Looking for a classy and unique way to display holiday cheer in your home? Garland, twinkle lights, baubles, and ornaments all have a sort of iconic charm that whisper of fond Christmas memories. And for many of us, Poinsettias carry that same holiday spirit – something about the bold but soft red petals and star shape.
For this DIY project, we’re going to take a look at how to press flowers. In this case, we will use Poinsettias, but any flower can act as the subject of this project any time during the year! Read ahead to learn four pressing methods that can preserve the look of the classic holiday flower and turn it into an art piece.
- Heavy Book – Dictionaries, encyclopedias, and Harry Potter books work well for this pressing method. However, the moisture from the flower can damage the book by warping, wrinkling, or tinting the pages. So be sure that the book you use is one that you don’t cherish. That being said, attempt to avoid moisture damage by utilizing four pieces of blotting paper (two on each side of the flower). Arrange the petals as you wish to see them with the flower laid out. Then slowly close the book on the flower, pressing it between the blotting pages as you do so. Switch out the blotter sheets every few days.
- Flower Press – A flower press is essentially two slats of wood held together by screws. All you have to do is position the flower between four pieces of blotting paper (two on each side) and insert the gently sandwiched flower into the instrument. If you don’t have blotting paper, colorless cardboard would also work. Tighten the screws to flatten it completely and allow to sit and dry for a few weeks. Change out the blotting paper every few days to speed up the drying process.
- Microwave Press – Place the flower between two ceramic tiles, lined with cardboard or of coffee filter paper. There is no need to use blotting paper because of how rapidly the flower will dry. Bind the two tiles together with a rubber band. Microwave for one minute, and then check the flower. If it is not completely pressed and dry, you may continue microwaving in 5-10 second increments. The total time will depend on the type and size of flower. Stop when satisfied.
- Hanging Press – Cut two pieces of cardboard to the size of the flower or petals being used. Press them between the two pieces and secure with tape. Punch a hole through the top of the two pieces of cardboard, careful not to punch through any part of the flower within. Tie a string through the hole and hang the press up to dry. A window works well, as the warmth of the sun will help dry it more quickly.
Turn it into Art!
The final step is, of course, turning the beautifully pressed poinsettia into an expression of holiday mirth! There a few ways to accomplish this; but for a flower this size and this colorful, a simple translucent glass frame will do the trick! Get assistance picking out a frame from the frame gurus at Frame Warehouse and then center your pressed flower under the glass. Then hang it up in the dining room as decoration for your family holiday dinners!
