Pressed flowers for a lasting arrangement

If you are looking for a flower arrangement that will last longer than a few weeks, you should consider creating a bouquet of pressed flowers. Not only can you enjoy this display for years, but you can also make the design yourself with just a few basic supplies.

Things you need:

• Your choice of pressed flowers (make sure to choose flat blooms)
• 2 pieces of cardboard
• 2 pieces of tissue paper
• A large book or something heavy to use when pressing your blooms
• A firm piece of cardboard on which to glue your design
• Glue that will be transparent once it dries
• A toothpick of small paintbrush
• Photo frame to hold the piece of cardboard you have chosen
• A damp cloth

Directions:

• The first thing you need to do is choose the right type of flowers for pressing. Not all flowers can be pressed. Daisy-like blooms are perfect while roses can be a bit thick which means that you would need to remove the petals and press them separately.
• When you have chosen your flowers, you can place them on a sheet of cardboard lined with tissue paper. Place another piece of tissue paper on top followed by the second piece of cardboard.
• Place a heavy item on top of the flowers while safely tucked away between the tissue paper and cardboard layers.
• After about two weeks, check to make sure that your pressed flowers have completely dried. If not, place the weight back on top and check again every couple of days until completely dry.
• If you need to press a larger number of flowers, you can create multiple layers within your press.
• When you are ready to put those pressed flowers to good use, you will need to prepare your cardboard, paintbrush or toothpick and glue.
• Before using any glue, you should arrange your flowers to create the desired design.
• When you are ready to start gluing, work your way from the middle outwards and don’t be afraid to allow your flowers to overlap.
• Use the brush to apply glue to the back of the flowers before placing them.
• You can use pressed foliage too if you like.
• Use your damp cloth to wipe your hands as needed.
• Once you are done, you should allow the glue to dry before placing them in your frame and hanging your blooms where you see fit.

On a final note, it is important to remember that pressed flowers will change colour as they dry. White blooms may take on more of an off-white or yellowish colour while red blooms become very dark in colour. Keep this in mind when selecting your blooms.