Pressed flower art is my favorite art & craft activity. Not only is it super easy, but also pretty, inexpensive, and quick (most times). It has always turned out pretty, and I think there’s no way to fail at it because flowers are so pretty, right?
The main challenge I faced (initially) was to get the flowers dry/dehydrated perfectly. Even little moisture left can grow that unpleasant mold on your art/craft piece – saying this from a personal experience 😦 Even though mold is a major problem, too much heat treatment can also make the pretty flowers and leaves lose their vibrant colors, making them look dull or dark even, not to mention too brittle to handle and use. But the good news is with some practice you’d know the right way to press the flowers that suits you the best, and you’d see it really isn’t difficult and can be achieved with time and patience.
So far, I have tried 2 methods to press flowers and leaves. Here’s is my observation & experience at each:
Pressed Flowers Using Books
This is my favorite method. You just need a few thick and heavy books and some parchment papers for this method. I also use newspapers or clean brown paper bags sometimes. These materials will wick the moisture gradually released from the flowers/leaves when pressed between the pages, and kept under some weight. This method will (obviously) take some time, think of any time between a few days to a few weeks but the results are good. I use this method when I’m not in a hurry or when I haven’t thought about what I would do with the pressed flowers.
Pressed Flowers Using Dry Iron
I have noticed that using a low-heat setting on your dry (not steam) iron gives good results. I also use this method many a times. Again, I put the flowers and leaves inside the parchment paper before pressing down the iron over it a few times till the desired results are achieved. I check in between to see if the heat setting I’m using is enough – not too much, not too little – and adjust if needed. Using an ironbox to press flowers is quick and easy, and this is my preferred method to press flowers when I need them to use in something I’m creating.
I have also seen some people press flowers using a microwave. I haven’t personally tried this method yet so cannot say anything about it.
Handmade pressed-flower bookmarks are available for purchase at my store along with a few other items. I’d love to have you visit my shop by clicking below or message/mail me.
Well then, go on and try these methods to press flowers and leaves to make those beautiful artsy, craftsy decors. Also, check out the video (below) where I have made some bookmarks with the pressed flowers. Let me know what you think.
TravelAndHappiness 