10 Tips for Pressing Flowers Without a Flower Press

Pressing flowers is a timeless craft that allows you to preserve the natural beauty of flowers, turning them into delicate works of art. Traditionally, flower presses were used to flatten and preserve flowers, but not everyone has access to a flower press. Fortunately, there are several creative and effective ways to press flowers without a specialized tool. In this article, we will explore 10 practical tips for pressing flowers using items you likely already have at home. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced flower enthusiast, these tips will help you achieve beautifully pressed flowers without the need for a flower press.

Use Heavy Books as a Makeshift Press

One of the most common methods of pressing flowers without a flower press is using heavy books. Books can apply consistent pressure to the flowers and provide a flat surface to help preserve their shape. Here's how you can do it:

• Step 1: Select a heavy book with thick pages, such as an encyclopedia or a dictionary.
• Step 2: Lay down a piece of parchment paper or wax paper to protect the flowers and prevent them from sticking to the pages.
• Step 3: Place the flower on the paper, arranging it in the desired position.
• Step 4: Carefully close the book, making sure the flower is fully covered by the paper and positioned within the pages.
• Step 5: Stack additional books or other heavy objects on top to apply extra pressure.
• Step 6: Leave the book in a dry, warm place for about 1 to 2 weeks, checking periodically to ensure the flower is properly pressed.

Using heavy books works well for a wide variety of flowers, though some may require more time depending on their thickness and moisture content.

Press Flowers Between Sheets of Paper Towels

If you don't have parchment or wax paper, paper towels are an excellent alternative. They can absorb moisture from the flowers while keeping them from sticking together. Here's how to press flowers using paper towels:

• Step 1: Choose a flat, absorbent surface like a wooden table or countertop.
• Step 2: Lay a paper towel down and place the flower carefully on top.
• Step 3: Fold another paper towel over the flower to cover it completely.
• Step 4: Place a flat, heavy object on top to apply pressure (books, a brick, or any sturdy weight will work).
• Step 5: Leave the flower in a dry, warm location for up to 2 weeks.
• Step 6: Change the paper towels every few days to help absorb excess moisture and speed up the pressing process.

The key to this method is ensuring the flowers are fully covered and the weight applied is evenly distributed.

Use a Homemade Flower Press from Cardboard

If you want to create a simple, DIY flower press, you can use cardboard. It's easy to assemble, and you can adjust the pressure with bolts or screws. Here's how to make your own flower press:

• Step 1: Cut two square or rectangular pieces of sturdy cardboard, making sure they are large enough to accommodate the flowers you want to press.
• Step 2: Cut a piece of absorbent paper (like tissue paper or blotting paper) that fits inside the cardboard.
• Step 3: Stack the pieces in the following order: cardboard, paper, flower, paper, cardboard. Make sure the flower is fully covered by the paper.
• Step 4: Secure the layers by tying the cardboard pieces together with string or using screws or bolts to apply pressure.
• Step 5: Place the homemade press in a dry, warm area and leave it for 1 to 2 weeks.

This method allows you to apply consistent pressure and can be customized to fit different flower sizes.

Use a Microwave to Speed Up the Pressing Process

If you're looking to speed up the flower pressing process, a microwave can be an effective tool. It uses heat to dry the flowers more quickly, helping to preserve their color and shape. Here's how to do it:

• Step 1: Place a flower between two pieces of microwave-safe paper towels or tissue paper.
• Step 2: Place the paper towels in the microwave, and place a ceramic plate or a microwave-safe bowl on top to apply pressure.
• Step 3: Microwave on low power for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be sure to monitor the process closely to avoid overheating the flowers.
• Step 4: Check the flower's condition. If it's still moist, microwave it in short intervals (10-20 seconds) until the flower is dry.
• Step 5: Allow the flower to cool completely before removing it from the paper.

The microwave method is quick but requires attention to detail to avoid damaging delicate petals.

Press Flowers Using an Iron

An iron can also be a useful tool for pressing flowers without a press. The heat from the iron helps to flatten the flowers while also drying them. Here's how to do it:

• Step 1: Place the flower between two pieces of absorbent paper (such as paper towels or parchment paper).
• Step 2: Set the iron to a low heat setting without steam.
• Step 3: Gently press the iron onto the paper for about 10-15 seconds. Make sure the flower is flat and positioned properly before ironing.
• Step 4: Lift the iron, check the flower, and repeat the process if necessary. Be cautious not to burn or scorch the petals.
• Step 5: Allow the pressed flower to cool before removing it from the paper.

This method works well for flowers with thinner petals, but it can cause discoloration or curling if not done carefully.

Use a Hairdryer for Quick Drying

If you're looking for a quick way to press and dry flowers, a hairdryer can help. This method works well for flowers with thicker petals or stems. Here's how to do it:

• Step 1: Place the flower between two sheets of absorbent paper.
• Step 2: Hold the hairdryer about 8--10 inches away from the paper.
• Step 3: Set the hairdryer to the lowest heat setting and blow the hot air over the flower for 1 to 2 minutes.
• Step 4: Check the flower periodically to ensure it is drying evenly and not overheating.
• Step 5: After drying, allow the flower to cool before removing it from the paper.

This technique is faster than some other methods and is especially useful for larger flowers or flowers that might be too thick for traditional pressing.

Press Flowers Using a Heavy Stone or Brick

For a rustic approach to pressing flowers, you can use a heavy stone or brick. This method is similar to using a book but works well for larger batches of flowers. Here's how you can do it:

• Step 1: Lay a piece of parchment paper or newspaper on a flat surface.
• Step 2: Place the flowers on top, ensuring they are not overlapping.
• Step 3: Cover the flowers with another layer of parchment or newspaper.
• Step 4: Place a heavy stone, brick, or large rock on top to apply pressure.
• Step 5: Leave the flowers in a dry, warm area for 1 to 2 weeks, checking regularly for dryness.

This method is simple but effective, especially for outdoor flowers or larger blooms.

Use a Hairpin or Clothes Peg to Pin Flowers

If you only need to press a small number of flowers or delicate blooms, you can pin them directly to a piece of cardboard or corkboard. Here's how:

• Step 1: Arrange the flower on a piece of sturdy cardboard or corkboard.
• Step 2: Use a hairpin, clothes peg, or even a push pin to secure the flower in place.
• Step 3: Leave the flower in a dry, warm location, ensuring it's not disturbed. Allow it to dry completely.

This method is suitable for small flowers or individual petals and works well if you're only looking to preserve a few blooms.

Use Silica Gel for Drying Flowers Quickly

Silica gel is an excellent drying agent that can help preserve flowers quickly while maintaining their color. This method works well for delicate or three-dimensional flowers. Here's how to do it:

• Step 1: Place a layer of silica gel in a shallow container.
• Step 2: Gently place the flower on top of the gel.
• Step 3: Carefully cover the flower with more silica gel, ensuring that the petals are fully surrounded by the crystals.
• Step 4: Seal the container and leave it in a dry area for several days, checking periodically to ensure the flower is drying evenly.
• Step 5: Once the flower is dry, carefully remove it from the silica gel and brush off any remaining particles.

This method works quickly and helps preserve the natural color and shape of the flower.

Store Pressed Flowers Properly

Once your flowers are pressed, storing them properly is key to ensuring they remain intact and vibrant. Keep them in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. Consider placing the pressed flowers in between sheets of wax paper or in an airtight container to protect them from dust and damage. For framing, ensure that the flowers are completely dry before mounting them on a piece of cardboard or in a shadow box to prevent mold or mildew growth.

Conclusion

Pressing flowers is a simple yet rewarding craft that can be done using a variety of household items, even without a dedicated flower press. By experimenting with different methods, you can find the one that works best for you and the types of flowers you're pressing. Whether you use books, a microwave, an iron, or even a DIY press, these tips will help you preserve the beauty of flowers in an easy and affordable way. So go ahead, gather some fresh flowers, and start pressing---your own flower press is just a few household items away!

View Product