If your flowers haven’t wilted in the hot, dry weather then it’s a great time of year to try pressing flowers. Why would you press flowers? Because they turn out beautiful with very little effort. Because they are an inexpensive project that teaches appreciation of nature. And because you can use them for cards, art projects, gift tags, and even bookmarks.
Flower presses are nice to have, they offer even pressure on the flowers and are often treated with nonstick materials. But if you want to give this hobby a try before you spend any money then an old phone book or encyclopedia will work, too.
When you are picking flowers for pressing, think flat. In other words, pansies will work but not roses. Pansies are one of my favorites. They flatten well, and hold their color. I also like the tiny version that goes by the name violas or johnny jump-ups. Impatiens and babies breath work well, too. Also pick flowers that are in perfect condition. Pick ones that aren’t browning or wilted. You also want dry flowers that don’t have dew or water drops on them. Don’t overlap the flowers or stems unless you want your finished product to overlap.
While you are in the yard, also consider gathering fern leaves and tree leaves. Press them before fall comes and they get dry and brittle. Even herbs are fun to try. Thyme is particularly pretty.
So gather a few leaves and flowers. Stick them flat in the pages of a heavy book or on your flower press. You may want to use some protective pages of plain paper if you are using a book you don’t want to stain.
Wait about three days. You should get flattened flowers that retain much of their color.
From there you can cover them with clear contact paper to make a bookmark, or you can gently glue them on card stock for custom stationary or gift tags. Pressed flowers have a delicate beauty that always reminds me of these last days of summer. Many of us did this with our grandmothers, which adds a sweet memory to this simple craft.
More Flower Fun:
Creating a “Shabby Chic” Garden