Drying and flattening flowers is a simple way to turn garden blooms, wedding petals, or roadside finds into lasting keepsakes. You can use a heavy book, a purpose-built press, a microwave, or even a household iron. Each method works well, depending on how much time you have and the type of flower you want to preserve.
Choosing Flowers That Press Well
Start with fresh, dry blooms. Pick them on a dry day, ideally in the morning after the dew has evaporated. Avoid flowers with thick stems or heavy centers unless you remove some of the bulk first.
Good choices:
- Pansies
- Violets
- Daisies
- Cosmos
- Forget-me-nots
- Lobelia
- Ferns and small leaves
Trickier options:
- Lilies
- Tulips
- Orchids
- Succulents
- Peonies
These thicker or moister flowers need extra care and a faster drying method, such as microwave pressing.
Prepare Your Blooms
Before pressing, trim away extra stem and remove any bruised or insect-damaged petals. Pat damp flowers gently with a paper towel. Arrange the flower the way you want it to look in the final result — you will not be able to reposition it once it is flattened.
Method 1: Use a Heavy Book
This is the classic technique.
- Open a thick book, such as a phone directory, dictionary, or hardcover encyclopedia.
- Line the page with a sheet of absorbent paper, like blotting paper or a coffee filter.
- Place the flower face down, then cover it with another sheet of paper.
- Close the book and stack several more heavy books on top.
- Wait two to four weeks, then check the flower. It should feel dry and papery.
For delicate or sticky petals, use parchment paper instead of regular paper to prevent sticking.
Method 2: Use a Flower Press
A wooden flower press gives more even pressure than a stack of books.
- Place cardboard, blotting paper, and your flower between two flat boards.
- Tighten the straps or screws evenly.
- Store the press in a dry, warm spot.
- Check after two to four weeks.
- If you notice dampness, replace the paper layers before closing again.
You can also make your own press using two pieces of plywood, sheets of cardboard, and a few bolts with wing nuts.
Method 3: Use a Microwave
This is the fastest method, ideal for thick or moist flowers.
- Place the flower between two layers of parchment paper or coffee filters.
- Set a microwave-safe plate or ceramic tile on top.
- Microwave on low or medium for about 30 seconds.
- Let it cool completely, then check.
- If the flower is still soft, microwave again in 10-second bursts.
Important: never use metal in the microwave. Once the flower is dry, let it rest flat in a book for a day or two to remove any lingering moisture.
Method 4: Use an Iron
An iron works well for thin flowers, but you need to be patient.
- Place the flower between two sheets of absorbent paper.
- Set your iron to low or medium with no steam.
- Press down firmly for 10 to 15 seconds.
- Lift the iron, let the paper cool, and check the flower.
- Repeat until the flower is dry.
Do not slide the iron back and forth — that can tear the petals. Finish by pressing the flower in a book overnight.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Press flowers shortly after picking them.
- Choose richly colored blooms. Blues, purples, and yellows hold their color best. Reds may darken, and whites can turn cream or brown.
- Label your press or book so you remember what is inside.
- Handle dried flowers gently with tweezers.
- Store finished flowers in a sealed, dry container until you are ready to use them.
Common Problems and Fixes
Flowers turn brown.
They were probably too moist or dried too slowly. Use fresher, drier flowers and change the paper often. Try a faster method like the microwave.
Mould appears.
There was too much moisture. Throw away affected flowers, and make sure all paper and plant material are completely dry next time.
Petals stick to the paper.
Use parchment paper or coffee filters for delicate flowers. Peel the petals away carefully with tweezers.
Flowers crumble.
They are likely over-dried. Handle them gently, and reduce the heat or drying time next time.
Ways to Use Dried Flowers
- Frame them as botanical art
- Decorate greeting cards and gift tags
- Press them inside clear bookmarks
- Embed them in resin for jewelry or coasters
- Add them to scrapbooks and journals
- Preserve petals from wedding bouquets
- Decorate candles and soap, if safe for the product
- Sandwich them between clear phone cases or lampshades
How Long Does It Take?
With a book or a flower press, expect to wait two to four weeks. With a microwave, you can have a dried flower in just a few minutes. With an iron, expect to spend a little time working in short bursts.
Pressing flowers is a simple, low-cost craft that turns fleeting blooms into keepsakes you can enjoy for years. With one of these four methods, you will be ready to preserve your next bouquet or garden treasure.