Flowers are precious. Whether given to us by a loved one, picked on the side of the road or a lone wildflower given to us by tiny hands and tender smiles, these are things we want to keep as memories. Here are a few ways to help.
Know your flowers
This may sound funny, but the smaller the flower the easier to press. If you are looking at drying larger flowers you may have to invest in a more heavy duty press, and the risk of large flowers molding on you is significantly higher. For these larger flowers I suggest using another drying method (SILICA GEL).
Choose a Press
Between Book Pages
In a Notebook/Between Paper
Using a Flower Press (like this one)
These are all perfect ways to press your flowers but there are a few things to make sure of:
Make sure the pages are for lack of a better word "papery". High gloss pages, wax paper or parchment paper will keep water intact and can cause issues with drying flowers. This is the one I use often.
Place on bottom of a book stack or under a paper weight, book end or other heavy object. This will ensure drying and flattening of flowers.
Wait! Pressing takes between 2-4 weeks depending on the flower! so patience is key.
Prepare and Press
Choose the flowers you are wanting to press.
*If you are pressing a full flower with the stem intact be sure to press it alone and give extra time for drying as the stems hold more moisture.
*For bloom pressing:
-Cut at the base of the bloom where it connects to the stem
-Lay face down on page or paper and fan out petals as desired
-Layer with another paper or closed book/notebook and press as desired.
Ready To Create!
After 2-4 weeks the flowers are ready! They should feel papery to the touch and very dry.
Now it's time to DIY.. whether bookmarks, cards, wall-hangings or jewelry your flowers are preserved and ready! What a lovely way to preserve the special moments.
Growing in Grace,
Marianne
Comments