In our fast-paced world, there’s something incredibly soothing about pressing flowers — a way to pause, appreciate nature's delicate beauty, and turn fleeting moments into lasting art. Pressed flower art is a timeless craft that has been loved for centuries, and the best part? Anyone can try it, even if you’ve never considered yourself “crafty.”
Whether you dream of making your own bookmarks, greeting cards, wall art, or simply preserving a special flower from a memorable walk, pressed flower art is a rewarding and surprisingly simple hobby. Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to help you get started and capture nature’s magic at home.
Choose the Right Flowers
Not all flowers press equally well. For beginners, it’s best to start with blooms that are naturally flat or have thin petals. Flowers like pansies, daisies, violets, and ferns are perfect starting points. Avoid thick or bulky flowers (like large roses), as they can take a long time to dry and often don’t press evenly.
Pick your flowers when they’re at their freshest and driest — ideally in the morning after any dew has evaporated. This helps preserve their color and prevents mold.
Prepare Your Flowers Properly
Once you’ve collected your flowers, trim off any excess stems or leaves you don’t want to include. You can also gently spread out the petals or leaves to get the shape you like before pressing. If you’re using thicker flowers, consider splitting them in half to make them easier to flatten.
Pressing Techniques
The most classic method is using heavy books. Simply place your flowers between two sheets of absorbent paper (like parchment or blotting paper) to protect your books and help draw out moisture. Stack a few more heavy books on top and leave them for 1–2 weeks. Check occasionally to ensure the flowers are drying well and not sticking or molding.
If you want a faster and more consistent result, you can also use a flower press. These presses are specially designed to apply even pressure and encourage quicker drying. At aZenera, we love using simple, beginner-friendly presses that make the process easy and fun.
Handling Pressed Flowers
Once your flowers are completely dry, handle them gently — they’re delicate and can break easily. Use tweezers if needed, especially for smaller pieces. Store finished flowers between sheets of paper until you’re ready to create.
Project Ideas to Try
Pressed flowers are versatile and can be used in so many beautiful projects:
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Bookmarks: A lovely way to combine art and functionality. A pressed flower bookmark makes a thoughtful, handmade gift.
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Greeting Cards: Create unique cards that capture the beauty of a specific season or moment.
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Framed Art: Arrange your flowers in patterns or shapes and frame them to add a touch of nature to your home decor.
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Decorated Journals: Personalize notebook covers or journal pages with small pressed blooms.
Don’t be afraid to experiment — part of the fun is discovering what combinations and layouts you love most.
Tips for Keeping Colors Vibrant
One challenge with pressed flowers is that some colors can fade over time. To help preserve their brightness:
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Store flowers away from direct sunlight until you’re ready to use them.
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Use acid-free paper when pressing and mounting flowers to avoid discoloration.
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Consider using a sealant spray on finished pieces if they’ll be exposed to light.
Embrace the Imperfections
Pressed flower art is as much about the process as it is about the final product. Each flower is unique, and small imperfections add charm and character to your pieces. Enjoy the meditative, mindful nature of arranging petals and creating something that celebrates the fleeting beauty of the natural world.
Getting Started with aZenera
If you’re new to pressed flower art and aren’t sure where to start, aZenera’s pressed flower kits are a great option. They include a curated selection of flowers, easy-to-follow instructions, and all the materials you need to create your first bookmarks or cards. It’s a simple way to dive in without worrying about gathering supplies or choosing the right flowers.
Pressed flower art invites you to slow down, look closer, and capture the small wonders that might otherwise go unnoticed. Once you start, you might find yourself paying more attention to every little wildflower on your next walk — and discovering the joy of preserving a piece of nature to keep forever.
