How do you press a flower?

Question

I want to press a rose and I don't know how to. I don't want to take it apart and press pedal by pedal but I want to do the whole thing. can I do this? & if I can, how?

Answer 1

Depending on the size, you need two sheets of white paper, and something solid and heavy , a set of books is usually used if you do not have a press. Lay the flower out and carefully arrange the petals the way you want them to look pressed. Gently place the other paper on top of your rose, and set the stack of books upon it. This is best done on a solid surface. The problem with putting it inside a book, is that you can't determine the shape, and a rose is too big to fit in most books comfortably.
If you want to make a press:

2ft by 2ft pieces of plywood (about 10)
20 pieces of paper that fit the dimensions of the plywood
2 straps that can be tightened by hand
Place two sheets of paper between each set of plywood.
You can arrange your flower as above. After setting the rest of
the press on top of your specimen, tighten the press together
as much as you can with the straps. Let it sit for a good two
weeks or so.

Answer 2

There is some stuff that you can get from craft stores that looks like white sand and can dry the flower out for you. I made a flower collection in high school and I used that technique to preserve their shape. If you want it comepletely flat, like to put in a book or something, try putting it between a stack of really heavy book. Make sure you surround it with paper or a towel to soak up the moisture. Leave it for a few days and then change the towel or paper every few days until its completely dry. Always look for mold....that means you arent changing the paper ofter enough or your flower isnt really dry.

Answer 3

if you want to do the whole thing at once then place it between 2 paper towels, open a heavy book to the center, close it between then place some other heavy books on top. This should be left completly shut (no peeking) for at least 2 weeks. It does depend on humidity in your home. I have some roses that I hung upside down (stems up ) that are still red from 4 years ago. They are brittle but red.

Answer 4

Put it in the middle of a big book for a few days.

Answer 5

My grandmother just soaks in salt and water i think for a few days and then sprays it with clear gloss paint....

The way I do it is by putting it between two books wrapped in saran wrap.

Answer 6

if you want to keep it the same shape ,get a food dehydrater they don't cost that much and worth there weight in gold.you can dry all kinds of fruits and meats .check out the web for more info.

Answer 7

lay it between 2 heavy objects like books for several days

Answer 8

Gently... I'm fragile...Don't hurt me, I'm Sky Flower!