Some flowers are so aesthetic that they become experimental objects for immortalization. Drying does not work for all types, because the properties play a major role. With the right method, you can at least succeed in the process with certain specimens.
Flowers are easy to press into books
Suitable flowers
In general, delicate flowers are recommended for pressing methods because they contain less moisture and retain their color after processing. Petals with thick and fleshy characteristics take longer to dry, are prone to brown discoloration, and are at risk of mold growth. While roses and begonias don't lend themselves to this preservation, you can try these plants:
- ornamental plants: pansies, geraniums or daisies
- meadow herbs: poppies, daisies and violets
- crops: Wild carrot, lavender, elder and cornflower
- perennials: Larkspur, Tickseed and Cosmos
The right preparation
Cut the stem ends at a shallow angle and remove the leaves at the bottom. Put the picked flowers directly into a vase filled with water and a teaspoon of sugar so that they can make up for the loss of water after transportation. Place the jar in a cool place out of direct sunlight for a few hours. Dry the plant material thoroughly and start pressing immediately.
Tinker flower press
Saw two sheets of plywood measuring 20 x 25 centimeters. Draw drill holes in all four corners on both pieces, far enough away from the edge. Drill holes through the material, making sure they line up exactly when stacking. Sand all edges smooth with 180 grit sandpaper and seal the wood with a beeswax glaze that dries overnight.
Prepare press
Slide four screws through the holes in a plate from below and use a washer. Cut five to eight pieces of cardboard the size of the plywood sheets that will serve as an absorbent pad in the wood press. Remove the corners so that the drill holes are not covered. Place a piece of cardboard on the bottom of the flower press.
Load the flower press
You can now alternately layer flowers and cardboard on top of each other until you have used up the material. The stack should be as straight as possible. No plant material is placed on the top support, but the upper part of the flower press. Put this on the screws, thread washers on it and tighten the construction with an unscrewed wing screw.
control progress
The buds will dry in a warm place directly on the heater or in the sun within the next one to two weeks. They are preserved once the petals feel like delicate tissue paper. Depending on the texture and thickness, the drying time of each copy will vary, so you may need to extend the process longer if necessary.