Floral blogger Rona shows us step-by-step how to flower press... read more
When was the last time that you pressed flowers from your garden? And wouldn’t it be lovely to create a memento of your favourite blooms, to enjoy once the summer has passed? Well, today Rona Wheeldon from Flowerona is going to show you how to make the most of this wonderful pastime.
Choosing your flowers & foliage
There are certain types of flowers which are more suitable for pressing, and you tend to get better results using blooms which have a ‘flat face’, like the violas and forget-me-nots that I’ve used. Other good choices are love-in-the-mist, buttercups, roses, jasmine, primroses, hydrangeas and cosmos. Foliage-wise, ferns and herbs are great, as are individual leaves of shrubs and trees. Make sure to pick your flowers and foliage from your garden when they’re at their driest and have the least amount of moisture. So, late afternoon on a dry summer’s day is ideal.
Laying out the flowers & foliage in your flower press
1. Flower presses, like this one, are readily available from children’s toy departments.
2. Undo the knobs and take out all the different sections.
3. On each layer, place one type of bloom only. Here, I’ve just put violas on top of the cardboard.
4. Place a piece of paper on top.
5. Put another layer of flowers on top of the cardboard.
6. Keep adding additional layers.
7. Finally, tighten the four knobs evenly and leave for at least a week.
Using your pressed flowers
You can use your pressed flowers to decorate cards, bookmarks, lampshades, picture frames or even wrapping paper. And Pinterest is a great place to find inspiration. I’ve chosen to make pictures using these beautiful Laura Ashley photo frames. One of the designs is simply of flowers and ferns randomly placed, whilst the other has a pattern. Simply glue the flowers on a piece of paper or card. Then insert it into the frame. Voilà!
Now it’s your turn! It’s really fun and easy to do. And it’s a perfect activity for children at the weekend or during the summer holidays.
P.S. If you don’t have a flower press, you could use a few large books and newspaper or tissue paper to protect them.
Will you be trying your hand at Rona’s impressive flower pressing? Just think of all the wonderful gifts you could create, especially if you know someone who is getting married this summer, pressing a few flowers from the bride’s bouquet is a darling idea.
(Images : Rona Wheeldon/Flowerona)