Pressed Flower Art Cheatsheet
Best Flowers for Pressing
| Flower Type | Pressing Results | Colour Retention | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pansies | Flat & colourful | Excellent | Quick drying, vivid hues |
| Violets | Small & delicate | Excellent | Ideal for small projects |
| Daisies | Flat petals | Very good | Trim stem before pressing |
| Hydrangeas | Multi-petal clusters | Moderate | Can lose vibrancy |
| Fern Leaves | Flat & lacy | Excellent | Great for filler and contrast |
| Rose Petals | Individual petals | Good | Full roses not ideal; press petals |
| Queen Anne’s Lace | Delicate structure | Very good | Very fragile; handle with care |
Flower Pressing Methods
| Method | Time Required | Best For | Tools Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Press | 7–14 days | All flower types | Flower press or books, blotting paper |
| Microwave Press | 1–3 minutes | Small/delicate flowers | Microwave flower press, parchment |
| Ironing Method | 1–5 minutes | Flat leaves/petals | Iron, parchment, towel |
| Silica Gel (flattened) | 2–7 days | Delicate, 3D petals | Silica gel, flat weight |
Essential Pressing Supplies
| Item | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blotting Paper | Absorbs moisture from flowers | Replace every few days |
| Cardboard Sheets | Provides structure in press | Avoid corrugated edges on petals |
| Flower Press | Even pressure over time | Can DIY or purchase |
| Heavy Books | Affordable pressing method | Use parchment to protect pages |
| Parchment Paper | Prevents sticking | Better than wax paper |
| Microwave Press | Fast pressing option | Use in short intervals |
Pressing Tips & Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Mold on Flowers | Trapped moisture | Change blotting paper, dry faster |
| Faded Colours | Too much heat or sunlight | Store in cool, dark place |
| Brown Spots | Flowers too thick | Use thinner petals or split flower head |
| Petals Sticking | Used wax paper | Switch to parchment or blotting paper |
| Wrinkled Petals | Uneven pressure or folding | Flatten before pressing with fingers |
Design & Arrangement Ideas
| Project Type | Flower Types | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Framed Botanical Art | Pansies, ferns, daisies | Use acid-free backing and UV glass |
| Greeting Cards | Small flat flowers | Glue with clear drying adhesive |
| Bookmarks | Ferns, violets | Laminate or press between plastic sheets |
| Resin Jewelry | Tiny petals, ferns | Fully dry flowers before casting |
| Candles & Decor | Flat pressed flowers | Use with clear wax or mod podge overlay |
| Scrapbooking | Mixed flowers | Layer with papers and calligraphy |
Gluing & Mounting Techniques
| Adhesive Type | Surface Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mod Podge | Paper, card | Sealing and gluing | May alter colour slightly |
| PVA (White) Glue | Paper, wood | Basic crafting | Use sparingly to avoid wrinkling |
| Spray Adhesive | Large areas | Even application | Do outdoors or in ventilated area |
| Glue Stick | Cardstock, paper | Kids’ crafts, fast projects | Not strong long-term |
| Double-sided Tape | Smooth surfaces | Bookmark inserts | Invisible, easy to use |
Preservation & Framing
| Method | Purpose | Tools/Materials Needed |
|---|---|---|
| UV-Protective Frame | Prevents fading | UV glass, sealed frame |
| Laminating | Long-term sealing | Laminator, sheets |
| Mod Podge Seal | Surface protection | Brush-on sealant |
| Resin Casting | Encases flowers | Silicone mold, clear resin |
| Glass Sandwich Frame | Modern display | 2 panes of glass, metal frame |
Beginner Project Ideas
| Project Name | Flower Types Used | Tools Needed | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Herbarium Frame | Ferns, daisies | Frame, glue | 1–2 hours |
| Pressed Flower Card | Violets, pansies | Cardstock, Mod Podge | 30–60 minutes |
| Bookmark with Fern | Fern, tape or laminate | Scissors, ruler, tape/laminator | 20–30 minutes |
| DIY Coasters | Tiny petals, resin | Silicone molds, resin kit | 2–3 hours + cure |
| Phone Case Insert | Mixed pressed flowers | Clear phone case, Mod Podge | 1 hour |
Safety Tips & Storage
| Topic | Tip |
|---|---|
| Dry Flowers Well | Prevent mold by ensuring complete dryness |
| Store in Darkness | Preserve colour by avoiding direct sunlight |
| Use Acid-Free Paper | Prevent discolouration of flowers over time |
| Work in Ventilation | Especially when using sprays or resin |
| Label Specimens | Add date & location for botanical tracking |
Selling Pressed Flower Art
| Product Type | Market Channels | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Framed Art | Etsy, boutiques | $25–$150 | Focus on quality framing |
| Greeting Cards | Markets, gift shops | $5–$15 | Great for seasonal or wedding themes |
| Bookmarks | Online shops, schools | $4–$10 | Easy to ship and bundle |
| Resin Jewelry | Jewelry fairs, online | $15–$60 | Niche gift items |
| Pressed Flower Kits | DIY stores, e-commerce | $10–$30 | Includes instructions and sample flowers |