How To Press Flowers With Your Kids

Spring has sprung, and everywhere you look flowers are blooming. My daughter and I have been taking walks to discover the spring blossoms and she is in awe of the many colours and varieties of flowers. In an attempt to keep spring flowers around as long as possible, we have decided to press our flowers and use them to create a beautiful spring picture to hang in her room. There are several ways to press flowers — you could use a wooden flower press, an iron or even a microwave! But pressing flowers with a book is the easiest way to go.

Here’s what you need:

• flowers of your choice
• parchment paper (or flat cardboard/plain tissue paper, or even printer paper, if you like)
• several heavy books or weights
• construction paper or art paper
• printer paper
• glue
• picture frame (optional)

Start this activity by gathering fresh flowers. Freshness is important, so be sure to choose flowers that are either still buds, or just bloomed. Flat-headed flowers like gerberas and daisies are easiest to press, whereas large flowers, like roses or tulips, may prove to be difficult so you may want use scissors to split it down the middle to help it flatten.

Cut flower stems on an angle and place in a vase with fresh cold water and a teaspoon of sugar (or floral food if you have some on hand) while you gather your supplies and prep your workspace. 

Place the flower of your choice between two sheets of parchment paper — make sure it covers the whole flower so you won't ruin your book! — and place inside the pages of a heavy book. As a rule of thumb, it's wise to choose paper that is plain white and texture-free to avoid imprints on the pressed flowers.

Continue placing the rest of the flowers in various pages throughout the book then close the book firmly, applying pressure. Add additional books or objects to weigh it down and leave it undisturbed to allow the flowers to fully dry, which will take about 2-3 weeks.

After the wait...

Use tweezers to gently remove the paper-thin flowers and have your child help arrange the pressed flowers into a design you like and glue it on the sheet of paper. 

At this stage you could put the art in a simple dollar store frame for a beautiful added touch, but we chose a simple and quick route using coloured construction paper and Bristol board for a sturdy frame.

Our lovely picture now hangs in our kitchen.