Place the flowers flat between two sheets of kitchen paper, and press them inside a heavy book – stack several books on top if you like. 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 such as pansies, poppies and leaves press best.
Pressed flowers are a small, beautiful way to preserve a summer memory or a bouquet. It doesn't require any special equipment or green fingers, just a bit of patience. Here's the classic method along with a few tips on when things can go wrong.
Which flowers?
The best flowers 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 pulled apart or pressed as individual petals.
Press in a book
- Choose fresh, dry flowers – avoid dew or rain on the petals.
- Place them flat between two sheets of kitchen paper (not newspaper, which can stain them).
- 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 they're completely dry.
Tip: Don't use your favourite book – moisture from the flowers can make the pages wavy. 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 and press gently with a dry, lukewarm iron in short bursts. This gives a result in minutes, but it takes a light hand so the flowers don't scorch. Microwave flower 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 look lovely 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 next to 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 let them 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 suitable for pressing?
Flat, thin flowers such as pansies, poppies, cornflowers, baby's breath and leaves. Fuller flowers should be taken apart first.
Why should you 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, change the paper along the way, and give them 2–4 weeks. Choose flat, thin flowers, and use an iron if it needs to go quickly. Afterwards, they look lovely in a frame, a card, or as a calm counterpart to fresh flowers in the vase.
Read also
- How to dry flowers yourself
- Dried flowers in the vase: how to style them
- Wall decoration: how to style your walls
Put fresh flowers on display next to your pressed ones, see our vases.