PRESSING FLOWERS

Once you have made your flower press (see previous post on how to do this) you will want to start pressing your flowers immediately! This guide will outline the simple steps you will need to follow to do this.

1. First gather the flowers that you want to press. The ideal flowers to use are those that aren't too thick, and that will maintain their beauty when flattened. Thinner flowers dry faster and are easier to press. The faster a flower dries the better it will keep it's color.
   You can press thicker flowers like roses, but it is generally thought for best results you must press the rose petals individually and then glue them back together.
   Here is a list of flowers that are good for pressing : Geranium, Azalea, Hydrangea, Ferns, Daisy, Buttercup, Crocus, Sweet Pea, Pansy, Daffodil, Chrysanthemum, Marigold, Rose Petals.
   So, take the top off your press and place the sheet of blotting paper on the base of the press.
   
2. Then, arrange some of your flowers and leaves on the blotting paper flattening them down so they will dry evenly. Also lay them down so there is space between them and they don't touch.
   
3. Then, add a few sheets of newspaper on top of the flowers making sure the newspaper doesn't overlap the blotting paper.
   
4. Then repeat the process and lay another sheet of blotting paper, more flowers, and more newspaper on top. You can repeat this again and again, adding more layers of blotting paper, flowers and newspaper as long as you can still fit the top of the press on, the washers, and are able to tighten up the wing nut.
   

Generally the small flowers will dry in 5 days to a week. Flowers are dry when they are rigid and crisp throughout. Do not remove the flowers until they are completely dry. Remove them carefully by sliding a knife under the flower and lifting them up. Do not pull at the petals because you might tear them.

For information about dyeing pressed flowers, which can be an idea for those flowers that are prone to fading in the sunlight, i recommend looking at this web site which also showcases varied work from artists using pressed flowers.

And of course, don't forget to check out our pressed flower handbags at Nature by Dezign.