Selecting Flowers and Leaves
Pressing Flowers and Leaves
I think my flower presses are the best! Here's why. Typical flower presses require 2-6 weeks for pressing. With my press, you can have beautiful pressed flowers in a fraction of the time! My press is engineered to maximize air flow and accelerate drying. You want to remove moisture as carefully and quickly as possible, while supporting the shape of your flower.
When it comes to pressing flowers, speed is everything! You want to get that moisture out as fast and gently as you can. In the summer, I just pop my presses in the back window of my car while parked in a sunny spot, and they dry out super quick! In the winter, I set them up near the fireplace or a heating vent.
If using a commercial press, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Flowers can also be dried between the pages of a book, something that has been done since the Victorian era. However, books have less air flow and will take a little longer to press. They are, however, my favorite method when I'm on vacation since I usually have a book with me! I highly recommend buying a book from a local bookstore when on vacation to store flowers you find along the way!
Plan ahead a couple of weeks before you need your flowers. You can speed the drying time by placing thin sheets of fabric between the page and the flowers to help absorb moisture. You also might consider keeping the book in a warm car or near a heat vent in the winter.
Creating Art
Cards and Bookmarks
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Lay pressed flowers on card or bookmark (no need for glue).​
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Option 1 Laminator: Laminate at high temperature​
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Option 2 Contact Paper: Rub a dab of fabric softener on the surface of clear contact paper to eliminate static electricity, and apply the contact paper to the card or bookmark. Trim around the edges.
Framed Wall Art
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Apply pressed flowers to the glass with a small dab of Tacky Glue in the middle of the back of the flowers.
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Let dry completely before framing.
Window Decor
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If words or a design are desired, print on transparent vellum.
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Glue pressed flowers to the vellum with a small dab of Tacky Glue and let dry completely.
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Laminate with heavy (10 ml) laminating film.
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Cut out and punch a hole for hanging.
Candles
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Apply pressed flowers with Mod Podge.
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Cover with three coats, allowing to dry thoroughly between each coat.
Glassware
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Apply flowers with Mod Podge. Use 3 coats and let dry completely. Spray with several coats of an acrylic sealer.
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To make useable plates, apply flowers under a clear plate, face up, so plate can be used for serving foods (not washable).
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For washable glassware (with a flat surface) laminate the flowers in a thin (3 ml) laminating film, cut out, and use a resin product to apply.
Unleash your creativity!
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Think about pressed flower magnets, nightlights, sun catchers...
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Search the internet for more ideas.
Supplies
You can order additional supplies and check out my latest products right here!
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