How to Create Stunning Art with Pressed Flowers

Key Highlights

• Learn the art of pressing flowers and unleash your creativity with DIY projects.
• Discover the best flower pressing methods and essential supplies for optimal results.
• Explore creative project ideas, from personalized greeting cards to home décor.
• Understand how to preserve your pressed florals so you can cherish them for years to come.
• Find answers to frequently asked questions about flower pressing techniques and materials.

Introduction

Are you looking for a creative outlet that combines nature's beauty with your artistic flair? Look no further than the enchanting world of pressed flower art! This blog post will guide you through everything you need to know, from selecting the right florals and using a flower press to crafting stunning DIY projects. Unleash your creativity and preserve the ephemeral beauty of flowers with these insightful tips and tricks. By following these guidelines, you'll achieve the best results and create unique flower art pieces. At the end of this post, if you find that you would like to leave your sentimental flower preservation to the professionals, there are links available to start the conversation.

Discovering the Art of Hand Pressed Flowers

Pressed flower art involves drying flower petals and leaves under pressure, flattening and preserving them for various applications. This technique allows you to capture the intricate details and vibrant colors of your favorite blooms, transforming them into timeless pieces of art. Amelia, owner of Element Design Co, has been pressing flowers for many years. In 2019, she decided to put her expertise to work and sought out to support those with their most sentimental blooms. Element encourages others to find the beauty in pressed florals, but strongly recommends saving sentimental flower arrangements such as wedding bouquets, baby shower blooms, memorial service arrangements, and more for the professionals. These arrangements all require specific attention to detail and unique preservation methods to ensure all flowers are properly pressed and turned into a beautiful work of art.

For hobbyists, pressed flowers as an art medium can beautifully create many crafts such as adorning handmade greeting cards to scrapbooking embellishments. With pressed flowers, there are a world of creative possibilities. Whether you're an experienced crafter or just starting, the journey of pressing botanicals is as rewarding as the end result.

The Beauty and History Behind Pressed Flower Art

The art of pressing flowers can be traced back centuries, with evidence suggesting its practice during the ancient Egyptian era. However, it was during the Victorian era that pressed flower art truly flourished as a popular hobby. People from all walks of life, particularly women, embraced the art form, meticulously book pressing flowers and preserving them in albums.

The Pressed Bouquet Shop, which later grew into a group of brands under Element Design Co, was first inspired by this art medium when owner Amelia's grandmother gifted her a single white rose pressed into a frame surrounding the words her father read to her on her sixteenth birthday party. The sentiment of preserved blooms to this day still allows her to remember this special event many years later.

Pressed flower art served not only as a decorative pursuit but also as a means of botanical study. Plant enthusiasts and scientists meticulously crafted herbarium sheets, preserving plant specimens for scientific research and identification. These preserved botanicals provide a fascinating glimpse into the past, offering valuable insights into plant biodiversity and evolution.

Today, pressed flower art continues to captivate with its timeless elegance and versatility. From adorning modern homes with delicate floral arrangements to adding a touch of vintage charm to DIY projects, pressed flower art remains a cherished art form passed down through generations.

Why Pressed Flowers Make for Timeless Decor

Pressed flowers offer a simple way to infuse your home décor with a touch of natural beauty and sentimental value. Unlike fresh florals that wither quickly, pressed flowers provide lasting enjoyment. The process of drying florals can sometimes enhance their colors, often resulting in vibrant hues that add a pop of visual interest to any space.

While brightly colored flowers can have their hues visually celebrated once they're pressed, white florals and other neutral toned blooms often return a more muted pallet. White roses most often turn to a blonde tone when pressed, light pink roses tend to fade rapidly, and blooms with underlying dusty tones tend to turn to a more soft gray or brown when pressed (quicksand roses, toffee roses, and more). These flowers are often found in wedding bouquets, and require a pressed flower expert to artfully design the flowers into a home decor piece that still accurately resembles the original arrangement.

When pressing flowers as a hobby, adding them to picture frames, creating personalized wall art, or embellishing candles and other decorative items are just a few ways to incorporate them into your home decor. The delicate nature of pressed florals lends an air of sophistication and elegance, effortlessly enhancing the ambiance of any room. For those looking for beautifully pressed blooms surrounding a photograph or sentimental paper product, Element Design Co.'s preservation division offers a unique product doing so, ideal for birthday gifts, anniversaries, and the gift giving holidays.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, pressed flowers serve as a beautiful way to preserve memories, Element's specialty. Whether it's a bouquet from a special occasion or wildflowers gathered on a memorable trip, incorporating these sentimental blooms into your home decor allows you to cherish those moments for years to come. Allow Element to create a mastery framed flower display from your most meaningful florals or transform these pressed blooms into a resin flower serving tray or set of coasters. With Element, the pressed flower home decor options are endless.

Preparing for Your Compressed Flower Project

Before you dive into the world of pressed flower art, it's essential to gather the necessary supplies and choose the proper florals for pressing. Having the right tools and materials ensures optimal results and prevents disappointment.

Let's explore the essential supplies you'll need and valuable tips for selecting the best flowers for pressing. With a little preparation, you'll be well on your way to creating stunning, timeless works of art.

Essential Supplies to Put Your Pressed Flowers in Paper and Presses

When it comes to pressing flowers, having the right supplies makes all the difference. You will find that there are many different methods and different ways, but here are some must-have materials for successful flower pressing:

• Flower Press: While not strictly necessary, a flower press provides even pressure distribution, leading to beautifully flattened blooms. You can purchase a ready-made wooden flower press or create your own using plywood, cardboard, and bolts.
• Absorbent Paper: Absorbent paper, such as parchment paper, blotting paper, or even plain white paper, plays a crucial role in the drying process. These papers draw out moisture from the florals, preventing mold growth and ensuring proper drying.
• Heavy Objects: Whether you are using a flower press or an old book, you'll need something to weigh down the flowers during pressing. Heavy books, bricks, or even weights work well. Ensure the weight is evenly distributed to avoid warping the florals.

Choosing the Right Flowers for Pressing

Not all flowers are created equal when it comes to pressing. Selecting flowers with certain characteristics will yield better results and vibrant, long-lasting pressed florals.

Generally, blooms with thin petals and a lower water content press best. Ideal options include wildflowers, violets, pansies, and ferns. While you can experiment with any flower, avoid those with thick, fleshy petals, such as roses or lilies, as they tend to retain moisture and may rot or discolor during pressing.

Furthermore, opt for brightly colored flowers over white flowers, as the latter tends to brown or lose their vibrancy during the drying process. Remember, pressing flowers is a journey of discovery, so don't be afraid to experiment and see which blooms yield the most appealing results for your artistic vision!

With arrangements that are most important to you, we strongly suggest allowing Element Preservation to take the expert lead and transform them into a beautiful work of art to display in your home for years to come.

Step-by-Step Guide to Pressing Flowers

Now that you're familiar with the basics let's walk through the step-by-step process of pressing florals, from summer blooms to garden flowers, and wild flowers to house plants. Following these steps will allow you to flatten and dry your flowers properly, preserving their beauty for creative projects. Continue reading to discover the many different techniques to beautifully preserved flowers.

Gather your supplies, choose your florals carefully, and prepare to embark on a rewarding journey of preserving nature's ephemeral beauty.

Step 1: Select and Prepare Your Flowers

The first step to successfully pressing flowers is selecting fresh, dry blooms. Look for flowers that are just beginning to open, as they will retain their color and shape better during the drying process. Avoid flowers that show signs of wilting or damage, as these imperfections will become more pronounced once pressed.

Once you've gathered your chosen blooms, gently clean them to remove any dirt or debris. You can do this using a soft-bristled brush or a damp cloth. If necessary, trim the stems to the desired length. Remember that longer stems may require a larger flower press or book.

Before pressing, consider separating any thicker flowers or leaves to encourage even drying. The thickness of the flowers largely determines the likelihood of your beautiful results. You can either carefully peel apart the petals or use a thin, flat object, like a toothpick, to create space between them.

Step 2: Choosing Your Pressing Method

When selecting your pressing method for creating pressed florals, consider traditional methods like using a flower press or a heavy book. If using a book to press, some materials that you may find beneficial are wax paper, tissue paper, a piece of cardboard, paper towels, and a heavy item. A wooden press offers uniform pressure and are convenient for larger quantities, ensuring efficient drying. On the other hand, pressing flowers in a book is a nostalgic approach that can add a personal touch to your art. Somehow, we’ve found that one of the easiest ways to get flat blooms is using an ironing board for dry flowers. Choosing the right pressing method is essential for preserving the color, shape, and intricacy of your blooms, so select the method that aligns with your preferences and time constraints. If you are not a professional flower preservationist, please consider using an expert to preserve your once in a lifetime flower arrangements, such as your wedding bouquet or funeral flowers.

Step 3: Arrange and Press

Once you've chosen a pressing method, it's time to arrange your blooms. If using the large book method, line the open book with sheets of absorbent paper. Arrange your flowers in a single layer on one side of the paper, ensuring they don't overlap or touch. Keep in mind, paper pressed flowers can create challenges unless the proper blooms are selected and prepared.

Carefully lay another sheet of absorbent paper over the flowers, sandwiching them between the two sheets with only a single layer of petals. Close the book gently, taking care not to displace the florals. If using a flower press, follow the manufacturer's instructions for layering absorbent paper, cardboard, and florals.

Ensure the florals lay flat and are not overlapping before tightening the press. Once pressed, place the book or flower press in a dry, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat. Avoid disturbing the florals during the drying period, as this can lead to breakage or uneven pressing.

Step 4: Waiting and Progress

Patience is vital when pressing flowers. Drying time varies depending on the flower type, the pressing method used, and the humidity levels in your environment. On average, most florals will take one to three weeks to dry completely.

Resist the urge to check on your florals too frequently during the first week, as this may disrupt the pressing process. However, after the first week, you can cautiously check their progress. After a couple of weeks, you will notice the high water content of your florals lessens. Some delicate flowers will dry quicker than thicker blooms, so remember the best way to preserve a bloom is largely dependent on the specific flower itself.

Carefully open the book or flower press, ensuring you don't tear any delicate petals. If the flowers feel dry and papery to the touch, they are ready to use.

However, if any moisture remains, allow them to dry for longer, replacing the absorbent paper if necessary.

Be aware, when there are too many flowers in the press at one time, the moisture levels will increase. This also increases the chances of molding and unwanted deterioration. If you find mold growing, wearing gloves you must safely discard of the flower and all pressing materials surrounding the flower. To avoid the risk of losing florals due to mold in the preservation process, utilize Element's professional team to preserve your most special flower arrangements.

Projects with Pressed Flowers

Once your florals are ready, it's time to unleash your creativity. The delicate beauty of preserved blossoms lends itself to various DIY projects, allowing you to craft one-of-a-kind creations.

From personalized greeting cards to unique home accents, the possibilities for incorporating pressed blooms are limitless! Explore these inspiring ideas and add a touch of natural elegance to your crafting endeavors.

Designing Personalized Cards

Preserved flowers elevate ordinary greeting cards into heartfelt, personalized keepsakes. Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, or a simple 'thinking of you' message, adding pressed flowers makes the occasion even more special.

Select the compressed flowers that complement the card's theme or the recipient's favorite colors. Use tweezers to carefully arrange the delicate blooms on the cardstock, securing them with a thin layer of glue specifically designed for delicate craft projects.

These personalized cards also make great gifts, showcasing your thoughtfulness and creativity. Consider experimenting with different cardstock textures, layering techniques, and calligraphy to create truly unique and memorable pieces.

Embellishing Decor Items

Pressed flowers effortlessly enhance home decor items, adding a touch of nature's beauty to your living spaces. Embellishing candles is a popular option. Carefully adhere preserved florals to the candle's surface using a heat-resistant adhesive, ensuring they are positioned away from the wick.

You can also incorporate preserved blooms into bookmarks by utilizing lamination sleeves and paper for your preserved blooms. Consider adding a tassel with colorful string and beads to daintily lay over the top of the book when closed.

These unique and personalized creations make thoughtful gifts or eye-catching additions to your home décor. Remember to seal any decorative items embellished with pressed florals either by glass or using a sealant appropriate for the material to protect them from moisture and dust.

Displaying Pressed Florals

With hand pressed flowers, it is crucial for maintaining their vibrant colors and delicate structures over time. By following a few simple practices, you can ensure your pressed flowers retain their beauty for years to come, allowing you to cherish your creations indefinitely.

It is important to note that when working with pressed flowers as an art medium, these are materials with natural pigmentation that were once a living organism. The colors will fade, even with UV resistant glass frames. The more times the art project is moved and used, the more likely it is that the blooms will become loose and fall out of place.

Furthermore, enjoy thinking of innovative display ideas showcase your pressed flower art in captivating ways, transforming them into statement pieces for your home.

Best Practices for Longevity

To preserve your blooms and prevent fading or damage, follow these best practices:

• Store Properly: Keep your florals in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading. Storing them flat in airtight containers or acid-free photo albums is ideal.
• Handle with Care: Pressed florals are delicate and prone to tearing or breakage. Always handle them with care, using tweezers for precise placement and avoiding unnecessary bending or pressing.
• Avoid Moisture: Moisture is detrimental to pressed florals, potentially leading to mold growth or discoloration. Store them in a humidity-controlled environment and avoid displaying them in areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms or kitchens.

Innovative Display Ideas

Displaying your crafted pieces using compressed florals in innovative ways further enhances their beauty. Instead of traditional framing methods, consider these unique and eye-catching display ideas:

• Frames: Using a traditional frame with an acid-free background, or a float frame featuring two pieces of glass with open space, allows you to showcase your pressed florals in modern and elegant ways, adding a touch of sophistication to any room.
• Glass Ornaments: Encase your florals within clear glass ornaments for a beautiful and festive decoration. Choose ornaments in various shapes and sizes to complement your décor and add visual interest to your living spaces.
• Botanical Resin Jewelry: Transform your buds into wearable art by crafting unique resin jewelry pieces. Pendants, earrings, and rings with intricately arranged pressed flowers make for stunning and personalized accessories.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating stunning art with pressed flowers is a beautiful and rewarding craft that allows you to preserve nature's beauty in unique ways. From the rich history behind pressed flower art to the step-by-step process of pressing and displaying blooms, this art form offers endless possibilities for creativity. Whether designing personalized greeting cards or embellishing home decor items, pressed florals add a timeless touch to your projects. Be sure to choose the right buds, follow proper pressing techniques, and explore innovative display ideas for showcasing your artwork.

Remember, for all sentimental flower arrangements, the professional floral preservation team at Element Design Co. strongly encourages you to leave these flowers to the preservation experts. Element specializes in preserving flowers into multiple sizes of preservation frames, as functional resin decor such as serving trays, ring dishes, coasters, and more. For the pressed flower hobbyists, we invite you to let your creativity blossom with the art of pressed flowers!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Any Flower Be Pressed?

While you can experiment with pressing almost any bloom, some are better suited than others for creating pressed flower art. Florals with thin petals and low water content, such as daisies, violets, and ferns, generally yield the best results, retaining their color and shape beautifully. Unless using a professional team like Element, challenges arise when DIY pressing florals such as roses, dahlias, peonies, and other multi-layered florals.

How Long Does A Pressed Flower Last?

Pressed flowers last a long time, often for several years, if stored correctly. To ensure their longevity and best results, keep them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity. Proper storage is a great way to preserve their vibrant colors and delicate forms for years.

Can Pressed Florals Fade, and How to Prevent It?

Yes, pressed florals can fade over time, primarily due to exposure to light, particularly direct sunlight. To prevent fading, always follow best practices: store your blooms in a dark, cool, and dry location. By minimizing light exposure, you can preserve their vibrant colors for a long time.

Are Pressed Flowers Considered Eco-Friendly?

Yes, pressed flowers are generally considered eco-friendly. They utilize natural materials and offer a sustainable alternative to traditional decorative elements. When gathering wild plants or florals, always practice responsible harvesting to avoid disturbing the ecosystem or endangering plant specimens.