pressed pansies 🏵

Hey everyone! I've been loving working with pressed pansies lately, and I wanted to share my go-to method for getting those perfectly flat, vibrant blooms. It's such a rewarding craft, and opens up a world of possibilities for DIY projects, from beautiful handmade cards to unique jewelry pieces. If you've ever wanted to preserve the delicate beauty of pansies, you're in the right place! First things first, let's talk about what you'll need. You don't need anything fancy to get started. My essentials include: Fresh pansies (the flatter they are naturally, the better!) Blotting paper, parchment paper, or even plain copier paper (avoid anything glossy or with text) Heavy books (think encyclopedias or textbooks, or a dedicated flower press) Scissors or small clippers Now, for the fun part – the pressing process! Step 1: Picking Your Pansies I always try to pick pansies that are fully open but not past their prime. Look for ones that are firm and free of any blemishes or dew. The best time to pick them is usually midday after any morning moisture has evaporated. Avoid damp flowers, as they're more prone to mold during pressing. Gently remove any excess stems or leaves that won't be part of your final pressed flower. Sometimes, if a pansy is a bit too thick, I'll carefully try to flatten it a little with my fingers before placing it. The goal is to make it as flat as possible from the start. Step 2: The Classic Book Press Method This is my absolute favorite and most reliable method for pressing pansies! Open a heavy book to about the middle. The heavier the book, the better the pressure. Lay a piece of blotting paper or parchment paper on one page. This helps absorb moisture from the flower and prevents the book pages from getting damp or stained. Carefully arrange your pansies on the paper. Make sure they aren't overlapping. I like to leave a little space between each one so they dry evenly and don't stick together. Place another piece of blotting or parchment paper directly over the pansies. Close the book gently, making sure the flowers don't shift. You can even add a few more layers of paper and flowers within the same book if you have multiple blooms to press. Stack more heavy books on top of the first book, or place something heavy and flat on it. The more consistent pressure, the better your pansies will turn out – perfectly flat and smooth! Step 3: The Waiting Game (and Checking In!) Now, the waiting game begins! I usually check them after about a week by carefully opening the book. If the paper feels damp, I'll gently replace it with fresh, dry paper. This step is super important as it helps prevent mold and speeds up the drying process. It typically takes about 2-4 weeks for pansies to be fully pressed and dried, depending on their thickness, the amount of moisture in the flower, and the humidity in your home. You'll know they're ready when they feel papery, completely dry to the touch, and they've retained their beautiful color. Alternative: A Dedicated Flower Press If you're serious about pressing, a wooden flower press is a fantastic investment. It provides even pressure with screws that you can tighten over time, and often comes with more absorbent cardboard and paper layers. The process is very similar to the book method, just with specialized equipment that can often yield even better results for larger batches. Quick Tip: Microwave Pressing (for the impatient!) If you're in a hurry for a small project, you can try microwave pressing. Place pansies between two pieces of paper towel, then between two ceramic tiles. Secure with rubber bands. Microwave on low power for 30-60 second bursts, checking between each burst until dry. Be very careful, as they can burn or curl if left too long! I usually prefer the slow and steady approach for the best, most vibrant results, but this is a good option in a pinch. Once your beautiful pansies are perfectly pressed, the possibilities are endless! I've used mine for resin jewelry (like the pieces I'm working on!), decorating phone cases, creating intricate bookmarks, or even just framing them as delicate wall art. They add such a unique, natural touch to anything. I hope this guide helps you get started on your own pressed flower journey. It's truly a calming and creative hobby. I'd love to see what you create with your pressed pansies!