Spring has sprung at Farmer John’s and that means flowers are blooming! From shrubs to porch pots, even custom-made arrangements, the uses are endless. But have you considered pressed flowers too? Today we’ll take a look at the exciting world of preserving flowers, and a few ideas for using them as well!
Materials:
- Flowers
- Heavy book or smaller book with weight on top
- Wax Paper (Optional)
- Time! (Few Days-Weeks)
The first and most important thing you’ll need is, of course, flowers! There are a few things to consider before choosing which flowers to press. Look for smaller, more delicate flowers as they will be easier to press nice, and flat. If you wish to press a bulky flower, (ex roses and hydrangeas) remove and press the individual petals. Or separate individual flowers from the bunch like on the hydrangea. This will allow you to preserve them much easier!
More to consider when choosing the individual flowers, is how you want them to look once they’re ready. All flowers will lose some color during the drying process. If you’re looking to keep them as vibrant as possible, be sure to pick them when they are in their peak condition. If you don’t mind a bit of character, faded petals will still work great. It can be a great way to preserve a special bouquet that’s starting to lose its freshness.
The next thing you’ll need is a hardcover book, the thicker and heavier the better. If you don’t have something like that, a thin hardcover with some extra weight stacked on top will do just as well! Depending on the water content of your flowers, use a piece of wax paper to press the flowers on. This will keep the inside of your book stain free. Avoid using paper towels, as the texture will also show on your flowers.
The final thing you’ll need to press your flowers is time and a lot of it! Make sure you’re storing your book with the flowers in a cool, dry place to keep them safe. Some flowers retain more moisture than others. You’ll know they’re done when they feel dry and papery to the touch. If they feel at all damp or cool to the touch they aren’t quite ready yet. Depending on the type of flower, this could be anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Once your flowers are all ready, you may be wondering what to do with them. They have a limitless array of possible uses. Some of our favorites here at Farmer John’s include using them in cards or letters. Either taping them in or using Elmer’s glue. We also love making arrangements in glass frames, to display the flowers around your home. Dried flower petals are great for paper making or wax seal stamps, to add some texture to your projects!
We carry a wide array of items here at Farmer John’s to help you every step of the way. This includes flower seed packets, live flowers, pre-pressed flowers, glass frames, and books. Stop by Farmer John’s and brighten up your home today!