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How to Press Dried Flowers & Keep the Color

Flat-faced pansies are pressed flower favourites.
Pansies image by catbird 338 from Fotolia.com

Many people choose to dry flowers after they have been displayed in their home for a few weeks, but you'll get better results if you press fresh flowers. Also, new methods of pressing have been developed in recent years which use the microwave to speed up the pressing process and help to preserve the color of the flowers.

Pick a fresh flower and make sure there is no moisture on it. You can use a paper towel to wipe off any excess moisture.

Place two sheets of paper into the center of a large book. These sheets will be used to protect the pages of the book from the flower.

Place the flower on the sheets of paper then place two more sheets of paper over the flower.

Close the book with the flower in it and place it into the microwave.

Set the microwave to a medium setting then set the timer for 30 seconds. Start the microwave.

Once it has finished, remove the book from the microwave and open it to allow steam to escape, then wait until the flower has cooled.

Repeat steps four through six.

Close the book and place it under several heavy objects (bricks or other books). Wait 24 to 72 hours or until the flower has been adequately pressed.

Things You'll Need:

  • Book
  • 4 sheets of paper
  • Flower
  • Microwave

Tip

For better results you can purchase a microwave flower press specifically designed for pressing and drying flowers in a microwave. These provide for air circulation and are much better suited for microwave pressing than books.

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