Pressed Flowers:
How to Press Flowers and Make Beautiful Creations
Pressed flowers bring out the hidden magic in nature. Make stunning art from your backyard easily.
So, you want to press flowers to enjoy their beauty for
years to come?
Or maybe you want to make a one-of-a-kind pressed flower card for a special
friend?
Or transform your flowers into timeless art?
Or have real, colorful flowers in your home without needing to water them?
Or even turn your bridal bouquet into a piece of botanical art?
But… you’re not sure how?
You’re in the right place!
But before we go further, I must give you a warning. It’s not very dangerous but you should know it before too late. Trust me, I spoke from my own experience…. You could get addicted to pressing flowers! You’d get a new look on and get more and more attracted to flowers. If this is not a problem for you, read more but remember, you have been warned :)
Let’s get started!
There are several ways to preserve flowers to help maintain their color and shape for longer. One of the most beautiful methods is flower pressing. It removes the moisture and air from flowers, drying and flattening them. So yes—pressed flowers are dried flowers, but not all dried flowers are pressed flowers.
5 important basics about pressing flowers
Let’s break it down step by step, so you can press flowers with confidence (and joy!).
1. Kind of Flowers
Not all flowers are created equal when it comes to pressing. Start with flowers that have thin petals and a flat or simple center—these are your best friends if you’re new to this. Think pansies, cosmos, violets, daisies, and ferns.
Avoid thick or layered flowers for now (like roses or peonies). They’re beautiful, yes, but a bit more advanced to press nicely. I will show you how to press these flowers later.
💡 Tip: If you really want to press a thicker flower, try separating the petals and pressing them individually first!
2. Timing of picking flowers
The best time to pick flowers for pressing is after the
morning dew has dried.
Here in the Netherlands, I usually pick flowers around 9 a.m. during spring and
summer. Of course, this will vary depending on where you live.
Pick flowers at their peak—fresh, vibrant, and not too moist. Choose blooms that still have bright, lively colors.
A big no-no: don’t pick flowers right after it rains. They’ll be too wet and require extra effort to dry properly. They can turn brown or moldy.
Most of the flowers I use are from my own garden, some from bouquets I’ve received, and others are wildflowers I’ve picked along the way. If you’d like to do the same, make sure it’s allowed to pick flowers in that area—and try not to take too many.
3. Pressing methods
There are several ways to press flowers, and the best one depends on your style and tools. Here are the most common:
- Traditional flower press – Two wooden boards, bolts, cardboard, and paper layers. Reliable and gentle.
- Heavy books – A classic and accessible method. Just layer your flowers between paper inside the book.
- Microwave press – Fast, but a bit riskier. Great if you're in a hurry.
- Iron method – Quick and fun but needs a little practice and caution.
My favorite? The classic flower press—slow and steady, but worth the wait.
4. Timing of Pressing
This depends on both the flower type, your local climate and your pressing method.
This is a very important factor for getting nicely pressed flowers. It depends on the type of flowers and the humidity of the place you live in. I live in the Netherlands, where the humidity level is fairly low. It takes me about 2 weeks to get well-pressed flowers with single layers of petals and thin centers using a flower press or book press. Thicker flowers can take 3 to 5 weeks to dry properly.
Ok, now you know the average time of pressing. More important is to know whether flowers are well dried. I’ll tell you about this later.
5. Storage
Once your flowers are beautifully pressed, take care of them like little treasures.
Store them in a cool, dry place, between sheets of paper or in envelopes. You can also keep them in a dry book or airtight box with some silica gel to avoid moisture.
🌼 Pro tip: Don’t stack too many together. Keep them flat and gently separated to avoid damage.
Why Pressed Flowers?
Did you know that when you press flowers, you don’t just end
up with beautiful pressed blooms?
Here are at least 5 other wonderful benefits you gain.
🌸 They Last Forever – Fresh flowers fade too quickly, don’t they? But pressed flowers keep their beauty for years, making them perfect for keepsakes and art.
🌸 Endless Creativity – Ever thought of making your own greeting cards, bookmarks, jewelry, or wall art? Pressed flowers turn everyday things into one-of-a-kind masterpieces!
🌸 A Deeper Connection to Nature – Pressing flowers lets you slow down and appreciate the tiny details of nature. It’s like keeping a piece of a beautiful moment forever.
🌸 Eco-Friendly & Budget-Friendly – Instead of throwing away flowers, why not give them a second life? Pressing flowers is a sustainable way to enjoy their beauty without waste.
🌸 Relaxing & Therapeutic – There’s something incredibly calming about arranging and pressing flowers. It’s a mindful, creative process that helps you unwind and appreciate simple joys.
Beyond the Basics—Creating Art with Pressed Flowers
Now comes the fun part—what will you create?
One of the best parts of pressing flowers is sharing them with others. Have you ever received a gift that was made just for you? It’s a special feeling, right? Here are some great idea’s for pressed flowers.
- Framing your favourite flowers as wall art
- Designing unique handmade cards. A handmade card with real pressed flowers feels so much more personal than a store-bought one.
- Making pressed flowers wedding invitations
- And speaking of weddings—have you ever thought about turning a bridal bouquet into a gorgeous keepsake? Instead of letting those special flowers wilt, you can transform them into a forever piece of art!
Click for more idea’s here.
Pressed flowers as a gift have more meaning than just being a gift. Imagine giving someone a piece of art that holds meaning, like a flower from their wedding day or a bloom from their childhood garden. It’s a heartfelt, unique way to show you care.
Are You Ready? Let’s Capture Nature’s Beauty Together!
Whether you want to save a special flower, create a heartfelt gift, or just enjoy a new relaxing hobby, pressing flowers is a beautiful way to connect with nature and creativity. No two pressed flowers are ever the same, which makes every piece special and unique—just like the moments they capture.
So, what do you say? Let’s start pressing and turn flowers into forever!
