How to Press Flowers in Books

Spring is one of my favorite times of the year. One reason that I love Spring is due to the abundance of wildflowers in Texas.  I have been pressing wildflowers from dirt roads and fields for years. Therefore, I want to share some how to press flowers in books. Plus, I have a list of 10 things that you can do with pressed flowers. 

How to Press Flowers

1. Place the flower face down in a book. You can sandwich between parchment paper if you worried about the book. However, it may take longer to dry because it holds moisture longer than paper.
2. Close the book, add weight on top, and leave for 2-4 weeks. 

Thin plants like herbs, or wildflower like foxglove and buttercups will take less time to press than thicker plants. Thicker plants like thistles, roses or sunflowers may require 6 weeks to press. Therefore, the plant should feel similar to paper, and there shouldn’t be moisture in the pressed flower.

 If you want to use a flower press instead of old books, I linked some here from Amazon. 

Tips to Beautifully Pressed Flowers

• Gather flowers on a sunny day when they are not wet from the morning dew or Spring rain showers.
• Look for clean flowers free of spots, blemishes or insect nests.
• Old dictionaries, phone books, encyclopedias are great to press multiple flowers at one time.
• Pay close attention to the direction of the petals and leaves when placing them in the book.

 

What can you do with Pressed Flowers?

1. Greeting cards- Use modpodge glue to adhere to folded card stock.
2. Flower Journal – Tape or glue pressed flowers into a blank paper journal and label accordingly.
3. Artwork – Matte and frame or place between floating glass frames.
4. Suncatchers – Place pressed flowers between clear contact paper.
5. Bookmarks – Adhere to cut card stock with clear contact paper or modpodge glue. 
6. Candle Making – Add to the inside of jars before pouring wax when making soy candles.
7. Coasters – Use modpodge to glue and seal pressed flowers onto wood coasters. 
8. Decoupage – Use modpodge or a sealer to apply to decor like trays, pottery, wood crates or a jewelry box.
9. Seasonal Decor – Glue onto pumpkins for Halloween or eggs for Easter. 
10. Jewelry Making – Add flowers to necklace pendant charms, like these, or with resin molds, like these.

If you are looking for a quicker way to press flowers or herbs, you can do so in the microwave! I shared tips for pressing plants in the microwave, here. However, I just love the process of using old books! Thanks for stopping by the blog, y’all! 

Amy Williams

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