As an artist who finds joy in the natural world, I’m drawn to techniques that capture and preserve nature’s ephemeral beauty. Pressing flowers and leaves is one such technique – a simple yet magical process that transforms fresh, three-dimensional blooms into delicate, papery keepsakes. Remember experimenting with flower pressing as a child, carefully placing petals between the pages of a heavy book? The anticipation, the subtle transformation – it’s a captivating process, and the results can be truly stunning.
I’ve long dreamed of creating a garden scrapbook, a botanical record of every plant I grow throughout the year. And what better way to preserve these memories than with pressed flowers? Recently, I decided to take the plunge and build my own flower press, and I’ve been experimenting with different plants and flowers ever since.
If you’re interested in trying your hand at pressed flower art, read on! I’m excited to share the basics, along with tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way. Plus, I’ve created a free, printable vintage-inspired “Herbarium” card at the bottom of this post to add a touch of elegance to your creations.
Choosing and Preparing Your Botanicals
The first step in creating stunning pressed flower art is selecting the right materials. While you can experiment with different flowers and leaves, some lend themselves more easily to pressing than others.
Ideal Candidates for Pressing:
- Single-layered petals: Flowers like pansies, violas, cosmos, hydrangea florets, anemones, and daisies press beautifully due to their naturally flat structure.
- Leaves, ferns, grasses, and herbs: These readily flatten and add a variety of textures and shapes to your artwork.
- Weeds and wildflowers: Even the humblest of plants can be transformed into works of art. Just be sure you have permission to pick them, as many parks and preserves have restrictions.
Tips for Success:
- Avoid excessively thick or watery plants: Succulents and begonias, for example, are difficult to dry and may mold.
- Choose healthy specimens: Inspect your flowers and leaves for any damage or pests.
- Press immediately after picking: This helps preserve color and vibrancy.
Preparing Your Botanicals:
- Rinse gently: Remove any dirt or debris from your chosen plants.
- Air dry completely: Pat dry with a soft cloth or allow to air dry on a clean surface.
Pressing Techniques: From Books to DIY Presses
While a traditional flower press offers optimal pressure and control, you can achieve beautiful results using a heavy book. Here’s a look at both methods:
The Book Method:
- Choose a thick, heavy book:
- Line the pages with absorbent paper: Parchment paper or coffee filters work well.
- Arrange your botanicals: Space them evenly to prevent sticking.
- Close the book carefully: Apply additional weight on top if desired.
The DIY Flower Press:
Building your own flower press is a rewarding project that allows for greater control over the pressing process.
Materials:
- Two pieces of plywood (approximately 9″x12″)
- Four bolts and wing nuts
- Cardboard
- Absorbent paper (parchment paper, coffee filters, or blotting paper)
Instructions:
- Cut the cardboard and paper: Create cardboard squares slightly smaller than your plywood. Cut the absorbent paper to the same size.
- Assemble the press: Layer the materials in this order: plywood, cardboard, paper, botanicals, paper, cardboard, plywood.
- Secure with bolts: Insert the bolts through the pre-drilled holes and tighten the wing nuts.
Creating Your Pressed Flower Masterpieces
Once your flowers and leaves are adequately dried (this typically takes 1-3 weeks), it’s time to unleash your creativity!
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Frame your pressed botanicals: Arrange them on archival-quality paper and frame them for a timeless display.
- Create greeting cards: Adhere your pressed flowers to blank cards for a personalized touch.
- Decorate bookmarks or journals: Add a touch of nature to everyday objects.
Robert Kline Art: Your Resource for Creative Inspiration
I hope this guide has inspired you to explore the captivating world of pressed flower art! Be sure to visit the Robert Kline Art website for more creative ideas, tips, and tricks for all your crafting endeavors. Let’s connect and share our mutual passion for handcrafted beauty! Don’t forget to download your free vintage-inspired “Herbarium” card printable below!