Many of us like to preserve our favorite blossoms and enjoy their beauty all year long. I’m one of them. There are many techniques for preserving flowers, but drying and pressing them are the two easiest ways. However, it can be difficult for beginners to do so without damaging the flowers. In this tutorial, we will share instructions important tips on how to dry flowers and how to press flowers without damaging them. If you are an absolute beginner then you shouldn’t miss this.
Table of Contents hide
Why I Dry Flowers or Press Flowers?
How To Dry Flowers
How to Dry Whole Flowers
How to Press Flowers
How to Press the Whole Flower
How to Press Flower Petals
How to Prevent Color From Fading After Drying or Pressing
In old times, dried and pressed flowers were kept as a reminiscence of a special moment. But this pleasing tradition is being practiced by very few people these days. We don’t usually see someone keeping a flower pressed inside a journal or diary, but if you do find someone, be inspired and try to do the same when you get the chance to.
But do keep in mind that whether you dry or press flowers, the natural color will change but don’t worry, it gives quite an artistic touch. I’m much of a rustic fan. I love stuff with a rustic finishing.
Why I Dry Flowers or Press Flowers?
‘I have enough craft supplies, said no crafter ever’ – this is one of my favorite craft quotes. You will understand how valuable craft supplies can be once you become addicted or passionate about crafting.
To us crafters, no matter how small or inexpensive a craft supply is, it is as valuable as any expensive supply. Our craft supplies are like our treasures!
3 years ago, I wasn’t a craft addict. I used to craft only during my spare time and just for fun. When I started crafting I had to buy all the basic supplies one by one. And that’s when I realized that I already had so many craft supplies all around me! I feel so bad thinking about how many supplies I’ve sent to the trash – empty cereal boxes, old magazines, newspapers, toilet paper rolls, empty cardboard boxes, scrap papers, brown grocery bags, and much more.
Flowers are one of my favorite craft supplies and I like to preserve to use these beautiful blossoms all year round. I’ve also made a few things like this flower art using flowers. I will talk more about recyclable and reusable craft supplies and how to make recycled crafts later. For now, let me tell you how I press and dry flowers with minimal wastage.
“Flowers are the music of the ground
from earth’s lips spoken without sound”
How To Dry Flowers
Dried flowers are perfect for handmade cards, wreaths, bouquets, centerpieces, and other decoration pieces. It might take days or weeks to perfectly dry and press flowers for crafting purposes, but it’s worth the wait! Here are some instructions to dry flowers-
How to Dry Whole Flowers
- You will have to collect flowers that are not fully bloomed and have lots of layers (petals), such as rose, dahlia, peony, chamomile, etc. Better to collect half bloomed flowers.
- Also do not collect already stiffed flowers for drying purposes, the flowers should be fresh.
- If you want to dry a flower with a stem you can hang the flower upside down in a cool and dry place, this is an old and traditional technique for drying flowers. You can group a bunch of flowers, tie the stems together lightly and hang them upside down in a cool dry place. A dark (no direct sunlight), dry and cool place inside your house could be perfect.
- Wait for 2-4 weeks. After a few weeks, the flowers will stiff to the touch and change color. Once dried spray some hairspray on them to strengthen them. This method really works.
There are some naturally dried flowers, such as – holy basil flower. Once the flower is dry it remains dry forever, doesn’t shrink, stiff, or die. These flowers are great for making wreaths, bouquets, rustic decoration pieces.
How to Dry Flower Petals
Drying flower petals are also fun, especially rose petals. Here are some tips for drying flower petals-
- To prepare dry flower petals collect flowers with relatively large and less fragile petals. I have rose and bougainvillea plants in my garden and they are perfect for drying petals.
- After collecting the flowers carefully take off the petals. Spread the petals on a piece of paper (just to keep them safe) and keep them in a dry, cool and safe place. This will take weeks.
- After a week the petals will start to shrink, stiff and change color. Once you notice that the petals have stopped changing colors it will mean that they are completely dry and ready to be used as craft supplies!
I love to dry flower petals rather than flowers. Dry flower petals are pretty handy for my craft projects. I use them a lot for making cards and wreaths.
How to Press Flowers
How to Press the Whole Flower
There are several ways to press flowers but I am going to share the 3 techniques that I usually follow to press flowers.
- Pressing Flowers in Books: This is the easiest way of pressing flowers. Select a heavy book for pressing flowers. It’s better to use books which are not read frequently. In order to avoid stains on the book pages from the pigmentation of flowers keep the flowers between 2 extra sheets of paper and then place them inside the book.
- Pressing Flowers in Press: I don’t have a press but using flower press is obviously better than using books because there’s always a risk of getting your book pages stained.
How to Press Flower Petals
- Pressing Petals in Books: Carefully take off the petals and place them on a paper sheet. The petals shouldn’t overlap, keep small gaps between each petal. Place the sheet inside a heavy book and then place another paper sheet on the top. Close the book and wait for a week.
- Pressing Petals in Press: And of course, you can always use a flower press to press the petals as well, too bad I don’t have one.
- You can also place the petals between sheets of art paper and iron them in medium-low heat, this is a quick process.
- You can also use a flower press for pressing the petals but I suggest using heavy books. This might take a while but the petals turn out perfectly pressed!
How to Prevent Color From Fading After Drying or Pressing
Pressed and dry flowers (or petals) usually fade and change colors. There are several ways to keep the original color for a while even after the flower or petal is pressed. Pressed and dry flowers, petals start to change colors after a week. You can apply a coat of white glue: water 50:50 mixture on the pressed flowers and allow the glue to dry entirely. This can prevent the color from fading.
There’s another way – you can also use hair spray! It works fine, keeps the flower from fading color for a long time, more than months!
I hope the tips are helpful.
Don’t forget to share your feedback in the comments below. Share pictures of the flowers you have dried or pressed, we would love to see them. You can share your picture with hashtag #craftaholicwitchon Instagram or Facebook or just DM your picture to us onInstagramorFacebookpage.
Thank you!
Greetings, fellow crafting enthusiasts! As someone deeply immersed in the world of crafting and preserving natural beauty, I can attest to the transformative power of dried and pressed flowers in creating stunning, everlasting artworks. My journey into the realm of crafting began three years ago, evolving from a casual pastime to a passion that now drives me to explore various techniques, including the delicate art of preserving flowers.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the tutorial on drying and pressing flowers:
Why Preserve Flowers?
The article touches on the sentimental value of dried and pressed flowers as keepsakes of special moments. This tradition, though not as prevalent today, adds an artistic touch to crafts. The author emphasizes that while the natural color may change, it enhances the overall aesthetic, particularly for rustic-themed creations.
Crafting Supplies and Treasures
Crafters, as the article suggests, often consider even the smallest and seemingly insignificant supplies as valuable treasures. The author reflects on the evolution of their crafting journey, realizing the potential of overlooked materials like flowers. This insight fuels their commitment to minimal wastage and sustainable crafting.
Drying Flowers
How to Dry Whole Flowers:
- Selection: Choose flowers that are not fully bloomed and have many layers (petals). Half-bloomed flowers like rose, dahlia, peony work well.
- Hanging Method: Hang flowers upside down in a cool, dry, and dark place for 2-4 weeks. Use hairspray afterward to strengthen and preserve them.
- Naturally Dried Flowers: Certain flowers like holy basil remain dry forever without shrinking, stiffening, or dying.
How to Dry Flower Petals:
- Selection: Choose flowers with large and less fragile petals, like roses or bougainvillea.
- Drying Process: Carefully remove petals, spread them on paper, and store in a dry, cool place for weeks. Once they stop changing colors, they are ready for use in crafts.
Pressing Flowers
How to Press the Whole Flower:
- Book Method: Place flowers between sheets of paper within a heavy book, avoiding stains on book pages from pigmentation. Wait for the pressing process to complete.
How to Press Flower Petals:
- Book Method: Similar to pressing whole flowers, place petals between sheets of paper in a heavy book for a week.
- Press Method: Use a flower press for quicker results. Alternatively, place petals between sheets of art paper and iron them on medium-low heat.
Preventing Color Fading:
Pressed and dry flowers tend to fade over time. To maintain the original color:
- Apply a 50:50 mixture of white glue and water on pressed flowers and allow it to dry.
- Use hairspray on pressed flowers to prevent color fading for an extended period, sometimes more than months.
Crafters, I hope these insights and tips prove valuable in your flower preservation endeavors. Don't hesitate to share your creations and experiences in the comments or on social media. Happy crafting!
