Lay the flowers flat between two sheets of kitchen paper, and press them inside a heavy book – feel free to stack several books on top. Change the paper after a couple of days, and leave them for 2–4 weeks, until they're completely dry and flat. Flat, thin flowers like pansies, poppies and leaves press best.
Pressed flowers are a small, beautiful way to preserve a summer memory or a bouquet. It requires no special equipment or green fingers – just a bit of patience. Here's the classic method and a few tricks for when it goes wrong.
Which flowers?
The best for pressing are flat and thin flowers that don't hold too much water: pansies, poppies, cornflowers, baby's breath, leaves and small twigs. Fuller flowers like roses can be pressed, but should be divided or pressed as individual petals.
Press in a book
- Choose fresh, dry flowers – avoid dew or rain on the petals.
- Lay them flat between two sheets of kitchen paper (not newspaper, which can transfer ink).
- Place the "sandwich" inside a heavy book, and stack several books on top.
- Change the paper after 2–3 days to draw out moisture.
- Leave them to press for 2–4 weeks, until completely dry.
Tip: Don't use your favourite book – moisture from the flowers can make the pages ripple. An old phone book or a catalogue is perfect.
The quick method
If you're in a hurry, you can press flowers with an iron: place them between paper, press gently with a dry, lukewarm iron in short bursts. This gives a result in minutes – but requires a light touch so the flowers don't scorch. Microwave presses are also available for the impatient.
Overview
| Method | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Book / flower press | 2–4 weeks | Most flat flowers |
| Iron | Minutes | Quick result, thin flowers |
| Microwave press | Minutes | Colour retention, requires practice |
How to use them
Pressed flowers are beautiful in a glass frame on the wall, in a card, as a bookmark or behind glass in a tray. If you want a whole still life, let a few pressed flowers lie loosely beside a vase of fresh flowers – that way you tie the fresh bouquet and the lasting memory together.
Frequently asked questions
How do you press flowers?
Lay them flat between two sheets of kitchen paper in a heavy book, change the paper after a couple of days, and leave them to press for 2–4 weeks.
How long does it take to press flowers?
In a book, typically 2–4 weeks. With an iron or microwave, it can be done in minutes.
Which flowers are best for pressing?
Flat, thin flowers like pansies, poppies, cornflowers, baby's breath and leaves. Fuller flowers should be pulled apart first.
Why do you need to change the paper?
To draw out moisture, so the flowers dry faster and don't go mouldy or turn brown.
Can you press flowers with an iron?
Yes. Place them between paper and press gently with a dry, lukewarm iron in short bursts.
Summary
Press flowers flat between kitchen paper in a heavy book, changing the paper along the way, and give them 2–4 weeks. Choose flat, thin flowers, and use an iron if you're in a hurry. Afterwards, they'll look lovely in a frame, on a card – or as a calm counterpart to fresh flowers in the vase.
Read also
- How to dry your own flowers
- Dried flowers in the vase: how to style them
- Wall décor: how to style your walls
Set the scene for fresh flowers alongside your pressed ones – take a look at our vases.
