
PHOTO

Homemade pressed flowers are ready to be incorporated into a variety of art projects.
To use, simply place a clean white paper towel on the bottom piece of wood (figure C). Place your flower in the center and cover with another paper towel. Try not to move the flower when you cover it. Lower the other piece of wood and tighten with washer and wing nut. Allow to press about 10 days.

Microwave Press
Available at specialty craft stores, these hard plastic presses are lined with felt and can dry smaller flowers in about 60 seconds. Since each microwave is different, experiment with the timing.

Place a paper towel on top of the felt and spread out several flowers (figure D). Cover with a second paper towel, then another piece of felt. Attach the top and bottom of the press with clips (figure E). Put the press into the microwave for about 60 seconds.

Guests
Kate Chu
Pressed Flower Artist
Phone: 714-998-6608
E-mail: kate@pressed-flowers.com
Website: www.pressed-flowers.com
Also in this Episode
Insider's Garden : Episode TIG-110
•The Art of Pressing Flowers
•Pressed Art
•Pressed Flower Displays