Pressed flowers can be used to add a decorative touch to books, stationary, homemade paper and many other craft projects. Flowers and foliage can be purchased pre-pressed in craft stores, or they can be picked fresh and preserved at home. While there are several different techniques used for pressing flowers, most involve the use of an item called a flower press.
Flower presses can be purchased in many arts and crafts stores. The two most common types of flower presses are the botanical flower press, also known as an air-dry press, and the microwave press. These devices can be used to easily preserve flowers at home.
The botanical flower press usually consists of several layers of material that serve to flatten and dry the desired plant material. Two smooth, flat pieces of plywood can be used as the top and bottom layers of the press. In between the pieces of plywood, sheets of material are layered in the following order: one sheet of cardboard, two sheets of blotter paper, and a second sheet of cardboard. The outer layers of plywood are then fastened together with either Velcro or bolts that are drilled through each corner.
The microwave flower press is similar in composition to the botanical press. However, the microwave flower press features lightweight wooden frames covered with nylon padding as the outer layers of the press. This material is more breathable and therefore allows the foliage to dry more quickly than the plywood does.
Both types of flower press work in a similar fashion. Fresh flowers or leaves are arranged in one layer between the two sheets of blotter paper. If desired, the user may press several layers at a time by stacking more sheets of cardboard and blotter paper in between the outer layers of the press. Once the foliage is arranged inside the flower press, the Velcro strips or bolts are tightened, squeezing the flowers into a flattened shape.
When using a botanical press, it is best to leave the plant material in the press for one to three weeks, depending on the thickness of the material. Check the bolts or Velcro for tightness each day, retightening if necessary. The flowers will be ready when there is absolutely no moisture left in them.
The microwaveable flower press allows for a much shorter pressing time. When using a microwave press, heat the flowers in the microwave for about thirty seconds at a time, allowing them to cool in between. Repeat this process until the flowers are almost dry, then allow them to remain in the press for about another day.
While pre-made presses can be found in many craft stores, it is also very simple to construct your own flower press at home. All you need is two same-sized pieces of plywood, a few sheets of cardboard, a few sheets of paper and four bolts. If all else fails, the heavy book method is always a successful way to safely and inexpensively press flowers at home.
Sarah is a freelance writer living in Istanbul, Turkey, where she has taught numerous English language courses and runs a blog focusing on the expat community. Since joining the WiseGEEK team several years ago, Sarah has become a veritable fount of knowledge on many obscure topics. She has a B. A from the University of Oregon, where she majored in Romance Languages (Spanish and Italian) and Linguistics and an M.A. in TESOL from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey.