Pressing flowers is one of the oldest and most rewarding ways to preserve them, turning fresh blooms into flat, delicate keepsakes perfect for framing, cards, bookmarks and resin crafts. It’s easy, inexpensive and wonderfully satisfying. This guide covers four proven pressing methods, which flowers work best, and what to make with your pressed flowers.
Whether you want to press a wedding flower, a garden bloom or a meaningful bouquet, here’s how to do it beautifully.
Method 1: How to press flowers in a book
Pressing in a heavy book is the classic, no-equipment method. It takes two to four weeks and works for most flat or semi-flat flowers like pansies, violets, daisies and cosmos.
- Choose fresh, dry flowers with no moisture on them.
- Open a heavy book and line the pages with parchment paper or plain absorbent paper (not the book pages directly, to protect them).
- Arrange the flowers face-down on the paper, not touching, and lay another sheet on top.
- Close the book gently and stack more heavy books or weights on top.
- Leave undisturbed for two to four weeks, changing the paper after the first few days if the flowers are very moist.
Use a book you don’t mind pressing — telephone directories and old textbooks are perfect.
Method 2: Using a flower press
A dedicated flower press — two wooden boards tightened with bolts around layers of cardboard and paper — gives the flattest, most even results and is reusable. Place flowers between sheets of absorbent paper and cardboard, stack the layers, and tighten the bolts. Leave for two to four weeks, tightening further every few days as the flowers flatten. Flower presses are inexpensive to buy or easy to make at home.
Method 3: Pressing flowers with an iron (fast)
For results in minutes, use an iron. First flatten the flower in a book for a few hours, then place it between two sheets of parchment or plain paper. Press with a warm, dry iron (no steam) for 10–15 seconds, lift for a few seconds, and repeat until the flower is dry and flat. This is the quickest method but gives slightly less vibrant results than slow pressing.
Method 4: Microwave pressing (fastest)
A microwave flower press, or a makeshift version using ceramic tiles and paper, dries pressed flowers in minutes. Place the flower between absorbent paper and tiles, secure with elastic bands, and microwave in short 30–60 second bursts, checking and cooling between each. This preserves color well and is ideal when you’re impatient.
The best flowers to press
Naturally flat, thin-petaled flowers press best:
- Pansies and violas — flat and colorful, the ideal pressing flower.
- Violets — delicate and quick to press.
- Daisies and cosmos — simple, open blooms.
- Ferns and foliage — add greenery to arrangements.
- Larkspur and delphinium — press beautifully.
- Roses — press whole if small, or petal by petal for larger blooms.
Thick, bulky flowers like full roses or peonies are harder to press whole — take them apart or press individual petals instead.
How long does pressing flowers take?
Traditional pressing in a book or press takes two to four weeks for fully dry, flat flowers. The iron method takes a few minutes, and microwave pressing takes just minutes too. Slower pressing generally gives the best color and the flattest, most durable results, so patience pays off for pieces you want to keep.
What to do with pressed flowers
Pressed flowers are endlessly versatile. Frame them as botanical art, laminate them into bookmarks, decorate greeting cards and invitations, set them in resin for jewelry and coasters, or display them in glass. They make deeply personal keepsakes — a pressed flower from a wedding or special occasion becomes a lasting memento. For display ideas, see our dried flower arrangements guide.
Tips and common mistakes
- Always start with dry flowers — any moisture causes browning or mold.
- Change damp paper early in the process to speed drying and prevent rot.
- Press flowers soon after picking, when they’re freshest.
- Don’t overcrowd — flowers shouldn’t touch.
- For bulky blooms, press petals separately and reassemble later.
How to frame pressed flowers
Framing is the most popular way to show off pressed flowers. Arrange your pressed blooms on acid-free card or within a glass “floating” frame, using a tiny dot of craft glue or clear-drying adhesive to hold them. Glass frames that sandwich the flowers between two panes create a modern, botanical look where light shows off the delicate petals. Hang framed pressed flowers out of direct sunlight to keep their color for years.
Pressed flower craft projects
- Bookmarks: laminate pressed flowers between clear sheets.
- Greeting cards and invitations: glue pressed blooms to card stock.
- Resin jewelry and coasters: set pressed flowers in clear epoxy resin.
- Candles: press flowers onto the outside of pillar candles with a little melted wax.
- Phone cases and bookmarks: seal flowers under clear covers.
- Botanical wall art: frame a collection in a grid for a striking display.
How to press a wedding bouquet
A wedding bouquet makes a treasured pressed keepsake. Press the flowers as soon as possible after the day, while they’re fresh — take the bouquet apart and press individual blooms and petals, since whole bouquets are too bulky. Larger flowers like roses press best petal by petal, then can be reassembled into a flower shape when framing. Many couples frame their pressed wedding flowers alongside the invitation or a photo.
How to store pressed flowers
Store finished pressed flowers flat, between sheets of acid-free paper in a book or box, somewhere cool, dark and dry until you’re ready to use them. Handle them with tweezers or a soft brush, as they become very delicate. Kept out of light and humidity, pressed flowers last for years, and sealing them under glass or in resin protects them permanently.
How to press flowers FAQs
How do you press flowers in a book?
Line a heavy book with parchment or absorbent paper, arrange dry flowers face-down without touching, add another sheet on top, close the book and weigh it down with more books. Leave two to four weeks, changing the paper after a few days if the flowers are moist.
What is the fastest way to press flowers?
The microwave or iron methods are fastest, drying pressed flowers in minutes rather than weeks. The iron method presses flowers between paper with a warm, dry iron, while a microwave press uses tiles and paper in short bursts.
How long does it take to press flowers?
Traditional pressing in a book or flower press takes two to four weeks. The iron and microwave methods take only minutes, though slow pressing usually gives the best color and flattest results.
What flowers are best for pressing?
Flat, thin-petaled flowers press best — pansies, violas, violets, daisies, cosmos, larkspur and ferns are ideal. Thick blooms like full roses and peonies are best pressed as individual petals.
How do you keep pressed flowers from turning brown?
Start with completely dry flowers, change the absorbent paper early in the process, and press them soon after picking. Browning is usually caused by trapped moisture, so good absorption and air-free pressing prevent it.
What can I make with pressed flowers?
Pressed flowers can be framed as art, laminated into bookmarks, used on cards and invitations, set in resin for jewelry and coasters, or displayed in glass. They make beautiful, personal keepsakes.
Related: dried flowers guide · best flowers to dry · dried flower arrangements · flowers A–Z.