Pressing Flowers the Easy Way: How to Press Roses

Creating pressed flower art is a fun and creative way to preserve memories. With this step-by-step guide, you can learn how to press roses like a pro and create beautiful works of art that last forever.

Introduction

Pressing roses is an age-old technique for preserving the beauty of flowers by pressing them between two sheets of paper or fabric and drying them out until they are flat and dried up. This process has been used since ancient times as a way to keep floral bouquets looking beautiful for years after their original bloom.

The techniques used in pressing roses have changed over the centuries but the basic principles remain the same – select the right blooms, choose the best packing material, make your own DIY pressing book, assemble rose petals into arrangements, and store properly afterward. By following these simple steps, anyone can enjoy creating their own unique piece of art with pressed roses.

Selecting the Perfect Blooms

The first step in pressing roses is selecting the perfect blooms. When choosing roses, look for ones that are not too old or wilted, as these will not press well. Also, avoid picking flowers that have buds on them, as these may be difficult to press correctly. Once you’ve selected the perfect roses, it’s time to begin the pressing process.

Choosing The Best Packing Material For Pressing Flowers

Once you have chosen your roses, the next step is to find the best packing material for pressing flowers. You can use thin pieces of cardboard, waxed paper, parchment paper, tracing paper, tissue paper, and even cloth such as cotton or muslin. Be sure to pick materials that are strong enough to withstand being pressed without tearing.

Making Your Own DIY Pressing Book

If you want to get really creative, you can make your own DIY pressing book using supplies such as heavy books, corrugated boards, or thick cardboard boxes. To do this, cut your chosen board into squares and cover them with a layer of waxed paper or parchment paper. Then lay your flowers onto each sheet and fold them up inside the book before adding another layer of waxed paper or parchment paper on top. Close up the book and press it down firmly to ensure all of the flowers are fully compressed.

Creating Homemade Desiccants

Desiccants help to absorb moisture from the air which helps speed up the drying process when pressing flowers. You can easily make homemade desiccants by combining equal parts cornstarch and baking soda and putting them in an old sock or cheesecloth pouch. Place this at the bottom of your pressing book and let it sit for a few days until all of the moisture has been absorbed.

Assembling the Rose Petals Into Beautiful Arrangements

Once your flowers are fully dry and pressed, it’s time to start assembling them into beautiful arrangements. Use tweezers to carefully arrange each petal so that it lays flat against one another and creates interesting shapes and designs. If you want to give your arrangement some added color, try spraying them with an acrylic sealant once they are completely assembled.

Preserving Color With Glycerin

Glycerin is a great way to preserve color when pressing flowers. Simply mix 2 parts water with 1 part glycerin and spray directly onto your arranged petals. Allow it to soak in for a few hours and then gently blot off any excess liquid with a paper towel. This will help maintain the vibrant colors of your pressed roses while also making them more durable.

Preventing Mold Growth During Preservation Process

It’s important to prevent mold growth during the preservation process because it can cause discoloration and weaken the structure of your pressed roses. To do this, use small pieces of cotton wool soaked in rubbing alcohol and place them at regular intervals throughout your pressing book. This will absorb any moisture in the air which could lead to mold formation.

Storing Your Dried Roses Properly Afterward

When storing your pressed roses, be sure to keep them away from direct sunlight and other sources of heat as this could cause them to fade. It’s also important to store them in a cool, dry place where there isn’t much humidity present. Wrapping them in acid-free tissue paper can also help protect them from fading over time.

Using Your Pressed Roses As Wall Art Decorations

Pressed roses make beautiful wall art decorations! Simply glue each petal onto canvas or cardstock and hang it up for everyone to admire. Alternatively, you can frame your arrangement in glass or plastic if you prefer something more permanent. Whichever method you choose, your work of art will surely impress all who see it!

Sharing Your Finished Creations With Friends And Family

Your pressed rose creations make wonderful gifts for family members or friends who appreciate handmade artwork. Showcase your work proudly or share photos of it online – either way, you’ll be able to show off your unique talents!

Conclusion

Pressings roses is an easy and enjoyable hobby that produces stunning results! With patience and creativity, anyone can master this technique and enjoy creating their own special piece of art. Whether it’s used as wall art decor or gifted to someone special, pressed roses are sure to bring joy and appreciation wherever they go!