By
Sherri Osborn is a crafting expert and writer with over 15 years of experience designing crafts for families and kids. She was a contributing author for two books, "Fuzzy Fun: Fabulous Pipe Cleaner Projects"and "Year-Round Crafts for Kids." Sherri also edited the"Crafters' Internet Handbook."
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Updated on 06/06/22
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By drying or pressing your fresh flowers, you can creatively save yoursummer blooms to be enjoyed year-round! Both dried flowers and pressed flowers can be used to make pressed flower art, fun crafts, gifts, and decorations.
Tip
When it comes to picking your flowers, no matter whether you are drying or pressing them, it is best to pick them on a dry day. Try to do it in the morning, as soon as any dew has dried. You should also try to pick your flowers just before they reach the full bloom stage. Some flowers do open more as they dry.
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- A heavy book
- Large brick or rock
- Hanger or hook
Materials
- Fresh flowers
- Newspaper
- Tissue paper
Instructions
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How to Dry Flowers
Prep the Flowers for Drying
Remove unwanted leaves, divide the flowers into small bunches, and tie them together with string, yarn, or rubber bands.
Hang the Flowers
Hang the flowers upside down on a hanger or hook in a warm, dry, dark place.
Tip
The location you choose must be dry so the flowers won't rot, and it should be as dark as possible because too much light might make the flowers fade.
Check on the Flowers
Drying flowers usually takes a couple of weeks. However, the length of time will vary depending on the kind of flowers you are drying, the humidity, and the temperature. Check on your flowers every two to three days. They should be dry to the touch.
Tip
Store your dried flowers in a dark, sealed container until ready to use.
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How to Press Flowers
Set up Pressing Materials
Set out a piece of cardboard that is almost the same size as your book. Lay a piece of newspaper (about the same size of your cardboard piece) on top of that, followed by a piece of tissue paper (also about the same size as your cardboard piece).
Lay Out the Flowers
Place the flowers on the tissue paper. Make sure none of the flowerstouch one another or hang over the side of the tissue paper. Cover the flowers with another piece of tissue paper, then the newspaper, and then cardboard. Continue this process, one on top of the other until all your flowers are prepared.
Press the Flowers
Once your stack is done, top it off with your heavy book and the brick or stone. Allow gravity to take its toll; the process can take two to four weeks.
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