Complete Gardening
Pressing flowers is a timeless craft that transforms delicate blooms into lasting keepsakes, perfect for decoration and cherished memories. With the right choice of flowers, you can achieve vibrant, flat specimens that retain their beauty over time.
Below is a curated list of ten flowers that are particularly easy to press, making them ideal for beginners and experienced hobbyists alike.
1. Pansies
Pansies are an excellent choice for pressing due to their thin petals and bright, varied colors. Their flat shape means they press easily under weight, making them ideal for crafting keepsakes.
The colors range from deep purples to light yellows and whites, adding vibrancy to any pressed flower collection. Because pansies naturally lay flat, they require minimal preparation before pressing.
Simply place them between two sheets of absorbent paper and apply consistent pressure. With a bit of patience, you’ll have beautiful, flat flowers that maintain their striking colors for years, perfect for cards or framed art.
2. Violets
Violets are cherished for their delicate nature and ability to retain color after drying. These small flowers press wonderfully, maintaining their enchanting purple shades. When gathering violets, select blossoms that are fully open but not wilted.
They require gentle handling due to their fragile structure. Lay them flat between papers and ensure even weight distribution. This allows the violets to dry evenly, preserving their shape and color.
Their petite size makes them ideal for intricate designs or as subtle accents in larger compositions, adding a touch of elegance and nostalgia to your pressed flower projects.
3. Daisies
Daisies are a classic choice for pressing, thanks to their flat shape and sturdy petals. These cheerful flowers are easy to handle and press, retaining their simple beauty. The contrast between their white petals and yellow centers adds a delightful brightness to any pressed collection.
When pressing, ensure the daisy heads are facing upwards for the best result. The process is straightforward, making it an enjoyable activity for all ages. Once pressed, daisies can be used to brighten up greeting cards, bookmarks, or even wall art, bringing a piece of sunny fields into your home.
4. Cosmos
Cosmos are light and airy flowers, perfect for pressing due to their quick drying time and ability to retain vivid colors. Their petals are thin yet resilient, making them easy to press flat. Before pressing, choose cosmos that are fully bloomed and free of blemishes. This ensures the best results once dried.
Place them carefully between sheets of paper and press with uniform weight. Their soft pinks and whites add a touch of elegance to any project. Use pressed cosmos for decorative purposes or as accents in paper crafts, where their delicate appearance can shine.
5. Larkspur
Larkspur is known for its slim, papery petals that press beautifully, retaining both shape and color. These elegant flowers come in shades of blue and pink, making them a colorful addition to any pressed collection. When selecting larkspur for pressing, choose stems with open blooms for the best results.
Lay them flat and apply even pressure to ensure they dry correctly. The pressed larkspur can be used to create stunning bookmarks, stationery, or add a whimsical touch to framed displays. Their unique structure adds interest and dimension, making them a favorite among flower pressing enthusiasts.
6. Fern Leaves
Though not technically flowers, fern leaves add exquisite greenery to pressed designs. Their intricate patterns and textures are preserved beautifully when pressed. Fiddleheads, or young fern shoots, are especially popular for their delicate curls.
Choose fresh, vibrant leaves and flatten them between absorbent paper. Apply consistent pressure to ensure they dry evenly. The resulting pressed ferns maintain their lush, green hue and are perfect for creating natural backgrounds in artwork.
They can also be combined with other flowers to add contrasting textures and depth, making your pressed creations truly stand out.
7. Buttercups
Buttercups, with their glossy yellow petals, offer a charming brightness to pressed flower projects. They are known for pressing well while maintaining their distinctive sheen. Gather buttercups when they’re fully open, but avoid overly mature blooms as they may not press as well.
Flatten them between papers and ensure they’re pressed evenly. Buttercups are perfect for adding a pop of color and cheerfulness to crafts like personalized cards or scrapbook pages. Their vibrant yellow petals contrast beautifully with other flowers, making them a lovely addition to any floral arrangement.
8. Cornflowers
Cornflowers are a favorite among enthusiasts for their deep blue hue and ease of pressing. These flowers hold their color well once dried, making them a striking addition to pressed flower art.
Select cornflowers that are fully open and vibrant for the best results. Lay them flat and press evenly to maintain their shape and color. Their bold blue petals can be used to create stunning contrasts in flower arrangements or as standalone pieces in art.
Cornflowers add a touch of the countryside to any project, evoking images of wild, blooming fields.
9. Baby’s Breath
Baby’s Breath is highly valued for its tiny blossoms that dry quickly and maintain an airy look. These small, white flowers are easy to press and preserve, providing a delicate touch to any floral project.
When collecting baby’s breath, choose stems with multiple blooms for a fuller effect. Arrange them carefully before pressing, as their tiny size can shift easily.
Once dried, they’re perfect for adding subtle elegance to wedding invitations, gift tags, or framed art. Their light, airy presence complements larger flowers, enhancing the overall beauty of your pressed arrangements.
10. Forget-Me-Nots
Forget-Me-Nots are beloved for their small size and charming color, making them perfect for pressed flower arrangements. These petite blue flowers with yellow centers dry well, retaining their delightful appearance.
When gathering forget-me-nots, pick flowers that are fully bloomed but not yet wilting. Handle them gently and press with even pressure to maintain their shape. Once dried, they’re ideal for creating intricate designs or adding a touch of nostalgia to cards and artwork.
Their enduring symbolism of remembrance makes them a thoughtful addition to any keepsake or gift.