Pressed flower crafts provide a creative way to preserve flowers and leaves, extending their beauty beyond the short growing season. Using a flower press helps maintain the shape and color of the blooms, making them perfect for framing, bookmarks, gift tags, and other decorative projects. For those interested in creating their own press, building a DIY flower press is a simple project that allows full control over the pressing process and materials.
Creative Pressed Flower Crafts to Try
So, what do you do once you’ve pressed the flowers and leaves? Here are three beginner-friendly crafts that are sure to please.
How to Frame Pressed Flowers
One of the simplest ways to display dried flowers, like yarrow, is by framing them in double-pane glass frames. These frames allow flowers and leaves to be arranged in any desired design while keeping them securely in place once the frame is closed. Framed pressed flowers create beautiful decorative pieces and make thoughtful gifts.
To preserve their vibrant colors, it is best to keep the frames out of direct sunlight, as pressed flowers may fade over time.
DIY Pressed Flower Bookmarks
Pressed flowers can be transformed into beautiful bookmarks using a simple layering technique. Start by arranging leaves, dried grass, and pressed flowers in a design on a piece of clear packing tape, sticky side up. Place another piece of tape over the design to seal the materials in place—this method works as an easy alternative to laminating.
Once sealed, trim the edges neatly and punch a hole at the top of the bookmark. Thread twine or ribbon through the hole to finish. This technique can be adapted for a variety of pressed flowers and foliage, creating personalized bookmarks that also make thoughtful gifts.
For added visual interest, consider using colored construction paper as a base to lay out the flowers before sealing them with tape.
Make Unique Pressed Flower Gift Tags
To level up your gift from the heart, create a unique custom gift tag. You can buy pre-cut gift tags or cut your own.
To attach the pressed flowers to the tags, you can use a paintbrush to gently add glue, such as Mod Podge, to the entire surface of the tag. Gently place the pressed flowers and leaves into the design of your choice onto the tag to carefully adhere.
Or you can gently add Mod Podge to the underside of the pressed flowers and carefully attach them to the tag.
Once attached, you can add more Mod Podge to the top of the flower to protect it from lifting off (this is up to your personal preference).
It’s really that simple, but it adds elegance and a homemade touch to any gift.
Flower Crafting: Final Thoughts
Pressed flower crafts offer a simple and creative way to preserve the beauty of nature while making decorative and functional items. From framed art to bookmarks and gift tags, these projects can be adapted for a variety of skill levels and occasions. With a few basic materials and some creativity, anyone can transform pressed flowers into lasting keepsakes.
This article about pressed flower crafts was written for Hobby Farms magazine. Click here to subscribe.
