How to Use a Flower Press

Using a flower press is a great way to preserve botanicals for crafting and remembering special moments! Let's talk about how to use your new press and selecting the best flowers!

Step 1: Selecting Your Flowers

• You want to select flowers that will fit inside your flower press. Flowers that are too large to fit can be pressed as individual petals or cut in half to press flat. (I will be making a few videos on recreating flowers from individual petals, stay tuned!)

• Avoid flowers that are wet with dew and moisture as these can take much longer to dry and the risk of them molding is greater. Flowers should be as fresh as possible to help maintain the best color and quality.

Step 2: Layering the Press

• Base Layer: Place a sheet of cardboard at the base, followed by a sheet of blotter paper.

• Arrange Your Flowers: Place your flowers face down on the paper ensuring that the leaves and petals do not overlap.

• Once your flowers are arranged, place another sheet of paper over the top and then a layer of cardboard by sandwich stacking cardboard-paper-flowers-paper-cardboard.

Step 3: Apply Pressure and Wait

• Once you have pressed the desired flowers, tighten the screws on all four corners until snug. Place in a cool dry place and allow to dry for 3-4 weeks.

• For best results: check the press periodically and replace wet pages as need and retighten the screws. Flowers will shrink as they dry and it's important to keep constant even pressure for best results.

Step 4: Using Your Flowers

• Carefully remove your flowers with tweezers. Flowers are perfect for crafting, scrapbooking and more!

Dry Time: 3-4 Weeks or Sooner Depending on Florals

Flower Ideas: Forget Me Nots, Ferns, Daisies, Cosmos, Pansies, Hydrangeas and Poppies.

Project Ideas: Scrapbook Pages, Laminated Bookmarks, Handmade Floral Candles, Greeting Cards and Gift Tags.