What is Flower Pressing?

Flower pressing has a rich history, with roots stretching centuries into the past. In Bronze Age Lancashire, pressed thistle flowers were offered as sacred votives. In Japan, press flower art dates back to at least the 16th century, through the practice known as oshibana. And flower pressing was all the rage in Victorian England. It’s even had scientific applications in collating plant data.

But what exactly is flower pressing? And what are pressed flowers used for? We’re exploring all this and more, including a quick overview on how to flower press. So read on for all the irresistible details.

Flower pressing is a traditional technique used to preserve the natural beauty of flowers and foliage by flattening them under pressure, usually between layers of absorbent paper, using a heavy object or a flower press. This process removes moisture, maintaining the plant’s original colour, shape, even intricate details. In fact, with appropriate care, the results can remain intact for hundreds of years.

This preserved flora can be used in creative projects, such as making framed artwork, greeting cards, bookmarks, and decorative items. Alternatively, there’s also practical uses for preserved flowers. An excellent example of this was the collection of Italian naturalist Ulisse Aldrovandi. Picked in the 16th century, they were crucial for climate change research published in 2023.

From a scientific standpoint, pressing flowers involves removing moisture to prevent decay and retain the plant’s cellular structure. The process halts enzymatic activities that would otherwise cause the flower to wilt and discolour. Understanding the science behind what is pressing flowers helps in perfecting the technique and achieving optimal preservation.

The first step in how to press flowers is selecting the best blooms for the job. And it’s important to be picky about one’s pickings. For instance:

• Flatter flowers are easier to press. Especially those with single-layered petals. Think daisies and dahlias, violas and violets.
• Minimal moisture content means minimal fuss. After all, a big part of pressing flowers is drying them out, so the less there is to dry, the faster and simpler it’ll be. Flowers should also be dry when picked, ideally in the morning, after any dew has evaporated.
• The fewer flaws, the higher the quality of the flower before pressing, the better the results.
• Timing is everything. Flowers in the early stages of blooming or even those yet to do so are often the best to press. Alternatively, selecting flowers at a variety of stages of development can make things more interesting.

With those features in mind, the next job is to prepare the flowers.

Regardless of the pressing method, the following tips will help to ensure the best results:

• Snipping Stamens: This is usually a yellow circle in the centre of the petals. While most flowers have a stamen, some are more obvious than others. And, where the stamen is prominent, such as in lilies, it’s important to remove it to avoid staining.
• Conditioning: Immersing the stem, and only the stem, into water as soon as possible after picking is a way to condition the flower, making its colour pop. Cut them at an angle then place in a vase with water and plant food.
• Trimming: Cut off any excess leaves. To press bigger flowers, cut them in half lengthways or trim the back.

There are several flower pressing methods, the choice of which can affect the outcome, but they share many of the steps and tools required. The general process begins with sourcing and preparing the flowers as above and, in all the cases below, entails the use of absorbent paper, usually parchment or newspaper. After that point, the following steps are important:

• Positioning the Flowers: They should lie flat between layers of absorbent paper, arranged in the desired shape. Different flowers should not overlap.
• Applying Pressure: Place the paper layers into the chosen press, ensuring the weight is equally distributed.
• Drying Time: The flowers should be allowed to dry completely. The time required varies with each method, ranging from minutes to weeks.
• Final Preservation: Once dried, the flowers should be stored in an airtight container, glued into a herbarium, or used in the desired craft. They should be kept out of direct sunlight and away from moisture to prevent fading and mould. When used in artwork, pressed flowers can be sealed with a clear adhesive or laminate to protect them.

Known for its reliability and precision, this press is composed of two wooden boards connected by screws. Flowers are arranged on the blotting paper, sandwiched between layers of cardboard, and placed into the press. The screws are tightened to apply even pressure, and the flowers are left in the press for two to four weeks. Periodic tightening of the screws maintains the pressure needed for thorough drying.

Alternative Options: Microwave Flower Pressing

For those seeking a quicker method of pressive flowers, microwave flower pressing offers an efficient alternative. This technique utilises a microwave-safe flower press, designed to expedite the drying process. Flowers are placed between two sheets of absorbent paper within the microwave press and microwaved on a low setting for 30 to 60 seconds. It’s important to check the progress of the process frequently to avoid burning the flowers. The press is allowed to cool between cycles, and the microwaving process is repeated until the flowers are completely dry. This method results in pressed and dried flowers in a matter of minutes, although the colours may slightly darken due to the heat.

Alternative Options: Book Pressing

The flowers are positioned between sheets of absorbent paper and inserted into the centre of a large, heavy book. Additional weight, such as more books or heavy objects, is placed on top to ensure consistent pressure. The flowers are left for two to four weeks, with periodic checks to ensure even drying.

So far, we’ve explored the mechanics behind pressing flowers. But what are pressed flowers used for? Their applications range from creating wall art and greeting cards to enhancing home décor and jewellery. They’re also a way of preserving memories, like a wedding bouquet. Or can be placed in a herbarium, a collection of pressed flowers.

From its historical roots to modern applications, flower pressing preserves the fleeting elegance of flowers, whether to preserve memories, create art, or record local plantlife.