"But it was only one in the series of mystifying flowers that each year arrived by post on the first day of November. They were always beautiful and for the most part rare flowers, always pressed, mounted on watercolour paper in a simple frame measuring six inches by eleven inches"(5).
PRESSING FLOWERS
MATERIALS NEEDED
- newspaper - blotting paper - printer paper - flat, noncorrugated coffee filters - flat cardboard The goal is to dry flowers as quickly as possible to prevent browning. TIP Avoid paper towels because their textures may be imprinted on the petals. You can also buy or make a wooden flower press, but these techniques operate on the same principle. |
BOOKS
The easiest method of flower pressing requires no special equipment other than absorbent paper and a heavy book or phone book. Pigments in the petals, stems, and leaves may stain the paper, so if the book is valuable, protect the pages with a layer of paper on each side of the plants being pressed.
Start by placing the flowers between two layers of absorbent paper, then placing heavy books on top. Or place the flowers between the pages of the book itself, leaving at least 1/8 inch between multiple pressings. Weigh down the top of the book with a brick or other heavy item.
Let the flowers dry for a week before checking on them. At that point you may want to replace the absorbent material. Allow two to three weeks for complete drying.
Start by placing the flowers between two layers of absorbent paper, then placing heavy books on top. Or place the flowers between the pages of the book itself, leaving at least 1/8 inch between multiple pressings. Weigh down the top of the book with a brick or other heavy item.
Let the flowers dry for a week before checking on them. At that point you may want to replace the absorbent material. Allow two to three weeks for complete drying.
IRON
Like the other methods, this one begins with pressing the flowers between two pieces of absorbent paper.
Heat an iron to a low setting. Empty any water from the iron and do not add water. You do not want to add moisture with steam. Prepare the flower for pressing by placing it between two sheets of absorbent paper. Flatten the flower with a heavy book first, then press the warm iron on top of the upper sheet of paper for 10 to 15 seconds. You don't need to make a gliding motion as if ironing. Wait for the paper to cool for another 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat. Check occasionally by very carefully lifting the paper to see if the flower is stiff and dry. |
MICROWAVE
Using high heat on flowers might cause them to turn brown, but if you are in a hurry, you can use a microwave to speed the drying process.
For best results pressing flowers with a microwave, use a professional microwave flower press designed for this purpose. Follow directions, placing the flower between two pieces of absorbent paper and using 30- to 60-second zaps, allowing the plant material to cool between microwave uses. If you are drying more than one set of blooms, alternate cooling and heating with two microwave presses.
In a pinch, you can create your own microwave flower press using two ceramic tiles and rubber bands to hold the tiles tightly together. Place the flowers between two sheets of absorbent paper, then press between the ceramic tiles. Heat for 30 to 60 seconds at a time, allowing the materials to cool before repeating.
Or place the flowers inside a book (be sure there is no metal in the binding). Heat the book for 30 to 60 seconds at a time, checking to see when the flowers are dry. Allow the book to cool for a minute or two between zaps. Do not microwave the book for longer than a minute at a time.
When the flowers are dry, finish the process with the traditional air-drying press with a book or heavy object. The flowers should be finished in a day or two.
For best results pressing flowers with a microwave, use a professional microwave flower press designed for this purpose. Follow directions, placing the flower between two pieces of absorbent paper and using 30- to 60-second zaps, allowing the plant material to cool between microwave uses. If you are drying more than one set of blooms, alternate cooling and heating with two microwave presses.
In a pinch, you can create your own microwave flower press using two ceramic tiles and rubber bands to hold the tiles tightly together. Place the flowers between two sheets of absorbent paper, then press between the ceramic tiles. Heat for 30 to 60 seconds at a time, allowing the materials to cool before repeating.
Or place the flowers inside a book (be sure there is no metal in the binding). Heat the book for 30 to 60 seconds at a time, checking to see when the flowers are dry. Allow the book to cool for a minute or two between zaps. Do not microwave the book for longer than a minute at a time.
When the flowers are dry, finish the process with the traditional air-drying press with a book or heavy object. The flowers should be finished in a day or two.