How to Press Roses
Roses are beautiful flowers, but they don't last very long, so people like to press them to use them in craft projects and for decorating purposes. Pressing roses is simple and can help you save money on craft projects. You can also press roses to sell to other crafters.
Things You'll Need
- Roses
- Scissors
- Shallow container
- Water
- Flower perservative
- Vinegar
- Large heavy books
- Newspaper
- Plain paper
- Clear craft sealant
Instructions
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1
Choose the roses you are going to press. Using scissors, clip the flowers directly under the bud so you completely remove the stem. Fill a shallow container with a little bit of water and add some flower preservatives. Place the flowers in the water, petals face up. Let the roses sit in the water for ten minutes.
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2
Remove the flowers from the water and dump it out. Pour a thin layer of vinegar in the container. Hold the back of the flower and dip in the vinegar quickly, then remove.
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3
Open a large heavy book to the center. Place two pieces of newspaper in the pages. Then place two sheets of plain paper on top of the newspaper. Set the rose on one side of the book. Carefully push the petals down flat, starting from the back or lower petals. Slowly close the book.
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4
Set the book on a shelf and place a couple more books on top of it. Make sure the pressure from the books is evenly distributed across the book containing the rose. Allow to dry for two weeks.
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5
Carefully open the book and remove the paper sections with the rose on it. Spray the rose with a clear craft sealant. You may want to wear gloves when you do this to protect your hands from the spray. Allow to dry for fifteen minutes. Peel the rose off the paper and spray the back side of the rose. Allow to dry for an additional fifteen minutes. Your rose is ready for use.
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Tips & Warnings
Choose roses when they are just past their prime.
Don't fiddle with the petals too much as they will tear, break and fall out
