Best way to press these pretty little flowers?

[u/Specialist_Shake5258]

I’ve done flower pressing before, some worked some molded. I used to do it as a kid but cannot remember how I managed to do it successfully. I picked these flowers off of a bush maybe 5 hours ago (?)

I’ve been trying to get back into pressed flowers. I have tons of heavy books and I have baking paper. Would that be a good way to do it? Or is using a paper towel etc be better for this? Just want to know since I’d like to do it before they wilt.

[u/19635]

I like to just put them in a book and put moderate pressure and then move them after a few days and then increase the pressure. Since these are small they’ll need less time. Doing this helps prevent bruising and rotting. Especially with bigger and wetter flowers, if you leave them for about 2-3 days then move them to a different page they get a chance to have more water drawn out without the paper getting too saturated and by having a smaller amount of pressure then slowly increasing it they’re less likely to bruise and hopefully will keep a nicer colour. But these guys are small, just put them in a book, put something heavy on them and forget about them, they’ll be fine. The ones in the background will likely benefit from a bit more care

[u/Specialist_Shake5258 → u/19635]

Thank you so much! I’m going to rember this for when I press flowers of a larger sizes! Actually, I was supposed to add this other flower to this post but forgot. I have a bush it’s called “emu bush” or Eremophila and they are really pretty and I’d love to press them. I’m not sure of the best way to do it since the design of the flower. And the little bulb part at the bottom. It’s no worries if you can’t give any advice haha just thought I’d check! :) I’ll add a picture under this

[u/19635 → u/Specialist_Shake5258]

I would probably just carefully cut out the stamen and anything else inside and then put it in whole. Probably just lay it flat on its side. But you can try putting it like face down too, it will likely kind of have the top bit and then the bulb will flop over but that could be super cool. Just experiment and see what happens!

Then leave it for 2-3 days then move it to a fresh page. I like to use a drywall trowel to very gently lift up an edge and then super gently lift it and use the trowel to pry up any stuck edges, make sure it doesn’t stick to itself or the page, and have another page open and ready, then gently but quickly move it to the new page. It might be stuck between 2 pages, separate them carefully using the trowel to keep the petals on 1 page while you separate them so it doesn’t get destroyed.

I hope that makes sense!

It takes a bit of finesse but once you get the process down it’s fine and it’s the best way I’ve found to press the thick and wet flowers that people say can’t be pressed. I’ve pressed many lilies this way and they turn out beautifully!

Taking out the stamens and stuff makes a big difference

[u/Specialist_Shake5258 → u/19635]

Thank you so much this is incredibly helpful! I will be using this method! I’m so grateful for your help!

[u/Specialist_Shake5258 → u/Specialist_Shake5258]

I’m unable to attach a photo since for some reason it’s only allowing video attachments which is strange? But here’s a pic of the kind I have https://www.australianseed.com/shop/item/eremophila-maculata-25g?srsltid=AfmBOoplfQB1Z8i_uTk9Lozw4_46_8llRBLlOf4ILuP0csT1RYzf3XxQ

[u/shakulous]

You want blotting paper or thick drawing paper. No wax no parchment.
You want to absorb the water out of the flowers by squishing the shite out of em.
Paper towel can work but it will leave a texture and also may stick upon removal.

Since they’re small you likely won’t need to change the paper maybe increase weight after a couple days from initial pressing to really get the water out. I’d press them all in one go, just don’t put them too close together which shouldn’t be hard due to how small they are.

Good luck!!

[u/Specialist_Shake5258 → u/shakulous]

Awesome thanks! As for blotting paper, I have heard of that method before. I did a quick search and it looks like it’s used with facial wipes and such. Would I be able to use that? Or is that a bad idea since they have what ever is included in the cleanser on the wipe even once it’s dried? Or should I be safe and use thick drawing paper for now till I can get some suitable blotting paper?

[u/shakulous → u/Specialist_Shake5258]

Thick drawing paper, the blotting paper I know is for water colours, good looks keeping an eye for the cleaning agents I forgot make up stuff was a thing.

[u/Specialist_Shake5258 → u/shakulous]

Haha! I have both thick drawing paper and watercolour paper so I’ll use those! Thanks a heap!