There’s something so magical about pressing flowers. Maybe it’s the way a fleeting bloom becomes something lasting a memory frozen in time. Or maybe it’s just the peacefulness of slowing down long enough to notice the details: the curve of a petal, the softness of a stem. Either way, crafting with pressed flowers is a beautiful way to bring nature into your everyday life.
These 7 pressed flower DIYs are simple, soulful, and perfect for weekend crafting, handmade gifts, or decorating your home with a little extra love. Whether you’re working solo with a good podcast or setting up a sweet afternoon project with your kids, these crafts are just the kind of gentle joy we all need more of.
This guide will walk you through seven stunning pressed flower projects, from simple bookmarks to elaborate framed art. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just beginning your creative journey, these accessible projects offer a perfect way to incorporate the elegance of pressed botanicals into your everyday life.
Getting Started with Pressed Flowers
Before diving into specific projects, it’s important to master the basics of flower pressing. The traditional method involves placing flowers between absorbent paper (like coffee filters or blotting paper) inside a heavy book for 2-3 weeks. For quicker results, a dedicated flower press with cardboard layers and tightening screws yields beautiful results in 1-2 weeks. In a hurry? The microwave method can dry flowers in minutes—simply arrange blooms between microwave-safe paper and press between ceramic tiles for 30-60 seconds on low power.
When selecting specimens for pressing, choose flowers at their peak, avoiding wilted or damaged blooms. Flat flowers like pansies, violets, and daisies press beautifully, while small delicate blooms like forget-me-nots and baby’s breath create lovely accents. Ferns, leaves, and grasses add wonderful texture and variety to your projects.
Essential supplies for pressed flower crafts include:
- Fine tweezers for precise placement
- White glue or adhesive specifically for botanicals
- Clear contact paper or laminating sheets
- Acid-free paper or cardstock
- Scissors or craft knife
- Clear-drying sealant
Now, let’s explore the wonderful projects you can create!
Project 1: Elegant Pressed Flower Bookmarks
Bookmarks offer the perfect starting point for pressed flower crafting, combining beauty with practicality. Using acrylic creates stunning transparent bookmarks that showcase your pressed flowers beautifully.
Materials:
- Clear acrylic bookmark blanks (available at craft stores or online)
- Pressed flowers and leaves
- UV resin or clear-drying adhesive suitable for acrylic
- Fine tweezers for placement
- Decorative ribbon, tassel, or string
- Small drill bit or hole punch suitable for acrylic (if bookmarks don’t come pre-drilled)
- UV lamp (if using UV resin)
- Sandpaper (220-400 grit) for smoothing edges if needed
Instructions:
- Clean the acrylic bookmark blanks thoroughly with alcohol to remove any fingerprints or residue.
- Plan your design on paper before working with the acrylic.
- If using adhesive: Apply tiny dots of clear-drying adhesive to the back of each botanical element using tweezers, then carefully position on one side of the acrylic bookmark.
- If using UV resin: Place pressed flowers on the acrylic, add a small amount of UV resin, position flowers with tweezers, then cure under a UV lamp according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- For added protection with the adhesive method, apply a thin coat of clear sealant over the entire arrangement after it’s fully dry.
- If your bookmark doesn’t have a pre-drilled hole, carefully drill or punch a hole at the top.
- Thread decorative ribbon or tassel through the hole as a finishing touch.
The transparency of acrylic creates a beautiful floating effect for your pressed flowers, allowing light to pass through and showcase the delicate details of each botanical element. Try layering different sizes of flowers for dimensional interest, or create a gradient effect from top to bottom. For a modern look, leave plenty of negative space to emphasize the natural beauty of selected specimens.
Project 2: Framed Botanical Art
Framed pressed flower compositions make stunning wall art that brings nature’s beauty indoors.
Materials:
- Shadow box frame or floating glass frame
- Acid-free mounting board or paper
- Pressed flowers and foliage
- Archival adhesive
- Tweezers
- Optional: decorative background paper
Instructions:
- Plan your composition on a separate surface before committing to the final arrangement.
- Choose a background that complements your botanicals—white showcases vibrant colors, while cream or light blue creates a vintage feel.
- Working methodically, apply tiny amounts of adhesive to the back of each pressed element and place onto the mounting board.
- Consider design principles like balance, focal points, and visual flow.
- Allow the adhesive to dry completely before carefully placing in the frame.
- Seal the frame thoroughly to prevent moisture from affecting your artwork.
For sophisticated displays, try creating a botanical series with specimens from the same location or season. Grouping three or four coordinated pieces creates an impressive gallery wall. For a personal touch, include the botanical names or collection date in small calligraphy beneath each specimen.
Project 3: Delicate Floral Sun Catchers
These translucent beauties transform ordinary window light into magical displays of color and form.
Materials:
- Wax paper or clear contact paper
- Pressed flowers (thinner varieties work best)
- Iron (if using wax paper)
- Embroidery hoop or frame
- String for hanging
- Optional: decorative beads
Instructions:
- For wax paper method: Place pressed flowers between two sheets of wax paper, cover with a thin cloth, and iron on low heat to seal.
- For contact paper: Remove backing from one sheet, arrange flowers, then carefully cover with a second sheet, adhesive sides together.
- Once sealed, trim to desired shape (circle, diamond, or leaf shapes work well).
- For added structure, secure the design in an embroidery hoop or lightweight frame.
- Add hanging string and optional decorative beads.
- Position near windows where light will filter through the botanicals throughout the day.
The translucent quality of sun catchers creates a stained-glass effect, with light highlighting the intricate veining and delicate structures of your pressed specimens. For seasonal variation, create sun catchers with spring blossoms, summer wildflowers, or autumn leaves.
Project 4: Personalized Pressed Flower Phone Cases
Transform an everyday item into a personalized work of art with this functional craft.
Materials:
- Clear phone case (specifically designed for your phone model)
- Small, flat pressed flowers
- Clear-drying adhesive or mod podge
- Small brush for applying adhesive
- Clear sealant spray
- Fine tweezers
Instructions:
- Clean the phone case thoroughly and allow to dry completely.
- Plan your design on paper before working directly on the case.
- Apply a thin layer of adhesive to the inside of the clear case.
- Using tweezers, carefully position pressed flowers according to your design.
- Apply another thin layer of adhesive over the flowers.
- Allow to dry completely (usually 24 hours).
- Apply 2-3 coats of clear sealant for durability, allowing drying time between coats.
For best results, select extremely thin and well-pressed specimens that won’t create bumps under the surface. Minimalist designs often work best, allowing the natural beauty of a few statement flowers to shine. Consider seasonal updates by creating multiple cases to rotate throughout the year.
Project 5: Resin Keychains with Pressed Flowers
Resin preserves delicate botanicals in crystal-clear pendants that withstand daily use.
Materials:
- Clear casting resin and hardener
- Silicone keychain molds
- Pressed flowers and leaves
- Keychain hardware
- Disposable mixing cups and stir sticks
- Protective gloves and well-ventilated workspace
Instructions:
- Work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gloves when handling resin.
- Mix resin according to package directions, usually equal parts resin and hardener.
- Pour a thin layer into your mold and allow to set until tacky (about 20 minutes).
- Arrange pressed flowers on the tacky layer.
- Carefully pour remaining resin over the flowers to fill the mold.
- Remove any air bubbles by gently blowing through a straw or using a heat tool.
- Allow to cure completely (usually 24-48 hours).
- Attach keychain hardware once fully hardened.
The transparency of resin creates a floating effect, suspending your botanical elements in what appears to be liquid glass. Experiment with layering different elements at various depths for dimensional interest. Adding a touch of mica powder or resin dye creates subtle background color that makes your pressed specimens pop.
Project 6: Natural Candle Holders
Bring gentle illumination to your space with botanically adorned candle holders.
Materials:
- Glass candle holders or mason jars
- Pressed flowers and leaves
- Decoupage medium or clear-drying adhesive
- Small brush for application
- Tea lights or votive candles (preferably LED for safety)
Instructions:
- Clean glass thoroughly and allow to dry completely.
- Apply a thin layer of decoupage medium to a small section of the glass.
- Place pressed flowers onto the adhesive, gently smoothing with your fingers.
- Cover with another thin layer of decoupage medium.
- Continue working in sections until design is complete.
- Allow to dry for 24 hours.
- Apply a final protective coat and allow to dry completely.
- Use with LED candles for safety, especially if florals are positioned where they might experience heat.
These luminous holders create enchanting ambient lighting, with the pressed botanicals appearing to glow when illuminated from within. For a cohesive look, create a collection using similar flowers in various sized containers. These make particularly lovely centerpieces for special occasions.
Project 7: Handmade Journals with Pressed Flower Covers
Combine the art of bookbinding with botanical preservation for one-of-a-kind journals.
Materials:
- Cardstock or book board for covers
- Text paper for internal pages
- Pressed flowers
- Bookbinding needle and waxed thread
- PVA glue or bookbinding glue
- Clear contact paper or laminate
- Bone folder (or substitute with a wooden popsicle stick)
Instructions:
- Cut cover boards and text paper to desired size.
- Arrange pressed flowers on the front cover board and adhere with thin glue.
- Cover the entire board with clear contact paper or laminate to protect the botanical elements.
- Fold text paper sheets in half and group into signatures.
- Use a simple pamphlet stitch or coptic binding method to attach signatures to the covers.
- Apply gentle pressure under a heavy book while the glue dries.
These handmade journals become treasured keepsakes, perfect for nature journaling, sketching, or daily reflections. The handmade quality and natural elements create a sense of connection between the pages and the writer’s thoughts within.
Care and Preservation
To ensure your pressed flower creations maintain their beauty for years to come:
- Keep items away from direct sunlight to prevent fading
- Store in low-humidity environments to prevent mold
- Apply UV-protective sprays to projects that will receive light exposure
- Handle with care, as pressed botanicals remain delicate even when preserved
Pressed flower crafting connects us to nature’s ephemeral beauty, allowing us to preserve moments of botanical perfection in practical and artistic forms. From simple bookmarks to elaborate framed compositions, these projects offer accessible entry points to working with pressed flowers while creating items of lasting value.
The true joy of pressed flower crafting lies in its combination of preservation and creation—capturing nature’s fleeting beauty and transforming it into enduring art. Each project becomes both a creative expression and a botanical time capsule, holding memories of gardens, walks, and special moments.
As you explore these seven projects, allow yourself to experiment with different compositions, color combinations, and techniques. The natural variation in each botanical specimen ensures that every creation will be uniquely yours—a beautiful intersection of nature’s artistry and your creative vision.
