Information on Dried Pressed Flowers

Dried, pressed pansies are favorites among crafters and home decor artists.

Dried, pressed flowers are popular embellishments in a variety of home decor and craft projects. You can create these lasting beauties at home using one of two effective methods. Select flowers at their peak of freshness for best results; press flowers from your garden or press them immediately after receiving a floral bouquet.

Preparation

Cut flower blossoms to be dried and pressed at their peak; wilted or dying flower blossoms will not be attractive dried and pressed. The optimum end result of a dried, pressed flower is that it lies flat. Cut the stems at the base of open-face blossoms such as pansies and daisies so that the blossoms can lie flat facing forward. If you are pressing rose buds and other tubular flowers, you can leave part of the stem and a leaf or two attached, if you like. Tubular flowers press flat to their sides, so the stems do not interfere.

Weight Method

The traditional methods of press drying flowers uses weight and time to flatten the blossoms. To create dried, pressed flowers using weight, place the blossoms between two coffee filters. Insert the flowers between the pages in the back of a thick book, such as an encyclopedia or a telephone book. Add at least 20 pounds of additional, uniform weight on top of the flower book -- more phone books or books at least as large as the flower book work best. Leave the flowers to press for at least two weeks.

Microwave Pressing

To shorten the time frame for dried, pressed flowers, use a microwave. Prepare the flowers as you would for the weight method, but make sure that the book you select fits inside the microwave. Heat the book in the microwave on a high setting for 30-second intervals; check the flowers after each heating. When the flowers are nearly dry, remove the book from the microwave and add weight to the top for an additional three days until the flowers are completely dried.

Storage and Application

Spray the dried, pressed flowers with floral glaze to add shine and to help keep them intact. Place the flowers on top of wax paper before spraying. Floral glaze is available in most craft stores. Store the glazed flowers in an airtight container, separated by wax paper, until you are ready to use them. Applications for dried, pressed flowers include decorations for picture frames, glass vases, bookmarks, collages and wall art. Attach the dried flowers using decoupage glue or clear, white craft glue.

References

• Edu Book: How to Press Flowers

Resources

• Preserved Gardens: How to Press Flowers