Flowers with thicker stems, like roses, will need to be removed with pruning shears. [2] X Research source Keep in mind that flowers lose some of their color as they dry out. If you’d your dried flowers to be a specific color, choose a bold-colored flower that will dry into that shade. For instance, you could dry bright pink roses if you’d like dried pink petals.
Flowers with thicker centers won’t flatten as easily, and they tend to collect more moisture. Daisies and primroses are both good flowers to preserve using this method. Fall and summer flowers like roses and hydrangeas are also good options for preserving. [4] X Research source
If you press a moist flower, it will get moldy over time. Don’t let the flowers air-dry for too long, or they won’t be as fresh when you go to preserve them. [6] X Research source
If you’d prefer, you can also preserve the flowers with the stems attached. Keep in mind that stemmed flowers will take up more room, and leave you with less space for other blossoms. [8] X Research source
If you’re trying to preserve roses or carnations, you’ll need to cut the blossoms in half. Feel free to preserve both halves of the flower!
Paper towels will imprint a quilted pattern on the flowers during the pressing process. You can also use plain white printer paper for this. [11] X Research source
The flowers will have a wider diameter when flattened, which is why they need to be spaced out. Try organizing your flowers by type or color when arranging them. If you’re setting down thick, halved flowers, make sure that the flat edge is resting on the absorbent paper. [14] X Research source
It’s okay if the absorbent sheets of paper stick out of the book. This makes it easier for you to find your flowers later on.
If you’re stacking additional books on top of the flower-pressing book, consider using more than 1. This will help press the flowers even more.
