Press Flowers

Pressed flowers are just as beautiful as fresh flowers and they last for years. Here Judith Hogan provides 'how to' tips on how to press effectively and easily.

Choose simple ones that are not too thick and that will still look like an open flower when flattened, such as pansies, buttercups, cornflower or lobelia.

The thinner the flowers, the faster they will dry. Quick drying also helps preserve their colour.

To press flowers, you will need blossoms or foliage picked on a dry day, usually in late morning; some absorbent paper (smooth paper towel or white Kleenex); a heavy book or books (a large dictionary and telephone book work well).

Spread the blossoms or leaves in a single layer on a sheet of absorbent paper or tissue, making sure they do not touch each other or hang over the side of the paper. Place a second sheet on top and cover with the dictionary and phone book. Leave for about two weeks.

If the traditional way of pressing seems too slow, a microwave flower press available from Lee Valley Tools can do the job in as little as three minutes.

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