Flower pressing is a fun and simple nature activity and one of those classic crafts to do with children!

It's a wonderful way of preserving flowers and using them to create beautiful arts and crafts projects.

I've included some tips on the best flowers to press and how to prepare them before pressing.

You will need:

• fresh flowers, petals and leaves
• notebook or hardback book to press the flowers inside
• blotting paper or greaseproof/parchment paper
• more hardback books or something heavy to put on top of the flower pressing book

Flower pressing tips:

• It is best to press flowers as soon as possible after picking them. They wilt quickly so it's a good idea to either pick the flowers towards the end of your walk or have a book or notebook ready with a piece of elastic around it which you can use to start pressing your flowers as soon as you pick them. You can then place a weight on the book or notebook the moment you get home!
• Choose flowers that are almost in full bloom.
• Only use dry flowers. If you press flowers when they are damp or wet, they will probably go mouldy. Make sure the flowers are dry by gently patting them with some kitchen roll or paper towel to remove any moisture.
• If using flowers from a bouquet, keep the stems in water until you are ready to press them.
• You can press most flowers, but the best flowers to press are those with a single layer of petals and flat faces, such as daisies, pansies and violas. Press some leaves and or stems as well as flowers. These will work really well in flower art projects too.
• For large flowers with layers of petals, it may be better to separate and press the petals rather than trying to keep the flower whole.

How to press flowers:

• Fold over a piece of blotting/greaseproof paper and place it inside a notebook or hardcover book.

• Arrange your flowers on one side of the paper as shown. Gently press the flowers face downwards with your finger so they stay in place on the paper.

• Carefully fold the blotting/greaseproof paper over the flowers and close the book.

• Place some more heavy hardback books on top.
• Leave for 2-4 weeks. The length of time needed will depend on the size and thickness of the flowers. Smaller flowers will take about 2 weeks, whilst larger flowers may need 4 weeks. You can check every few days to see how your flowers are looking.

Hope you have a lovely time pressing flowers!

Why not use your pressed flowers in the Flower Sun Catcher craft activity?

Here are some more great craft activities from Little Pine Learners using pressed flowers.

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