How to Make Dried and Pressed Flowers

Growing up, my room was filled with all sorts of crafts, usually involving paper of any and every kind. I had glue, glitter, paints, colored pencils, fancy scissors that cut all sorts of shapes, and rubber stamps galore. Hello 80s! 

While all of those things are fun tools for a crafty person to have on hand, pressed flowers are a natural way to decorate anything and everything, from foods on down to paper crafts. No matter what you are creating –– whether for yourself, your family, or as a gift for your loved ones –– pressed and dried flowers can be a real asset to any homemaker who loves to craft. 

Growing flowers in your home garden is so much fun, and pressing and preserving them will allow you to enjoy them even longer! In this guide, we will be covering some different ways to press flowers and our favorite things to do with dried pressed flowers. Join me as I share these top tips for how to get the most out of your dried blooms.

The Legal Stuff

This blog is provided by St. Fiacre's Farm LLC for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, and you should always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any medical questions or concerns. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please note that we may earn a small commission on any purchases you make through our affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

What are Dried Pressed Flowers?

You have probably seen pressed flowers before in a piece of jewelry or hung up on a wall inside a clear glass frame. Did you know that these beautiful blooms are real flowers that were dried and flattened in order to be preserved?

Drying and pressing flowers is a fun and meaningful way to give them a new life. The process of pressing them allows you to preserve their color and shape, and dehydrating the flowers will ultimately prevent them from decaying.

Pressing and drying flowers can take anywhere between a few days and a few weeks. The exact amount of time needed will depend on the flowers you are working with, as well as the method you are using.

The Best Flowers to Press

I love all types of flowers, but I have learned over time that certain ones are better for pressing than others. The best flowers to press are ones with thin petals and leaves, as these are the easiest to flatten. When choosing yours, be sure to use fresh blooms that are free of any blemishes or bruises. Here are some of our favorites to preserve.

Cosmos

Cosmos are easy to grow and have light, delicate petals that make them ideal for pressing. Producing blooms all summer long, these flowers come in a variety of vibrant colors that will look stunning when preserved.

Daisies

Although daisies look delicate, their petals are actually pretty sturdy and hold up well when pressed. Their simple and flat shape helps them keep a consistent, symmetrical shape. Daisies are also easy to grow, making them a good choice for gardeners of all levels.

Delphiniums

Delphinium flowers have a unique and elegant shape. This results in them having a beautiful and eye-catching appearance when pressed and dried. 

Pansies

Because of their thin petals and flat shape, pansies tend to dry quicker than other flowers. This makes them easy to work with, as you won’t have to wait too long before using them. These flowers do especially well during the winter season.

Violets

The small and compact size of violets makes them a great choice for pressing. The shape of the petals and leaves will also add a beautiful and aesthetic texture wherever you use them.

Roses

One of my favorite flowers, probably along with many of you is the rose. There are so many different colors that can be used in crafting and it is a great way to preserve their beauty and safe them for even longer!

Calendula

This one flower is my favorite medicinal flower but it also makes a lovely sunshine like look to anything you might be crafting. They like to grow in abundance so be prepared to have lots of dried calendula handy!

Reasons to Press Flowers & How to Use Them

One of the best things about pressed flowers is that there are so many ways to use them. However you decide to use your flowers, there is no doubt that they will add beauty wherever they go. 

Using dried pressed flowers for decoration is a great way to add a splash of color to your home. You can frame your flowers and use them as wall decor, or make your own floral coasters with the help of some resin. 

If you are using edible flowers, those dried and pressed blooms can be used in the kitchen too. We love preserving flowers to make tea. They not only enhance the appearance of any brew but also add medicinal value to the tea. 

Dried edible flowers can be added as decoration on desserts or as a garnish on salads. Keep in mind, though, that not all flowers are edible. Always make sure that you are using fresh edible flowers before adding any blooms to your culinary creations.

You can also use pressed flowers to take your crafting to the next level. Try making your own floral bookmarks, or add dried flowers to handmade greeting cards, scrapbook pages, or simple gift wrapping. Growing flowers in your own garden means that you will have an endless supply of petals and leaves for natural crafting or for gifting with a unique touch.

Finally, knowing how to press and dry flowers means that you can preserve flowers for any special occasion. If there’s a wedding, anniversary, or other major event where flowers are important, you can play a role in creating a lasting memory.

Different Ways to Press Flowers

You might be wondering, how do you press flowers without any special equipment? We’ve got some good news for you! There are a few different methods you can use, and they are actually quite simple.

Wooden Press Method

Whether store-bought or homemade, a wooden press is a reliable and foolproof way to get beautiful pressed flowers. The wooden press is a traditional and popular method for pressing flowers because it does a great job of flattening them down evenly.

Book Method

Start by laying out your fresh flowers on a sheet of newspaper or parchment paper on top of an open book. You will want to leave some space between each flower and spread out the petals so that they are lying flat and open. Cover your flowers with a second sheet of paper, then close the book tightly. Set a heavy weight on top of it to apply pressure.

Microwave Method

The microwave method is a quick and easy way to press your flowers. Place your blooms on a microwave-safe fabric liner, then microwave in short intervals –– about 20 to 30 seconds each time. Remember to air out the microwave after each interval to prevent any burning. The flowers will gradually start to thin out with each additional interval.

Iron Method

Ironing is another quick and simple way to dehydrate and press your flowers. The key to perfecting this method is keeping the heat on a low setting (without steam) and ironing for about 20-25 seconds at a time. Be sure to let your flowers cool between each heating interval.

Our Top Tips for Pressing Flowers

To get the most stunning results, there are a few important things that you should keep in mind when pressing flower petals. Here are our best tips, from harvesting your fresh flowers to handling the pressed blooms.

• Start with fresh flowers, as these will have the best and brightest blooms.
• To prevent them from molding, make sure that your flowers are completely dry before pressing.
• Handle gently to avoid bruising the fresh flower or breaking the petals once dried. It may be helpful to use tweezers to pick up and move your flowers. 
• Apply even pressure so that your flowers dry evenly and so that the shape doesn’t get distorted.

;

Pressed Flowers Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store pressed and dried flowers?

If you are not using your dried flowers right away, store them flat between layers of parchment to keep them safe and prevent them from breaking. To keep them in the best condition, store them away from moisture — preferably in an airtight container.

Do flowers lose their scent after being pressed?

Yes, it is normal for flowers to lose their scent as they are dried and pressed. This is because the natural oils that produce their fragrance fade away as the flowers dry up. 

How long do pressed flowers last?

Flowers that have been dried and pressed can last for several years under the right conditions! To give your flowers the longest life possible, keep them in a cool location and away from direct sunlight.

Beautifying Life with Nature

Drying and pressing flowers is something that anyone can do and enjoy, even without fancy equipment! Whether you use pressed and dried flowers to express your creativity or to preserve a special memory, they are sure to bring color and joy to your life. 

If you are looking to add more flowers to your garden, be sure to check out our FREE Raised Garden Bed Plans Ebook for some inspiration on growing the best blooms!

Learn More About Flowers

• Uses for Rose Petals + Rose Petal Recipes
• Fall Blooming Flowers: The Ultimate Guide
• Flower Dye: Making Natural Dyes from Plants
• Best Types of Flowers to Grow for Bouquets
• How to Grow and Use Lilacs
• The Ultimate Guide to Growing Fresh Edible Flowers