Pressing Flowers

Pressing flowers is a great nature activity that requires simple resources. Learn about flowers and create a nature picture.

Introduction

Did you know that the art of pressing flowers and other botanical materials to create a picture is called 'Oshibana'?

As you need to handle the flowers carefully this is a good way of learning how to respect and appreciate our surroundings and observe the colours and structure of different flowers and where they grow.

What you'll need

newspaper/kitchen roll
books
PVA glue
paper/card

This activity has been provided by

Useful items from our shop

Item available from our shop

Environmental Considerations

Consider the environmental impact of preparing, carrying out & completing this activity. Could this impact be reduced? Specific considerations for this activity could include:

responsible picking - ensure plenty is left for the plant to survive and for others to enjoy
be aware of wildflowers that are protected and can't be picked such as the native wild bluebell
(see Tips for Foraging)

Health & Safety Considerations

Follow your usual operating procedures and carry out appropriate risk benefit assessments.
Some considerations particular to this activity include:

picking natural materials

Step #1 Pick Flowers

Make sure you have permission to pick the flowers. Take a section from a plant and avoid damaging surrounding flowers.

Prepare your 'press'

Open up a book and line it with the newspaper. Newspaper is absorbent so is effective in absorbing the moisture out of the plant/flower. If you think there is extra moisture in the plant then place an extra layer of kitchen roll between the newspaper and the page of the book to absorb the moisture.

Step #2 Placing the flowers

Place the flowers you want to press onto the newspaper between the pages of the book. If you have several flowers then place newspaper in different sections of the book.

Top Tips:

flatter flowers are easier to press

Step #3 Adding weight to the 'press'

When you have put all your specimens in the book find a suitable place to store the 'press'. Ideally, somewhere warm and dry where you can check them daily. Weigh the book down with extra heavy books on top.

Waiting for the flowers to dry

This can take a few days or up to a week or two if the depending on the specimen and the drying conditions. It will be ready when it doesn't feel damp and they may be fragile when dry so take extra care when removing it from the newspaper.

Step #4 Ideas for what to do with pressed flowers

Use PVA glue to stick down the flower or you could use a laminator if you have one.

make a picture
decorate a bookmark or card
create your own herbarium sheets - label your specimen with information such as when and where it was found.

Disclaimer: Muddy Faces cannot take any responsibility for accidents or damage that occurs as a result of following this activity.You are responsible for making sure the activity is conducted safely.