How to Flatten Flowers

Grandma already knows that one of the easiest ways to preserve flowers is by pressing them between the pages of a book. Countless Bibles and cookbooks bought at yard sales turn up delicate flattened blooms that represent a long ago memory. This works because the paper absorbs the moisture and the weight applies pressure to the flower. Techniques for pressing flowers may be a little more advanced now, but flattening or pressing flowers by covering with paper and applying pressure is still done today.

Things You'll Need

• Heavy book or weight
• Flowers
• Paper

Instructions

1. Gather the flowers you wish to press. Thin flat flowers work best. Full flowers are better reserved for drying with other methods.

2. Lay the flowers on a plain piece of paper in the position you would like them to be in the final product.

3. Cover with another sheet of paper and set on a stack of newspapers. Apply weight to the top sheet. A heavy book or other flat object will work fine.

4. Let the flowers rest for several days and check to see if they have dried sufficiently. If they are not dry allow them to set for a few more days.

5. Remove the flowers when they have completely dried. The flower should hold its shape when it is picked up.

6. Use pressed flowers to decorate stationary or other projects. Sealing the flower with a piece of clear contact paper will preserve the color of the flower.

Tips & Warnings

• For a quick press, simply open a large heavy book and set the flower between the pages. Allow to rest undisturbed for several days.

• You can buy an inexpensive flower press, but this method works well for occasional flower pressing.