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