How to Use a Flower Press Kit?

What is a Flower Press Kit?

A flower press kit is a simple tool designed to help you press and dry flowers while keeping their shape and colour intact. Most kits come with two wooden or acrylic boards, some absorbent paper, and screws or bolts to apply pressure.

The idea is to flatten the flowers and remove moisture, which helps preserve them for crafts, scrapbooking, or just to keep as a memento. The process is pretty easy, and it’s something anyone can try—whether you’re new to crafting or just looking for a way to preserve your garden flowers.

What do you need to press flowers?

Before you dive into the flower pressing process, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need. Here’s your checklist:

• A Flower Press Kit: This is the key tool, and if you’re just starting out, it’s a good idea to pick one that includes the basic parts—two boards, absorbent paper, and screws or clamps.
• Fresh Flowers or Leaves: You’ll want to pick these as fresh as possible for the best results.
• Paper (Blotting or Parchment): This is important for absorbing moisture from the flowers. Make sure you’ve got some on hand to place between the blooms.
• Scissors: Handy for trimming any stems or leaves.
• Books or Weights (optional): If your kit doesn’t have screws or you need extra pressure, heavy books work just as well.
• Tweezers (optional): Useful for handling delicate petals without damaging them.

How to press flowers: Step-by-Step-Guide

Alright, let’s get into it! Here’s how you can use your flower press kit:Before you dive into the flower pressing process, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need. Here’s your checklist:

• A Flower Press Kit: This is the key tool, and if you’re just starting out, it’s a good idea to pick one that includes the basic parts—two boards, absorbent paper, and screws or clamps.
• Fresh Flowers or Leaves: You’ll want to pick these as fresh as possible for the best results.
• Paper (Blotting or Parchment): This is important for absorbing moisture from the flowers. Make sure you’ve got some on hand to place between the blooms.
• Scissors: Handy for trimming any stems or leaves.
• Books or Weights (optional): If your kit doesn’t have screws or you need extra pressure, heavy books work just as well.
• Tweezers (optional): Useful for handling delicate petals without damaging them.

Step 1: Choose your flowers

First thing’s first: you’ll need to pick your flowers. The best flowers for pressing are flat ones with thin petals—think daisies, violets, lavender, or ferns. If you're after something a bit thicker, like a rose, just remember that thinner petals press better. It's also a good idea to pick flowers when they’re fresh and dry, as too much moisture can cause mould.

When you’re out picking, avoid flowers that are too wet or have been rained on, as these may not press well.

Step 2: Trim and Prepare the flowers

Once you’ve picked your flowers, it’s time to trim them down. You don’t need the whole stem—just the bloom or leaf. For flowers like roses, it might help to cut them in half to get a flatter shape that will press more evenly. Use your scissors to carefully trim any unwanted leaves or stems.

Then, place the flowers between sheets of absorbent paper. Blotting paper or parchment is perfect for this. The paper will help wick away the moisture as the flowers dry.

Step 3: Arrange the Flowers in the Press

Now that your flowers are prepared, it’s time to lay them in the press. This is where you can get a bit creative! Arrange your flowers however you like, but remember—don’t overcrowd them. They need space to breathe so that they dry evenly. If you’re pressing multiple flowers, make sure they’re not overlapping too much, as this could result in them sticking together or getting squashed.

Pro tip: If you’re pressing particularly delicate flowers, like small petals or ferns, tweezers can be a lifesaver.

Step 4: Apply Pressure

Once your flowers are nicely arranged, it’s time to close the press. If your kit has screws or bolts, slowly tighten them to apply pressure. You don’t want to overdo it—just enough to keep the flowers flat but not squished. The goal is to get the flowers pressed without crushing them.

If your kit doesn’t have a tightening mechanism, you can always use heavy books or other weights to apply the pressure.

Step 5: Let the Flowers Dry

Now comes the hardest part—waiting! Depending on the type of flowers you’re pressing, this can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks. It’s best to store your flower press in a dry, cool place while the flowers dry out. Check them every few days to see how they’re going. You’ll know they’re ready when they feel completely dry and crisp to the touch.

If your flowers aren’t pressing evenly or seem a bit too moist, you can always open the press, change out the paper, and re-tighten it for more drying time.

Tips for Best Result in Flower Pressing

• Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure there’s enough space between your flowers. Too many in one press can cause uneven drying and even sticking together.
• Use Quality Paper: Blotting or parchment paper is ideal for absorbing moisture. Regular printer paper might not do the trick.
• Keep it Dry: Humidity can cause the flowers to retain moisture, which may lead to mould. Store your press in a dry area.
• Be Patient: Flower pressing takes time, but it’s worth the wait! Rushing the process might lead to flowers that aren’t fully dry or pressed.

Creative Ways to Use Your Pressed Flowers

Once your flowers are perfectly pressed and dried, the possibilities are endless! Here are a few fun ways to use them:

• Greeting Cards: Pressed flowers make beautiful, personal additions to cards for birthdays, weddings, or any occasion.
• Home Décor: Create gorgeous framed art by arranging pressed flowers in unique patterns.
• Bookmarks: Use pressed flowers to make one-of-a-kind bookmarks that also make great gifts.
• Scrapbooking: Add pressed flowers to your scrapbook pages for a natural, textured touch.
• Jewellery: If you’re feeling crafty, why not make resin jewellery using your pressed flowers? Necklaces, earrings, and bracelets—so many possibilities!

Conclusion

Flower pressing is a simple, rewarding way to preserve nature’s beauty and add a personal touch to your craft projects. With a flower press kit, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh blooms year-round, long after their season has passed. Plus, it’s a great way to keep memories alive—whether it’s from a wedding, a garden, or a special moment in time.

You May Also Like To Read: Flower Pressing vs. Drying