How to Preserve Spring Flowers: 5 Pressing Techniques for Crafting
Inspiration

How to Preserve Spring Flowers: 5 Pressing Techniques for Crafting

May 20, 2025

Spring brings a burst of color, fragrance, and natural beauty—especially in the form of blooming flowers. But what if you could capture that beauty and keep it forever? Pressing flowers is a timeless craft technique that lets you preserve your favorite blooms and turn them into elegant decorations, gifts, or keepsakes.

Whether you're creating art, journaling, or working on a DIY project with Azenera's pressed flower kits, here are 5 effective techniques to press flowers like a pro.

1. Book Pressing Method (Classic & Easy)

Best For: Flat flowers like daisies, violets, and pansies

How to do it:

  • Choose clean, dry flowers.

  • Place each bloom between two sheets of parchment or wax paper.

  • Insert into a heavy book (like a dictionary), then close it.

  • Add additional books or weights on top.

  • Wait 1–2 weeks.

Pros: Simple and requires no special tools
Cons: Takes time and may curl thicker flowers

Tip: Use acid-free paper for best preservation results.

2. Iron Pressing Method (Quick Fix)

Best For: Crafting on short notice

How to do it:

  • Place flowers between parchment paper.

  • Heat your iron to low (no steam).

  • Press firmly for 10–15 seconds, then lift.

  • Let cool and repeat until flowers are dry and flat.

Pros: Fast and effective
Cons: Slight risk of browning if the heat is too high

Tip: Always check the flower’s condition between presses to avoid damage.

3. Microwave Flower Pressing

Best For: Busy crafters who love instant results

How to do it:

  • Sandwich your flower between microwave-safe materials (e.g., ceramic tiles with paper or a microwave flower press).

  • Microwave in 30-second bursts.

  • Let cool between rounds and repeat until dry.

Pros: Very quick (takes minutes!)
Cons: May require special tools and careful monitoring

Tip: Start with low power settings to avoid burning delicate petals.

4. Wooden Press (Professional Finish)

Best For: Serious crafters and bulk pressing

How to do it:

  • Use a wooden flower press with bolts and wingnuts.

  • Layer flowers between cardboard and blotting paper.

  • Tighten the press evenly.

  • Leave for 7–10 days in a dry place.

Pros: Even pressure, long-lasting results
Cons: Requires a press (or DIY build)

Tip: Rotate paper every few days to speed up drying.

 5. Silica Gel Method (3D Pressed Look)

Best For: Thicker or delicate flowers (roses, orchids)

How to do it:

  • Fill a container with silica gel crystals.

  • Gently bury flowers inside.

  • Seal and leave for several days.

Pros: Preserves color and shape better than flat pressing
Cons: More expensive and not technically "pressed"

Tip: Use tweezers to remove flowers gently after drying.

What to Do With Your Pressed Flowers

Once your flowers are preserved, the possibilities are endless:

  • Frame them as botanical art

  • Make bookmarks or greeting cards

  • Decorate candles, coasters, or phone cases

  • Use in scrapbooking or journaling

  • Include them in handmade gifts

Start Pressing with Ease

Not sure where to begin? Azenera’s pressed flower kits include everything you need—beautiful pressed flowers, tools, and creative inspiration - to help you effortlessly turn nature into art.