How to Press Flowers 4 Ways

Book pressing is definitely the most popular flower pressing method out there. It's so simple, and while it does take a long time to do, you won't waste your time building the same complicated contraption that is required for a flower press. The main benefit to using this method is that it is probably the most inexpensive method. The only real con to pressing flowers with books is that the pressure on the flowers may not be completely uniform, giving you uneven results.

Instructions:

1. Sandwich the fresh flowers between two sheets of wax paper or newspaper.
2. Place between pages of a large volume book. Dictionaries or encyclopedias work well.
3. For multiple pressings in one book, leave many pages (about 1/4-1/8 inch) between pressings.
4. Close the book.
5. Stack several heavy books on top and wait several weeks.

A simple flower press is basically two boards, held together with a long bold and wing nut in each corner. This is the more "professional" method of pressing flowers because it has the most effective color retention and because flower presses have even, continuous pressure on the flowers. The downside of this method is that larger buds, like roses, have to be cut before pressing.

Here's What You Need:
Cardboard, two wooden boards, blotting paper (newspaper), flowers, four long bolts, and four wing nuts.

Instructions:

1. Layer the flowers between two piece of plain paper.
2. Take the flowers and play paper and layer them between two piecese of blotting paper (newspaper).
3. Press the whole thing between two pieces of cardboard.
4. Drill four holes in the corners of the boards and secure the whole thing together with the bolts and wing nuts.
5. Leave the flowers for 2-3 weeks in the press.

Microwave pressing is one of the easiest methods out there. You can even buy a specially made microwave flower press! If you're looking to press flowers in a hurry, this method is the one for you; it is by far the fastest method. That said, it still takes a few hours to a full day to complete. This method is also tricky because it is much easier to overheat the flowers and make them too brittle.

Instructions:

1. Sandwich the flowers between two sheets of blotting paper (or newspaper).
2. Pad it with three or more sheets of paper towel.
3. Place in a microwave.
4. Take a microwave-safe casserole dish and place it on top. Ceramic tile also works well if your casserole dishes are too big to fit in your microwave.
5. Microwave in short, 30-second intervals at medium to low-medium power.
6. Allow the flowers to cool between heating so the steam can escape.
7. Heating should take around three minutes in total.
8. Leave the flowers in the microwave for a few minutes with the power off.
9. Remove the flowers from the microwave and press them in a phone book or other large book for a few hours or up to a day.

Much like the microwave pressing method, mentioned above, iron pressing flowers is a fast but delicate method. The benefit to iron pressing, however, is that you can have a little more control over the whole process. Be careful, though -- the heat can be hard to control, and because this method is faster than others, your flowers might not get as dry as you expect them to.

Instructions:

1. Lay the flowers between two pieces of blotting paper (newspaper).
2. Remove all water from your iron before using on the flowers. Moisture will cause the flowers to brown and make it harder for them to try.
3. Heat the iron to its lowest setting.
4. While the iron is heating, press the flower with a heavy book, flattening it.
5. Remove the book and press the iron onto the top sheet of blotting paper for 10 to 20 seconds.
   Note: Do not move the iron around. Keep it in one place.
6. Remove the iron and wait for the paper to cool down and then repeat until the flowers are dry and firm.

Try your hand at one of these four methods with the pressed flower crafts below!