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Wed Aug 20, 2025
Flowers have long been a timelessly classic gift, but the blooms themselves don't exactly last forever. However, the ancient art of flower pressing provides an opportunity not only to preserve flowers but also to find new ways to be creative.
Whether you want to commemorate a special occasion or simply find a new way to celebrate nature, pressing flowers is an excellent and accessible way to create beautiful keepsakes.
In this blog post, Forest of Flowers will explore the basics of flower pressing along with creative ideas for turning them into stunning pieces of long-lasting art.
Let's begin!
According to historical records, flower pressing dates all the way back to ancient times and is believed to have originated in Japan during the Heian period (794-1185). This Japanese art of flower pressing was known as “oshibana” (押し花), which was originally developed as a way to preserve the beauty of flowers and use them in decorative artwork.
Flower artists "paint" a picture using preserved pieces of nature. Petals and leaves are flattened with a variety of pressing techniques that eliminate moisture and dry out the botanicals. Whether you create framed art, cards, jewellery, candles, coasters, etc., these preserved florals are highly versatile.
When it comes to pressing flowers, there are a few methods you can use. Ideally, a flower pressing kit is the most “official” way to get the best results. Flower pressing kits typically come with two wooden slats with screwing mechanisms on each corner, as well as cardboard separators and blotting papers to absorb the moisture from the botanicals.
However, you can also use regular home items to get started, making flower pressing accessible to most people.
When it comes to pressing flowers, you have to consider several things. First off is that not all flowers are equal – but we'll get more into that in a moment. Also, you don't have to only press flowers; other plants can be pressed as well.
Choose the Right Blooms: Opt for flowers that are naturally flat or could be flattened easily, such as pansies, daisies, or ferns. Large, bulky blooms like peonies and roses are too large and contain too much moisture to press properly. Instead, you can individually press their petals, or alternatively, hang them to dry.
Prepare the Flowers: Trim away the stems and gently pat your blooms dry to make sure no excess water is left behind, this can compromise the press. Then, make sure to arrange them in your desired shape before you press.
Proper Storage: Once your flowers have been successfully pressed, you'll want to store them properly. Keep flowers in acid-free paper or in an airtight container until you're ready to use them. You'll also want to keep them in a dry place, clear from moisture.
The wonderful thing about pressed flowers is that they're versatile. They make wonderful home decor and gifts for friends and loved ones alike. In fact, the possibilities for creativity are almost endless with pressed flowers!
A popular way for artists to use dried flowers is to put them into framed artwork. In fact, this was a popular practice during the Victorian era. The best way to create a framed piece of artwork is by arranging pressed flowers in a beautiful design on a piece of good-quality paper or fabric.
You can use a gentle glue to secure your artwork if you wish, but you can also use the frame to keep the blooms in place. Choose a frame that matches your vision and voila! You have a customized piece of home decor for your space or to present as a gift to a special someone.
You can use stunning dried flowers to personalize cards, letters, or journals by gluing flowers to the cover or even on the pages themselves. It's best to use a gentle, acid-free glue or double-sided tape to secure the flowers. You can then add personalized messages, poems, or quotes to add an extra touch of love.
A popular medium for those who adore fashion, handmade gift-giving, or even those looking to have a lucrative side hustle. Smaller dried flowers work best for this method, allowing dried flowers to be pressed in resin to create beautiful pendants, earrings, or even bracelets. This is a modern way to not only preserve fashion, but create a stylish, meaningful a handmade floral gift.
Bookmarks are perfect for your fellow readers! Even if that fellow reader is YOU or a loved one! Sandwich pressed flowers in between two layers of transparent contact paper or laminated sheets to create unique bookmarks that not only hold onto your page but also double as functional and practical art. You can even make them themed, such as choosing colour schemes or opting for popular springtime flowers to match the respective season.
Do you love handcrafted, artisanal soaps? Do you like making them even more? Great, dried flowers work great in this medium, too. After melting your soap base (clear is perfect for showcasing the flowers), you can mix the flowers directly into the base one teaspoon at a time before pouring them into the mold to set. Or, you can line them at the bottom of the mold to create a different effect. You can also boost the floral scent by incorporating essential oils such as chamomile, jasmine, or lavender.
Want to make a photo album or scrapbook even more sentimental? Add pressed flowers, of course. This is perfect for special occasions like weddings, anniversaries, or other special occasions. You can incorporate them on the cover with a gentle glue or secure them inside the books themselves.
You can create custom coasters out of glass or acrylic, and layer pressed flowers in between the layers before the project is set. Once the coaster has been set and sealed, you have a stylish piece of home decor for yourself or your loved ones.
Any flower, to some degree, can almost always be pressed, just not always in its entirety. Large blooms aren't ideal for pressing, but their petals can be. Greenery and thin, flatter florals, on the other hand, can usually be pressed perfectly with a little bit of prep ahead of time. Whether you have a leftover hand-tied bouquet or floral arrangement from a special occasion, many of those flowers are great for pressing. However, you can also check in with your local flower shop for blooms or even go out searching for them yourself.
Here are some excellent options for pressing:
The florists at Forest of Flowers take a hands-on approach when it comes to creating our art in the form of hand-tied bouquets and floral arrangements. If you're looking to do a little DIY, you can trust your local flower shop to provide you with the materials you need to not only craft a meaningful gift but repurpose the blooms after the fact.
When it comes to the art of pressing flowers, you can encapsulate a simple yet profound piece of art, preserving cherished memories in nearly permanent works of art.
If you want to make a handmade gift or add stylish touches to your own space, pressed flower keepsakes are a timeless way to add beauty and personal significance to any project. Gather up your favourite blooms and get to pressing! You have our blessing!
In the meantime, contact Forest of Flowers for all of your floral needs.
