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Let’s talk about something that’s been blooming all over my crafting radar lately – pressed flowers! Yep, you heard me right – those delicate beauties pressed between the pages of a book, ready to add a touch of vintage whimsy to your life.
Now, I know what you might be thinking – “Pressed flowers? Isn’t that something my grandma used to do?” But hold onto your glue guns, because this trend is making a major comeback, and it’s cooler than ever!
Imagine this: you stroll into your living room and there, hanging proudly on your wall, is a gorgeous piece of artwork made entirely of pressed flowers. It’s like bringing a piece of nature indoors, but with a charming, old-school twist.
And here’s the best part – pressing flowers is a breeze! No fancy equipment needed, just some parchment paper and a couple of heavy books. It’s the kind of DIY project you can do while binge-watching your favorite show or chatting away with your bestie.
But wait, it gets even better! Once you’ve got your pressed flowers, the possibilities are endless. Picture this: stunning floral coasters to jazz up your coffee table, adorable pressed flower earrings that’ll make your friends green with envy, or even personalized greeting cards that’ll make your loved ones swoon.
So, whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just dipping your toes into the DIY pool, pressed flower crafts are here to add a sprinkle of magic to your life. So grab those petals, unleash your creativity, and let’s get crafting – because the world could always use a little more flower power! 🌼
Need something pretty made from pressed flowers for a gift but don’t have time to press your own? Check out our collection of gorgeous Pressed Flower Displays you can order from Etsy.
What Can You Make From Pressed Flowers?
Let’s take a look at what you can make from pressed flowers. There are so many crafts here to inspire you!
If you’re an avid reader you need these these adorable botanical pressed flower bookmarks in your bookish life
If you love to entertain you can take your pressed flowers and turn them into a beautiful serving tray!
How do you press flowers for beginners?
Let’s do a little flower pressing 101 just incase you’ve never done it before:
1. Gather Your Blooms: First things first, head out into your garden or take a leisurely stroll through your local park to gather some fresh blooms. Choose flowers that are in full bloom but not overly mature, as they’ll press more easily and retain their color better.
2. Prepare Your Materials: You won’t need much for this – just your freshly picked flowers and a heavy book. Grab a few sheets of parchment paper too, to protect your book and prevent the flowers from sticking.
3. Arrange Your Flowers: Lay out a sheet of parchment paper on a flat surface. Now, carefully arrange your flowers on the parchment paper, making sure they’re not overlapping or touching each other too closely.
4. Press Them Down: Once your flowers are arranged to your liking, gently place another sheet of parchment paper on top. Now comes the fun part – carefully close your heavy book over the flowers, pressing them down firmly.
5. Add Some Weight: If you want to make sure your flowers press evenly, you can stack a few more heavy books on top of the first one. This will help apply even pressure and ensure that your flowers come out looking their best.
6. Wait Patiently: Now, here’s the hard part – waiting! Leave your flowers pressed in the book for about 1-2 weeks to allow them to fully dry and flatten. Patience is key here, but trust me, it’ll be worth it in the end!
7. Check Your Progress: After a week or so, carefully peek inside your book to see how your flowers are doing. If they still feel a bit damp, give them a little more time to dry. Once they’re completely dry and flattened, they’re ready to be used in all your crafty endeavors!
Finally a floral gift that won’t wilt… these pretty coasters will look great on your table, or they make great gifts – especially for moms!
Watch the video to see how to make a pressed flower suncatcher to hang in the window
If you’re still a fan of analog wall clocks this is the craft for you
Choosing the Perfect Petals: What Kind of Flowers Are Best for Pressing?
Let’s take a quick break from the DIY project ideas to take a look at which blooms are the best for pressing. You want flowers that are not just pretty faces but can also handle a little squish, right? Here’s the lowdown on the best buds for your pressing party:
1. Delicate Darlings: Think of those dainty, thin-petaled flowers like daisies, pansies, and cosmos – they’re like the prima donnas of the pressing world. They take to pressing like a duck to water, drying and flattening out into picture-perfect specimens.
2. Petite Powerhouses: While big blooms are fabulous in bouquets, smaller flowers steal the show when it comes to pressing. Violets, baby’s breath, and larkspur may be small in size, but they pack a punch in the pressed flower department. Plus, they’re perfect for creating intricate designs or adding a pop of color to larger compositions.
3. Low-Maintenance Blooms: Picture this: you’re out in the garden, snipping flowers for your pressing project. You want to choose blooms that aren’t too thirsty, so leave those hydrangeas and succulents on the shelf. Instead, go for flowers with lower moisture content – they’ll press like a dream and won’t leave you with a soggy mess.
4. Tough Cookies: Now, don’t count out the sturdy flowers just yet! Roses, marigolds, and chrysanthemums might seem like they’re too tough for pressing, but with a little TLC, they can hold their own. Just be sure to remove any excess foliage and petals to ensure they dry evenly.
5. Let Your Creativity Bloom: At the end of the day, the best flowers for pressing are the ones that make your heart sing. So don’t be afraid to mix and match, experiment with different blooms, and let your creativity run wild! Keep a pressing journal to track your favorites and try out new techniques – after all, the beauty of pressed flowers is in their natural charm and uniqueness.
So grab your clippers, head out into the great outdoors (or your local flower market), and let’s get pressing! With the right blooms and a sprinkle of creativity, you’ll be well on your way to creating pressed flower masterpieces that’ll make even Mother Nature jealous! 🌸✨
Need more ideas for pressed flower crafts… keep scrolling for more pictures!
Learn how to make your own pressed flower jewelry dish from polymer clay, a few flowers from your yard and craft paint
Discover how to create little memories of each flower. Use them as floating lockets for branches or lovely keepsakes hidden away to surprise you on another day
This pressed flower craft is SO PRETTY! Make your own pressed flower lanterns that are beautiful, and really easy to put together!
Discover how to turn your pressed petal stash into a pretty pillar candle that’s perfect for a Mother’s Day gift
Find out how to make this Pressed Flower Necklace using pressed rose petals and a window pendant. Its the perfect keepsake after a special occasion.
Phone cases filled with real pressed flowers are so EXPENSIVE, which is why you need this DIY project to make your own!
How long do pressed flowers last?
So, you’re curious about how long those pressed flowers of yours will last, huh? Totally understandable – after all, we want our crafty creations to stand the test of time! Here’s the lowdown on what you can expect:
- Pressing with Care: First things first, the way you press your flowers plays a big role in how long they’ll last. If you’ve followed our trusty pressing tips (you did read them, right?), your flowers should be in tip-top shape and ready to stand the test of time.
- Storage Strategies: Now, let’s talk storage. The way you store your pressed flowers can make a big difference in their lifespan. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture, and they’ll thank you by sticking around for longer.
- Flower Facts: Different flowers have different lifespans when pressed. Thicker, hardier blooms like daisies and roses tend to last longer, while more delicate flowers may start to fade or crumble after a while.
So, how long can you expect your pressed flowers to grace your life with their presence? Well, if you’ve pressed them with care and stored them properly, they can last anywhere from a few months to several years! Not too shabby, huh?
But hey, even if your pressed flowers start to show signs of wear and tear, that’s okay! Each petal tells a story and adds a touch of character to your creations. Embrace the beauty of their imperfections and cherish the memories they hold.
Treat them with love and care, and they’ll be your crafty companions for years to come!
Still need ideas for what to make with your pressed flowers? We have more ideas… just keep scrolling!
Make art using DIY pressed flowers and Mod Podge! It’s easy to dry flowers and preserve them in a frame – this pressed flower art tutorial shows you how.
Japanese herbarium bottles are easy to create and make a wonderful decor statement in your home
Watch how to turn an old window and pressed flowers into a beautiful wall art piece
Here’s an easy tutorial that shows you how to make beautiful pressed flower art with basic dollar store frames and watercolor paper.
These pressed flower candles are a great way to bring flowers and greenery inside for the cooler months ahead
Mary Oliver writes the most beautiful poetry – treat yourself to a copy of Devotions
Discover how to turn your pressed flowers into a beautiful monogram to hang on the wall
Learn how to make resin jewelry using epoxy as well as dried flowers! You can make the most beautiful gifts with this DIY tutorial.
Watch the video to see how to make handmade paper from your pressed flowers
So there you have it, my crafty friend! You’re armed with all the knowledge you need to dive into the wonderful world of pressed flower crafts. From selecting the perfect blooms to mastering the art of pressing and preserving them, you’re ready to let your creativity bloom and create stunning works of art that will bring joy to your home and heart. So go ahead, grab your favorite flowers, and get pressing! Remember, the beauty of pressed flowers lies not just in their delicate petals, but in the memories they hold and the smiles they bring. Happy crafting! 🌸✨
