Instructions, tips, and creative ideas for pressed flowers
Pressing flowers is one of the oldest preservation methods in the world. And one of the most beautiful – if you know which flowers are suitable and how to do it properly.
Pressed flowers are having a real revival. In frames, on cards, as phone case decoration, set in resin, or as a classic herbarium – the possibilities are endless. And all you need is flowers, paper, and a little patience.
The classic method: Book press
The simplest method is still the heavy book. Here’s how it works:
- Pick flowers in dry weather (no dew, no rain).
- Place between two layers of blotting paper, kitchen paper, or newspaper.
- Place them in a heavy book (phone book, encyclopedia) or in a flower press.
- Stack additional heavy books on top.
- Change the paper after 3 to 5 days (it will have absorbed moisture).
- Press for a total of 2 to 4 weeks, until the flowers are completely dry.
Tip: Cut thick blooms (roses, dahlias) in half beforehand or press individual petals. Flat flowers such as pansies, daisies, or forget-me-nots can be pressed whole.
Which flowers work best?
Very suitable:
Pansies, daisies, forget-me-nots, violets, ferns, lavender, clover, cosmos flowers, cornflowers
Less suitable:
Roses (individual petals only), hydrangeas (turn brown), orchids (too fleshy), succulents (too thick), lilies (too large and moist)
Quick method: Microwave
If you don’t want to wait for weeks, you can press flowers in the microwave. Place the flowers between kitchen paper and two ceramic tiles. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking in between. The total time is around two to three minutes.
Advantage: Fast. Disadvantage: The colors can change, and the petals sometimes become brittle. For perfect results, the traditional method is better.
Creative ideas with pressed flowers
- Picture frames: Pressed flowers on a white or cream background in a glass frame. Minimalist and elegant.
- Greeting cards: Glue them onto cards with craft glue. More personal than any printed card.
- Bookmarks: Glue a pressed flower onto card and cover it with adhesive film. A lovely little gift.
- Decorating candles: Attach pressed flowers to the outside of a white candle and seal them with wax.
- Epoxy resin: Preserve pressed flowers in clear resin. Ideal for jewellery, coasters or bowls.
- Herbarium: A botanical album with pressed plants and handwritten labels. Classic and educational.
Preserving colour
Pressed flowers lose their colour over time - especially in direct sunlight. A few tricks to help preserve the colours for longer:
UV-protective glass: Frames with UV-protective glass slow fading significantly.
Hairspray: A light spray helps fix the petals and offers some protection against colour fading.
Keep out of the sun: Always protect pressed flowers from direct sunlight. In the shade, the colours last for years.
Fresh flowers at MoBlumen Vienna
Cut flowers for pressing, drying or simply enjoying.
Frequently asked questions about pressing flowers
At least two weeks, ideally three to four. The flowers must be completely dry, otherwise they may develop mould later in the frame or album. If in doubt, wait an extra week.
Whole roses are too thick to press. But individual rose petals press beautifully and keep much of their colour. Alternatively, cut the rose in half and press it with the flat side facing down.
Pressed flowers will last for many years when kept in a UV-protective frame and away from sunlight. The colours fade slowly, but the shape remains intact. Preserved in epoxy resin, they last virtually forever.
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Bouquets, single flowers and plants - delivered in Vienna.
