pressedflower

Pressedflower refers to the craft and its products of preserving flowers by flattening them between sheets of paper. The technique produces flat, delicate specimens used in artwork, crafts, and keepsakes. The term describes both the process and the finished pieces.

History: The practice of pressing plants has long precedents in botany and decorative arts. Early collectors pressed specimens for study; in the 19th century Victorian scrapbooks popularized pressed-flower arrangements, and amateur naturalists have continued the tradition into modern crafts.

Process and materials: A plant press uses a frame with blotting paper or parchment between boards. Fresh flowers are pressed to remove moisture and preserve color, typically for one to four weeks under evenly distributed pressure. Dried flowers can be mounted on paper, laminated, or sealed in resin. Silica gel drying and microwave methods are alternatives.

Care and preservation: Use acid-free paper and archival adhesives. Keep pressed flowers away from direct sunlight, high humidity, and heat. Store or frame in a protected, stable environment to slow color fading.

Applications and culture: Pressedflowers appear in art, stationery, jewelry, and educational displays. They enhance scrapbooks, greeting cards, bookmarks, and wedding décor, and are taught in schools and workshops.