How to Frame Dried Flowers and Leaves
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February 6th 2024
Looking for a creative way to add a botanical feel to your home with your favorite flowers?
Here, we’ll explore how to preserve your favorite blooms and leaves for framing.
Materials needed
Fresh/ Dried flowers
Silica gel or another desiccant material
Airtight container
Microwave or oven (optional, for drying flowers quickly)
Tweezers
Frame(s)
Acid-free adhesive or glue
Acid-free mounting tape or double-sided tape
Scissors
Hanging hardware (if frames don't come with them)
Glass cleaner and cloth (for cleaning the glass, if needed)
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to preserve and frame your flowers
1. Select Your Flowers or Leaves
HOW TO SELECT FLOWERS
Flat and Thin Petals
Choose flowers with relatively flat and thin petals, as they press more easily and create a smoother appearance in the frame. Examples include pansies, violets, daisies, and cosmos.
Color Retention
Opt for flowers with vibrant colors, as they tend to retain their hues better during the pressing process. Avoid flowers that are already wilting or showing signs of discoloration.
Sturdiness
Select flowers with sturdy petals that won't become too translucent or brittle during pressing. Roses and carnations are good options.
Dry Weather Harvesting
Choose a dry day to harvest flowers. Moisture can hinder the pressing process, so avoid collecting flowers after rain or when they are dew-covered.
HOW TO SELECT LEAVES
Flat and Non-Waxy Leaves: Choose leaves that are flat and not too waxy, as they press well and maintain their natural color. Maple, oak, and fern leaves are suitable candidates.
Varied Shapes and Sizes: Explore leaves with varied shapes and sizes to add diversity to your framed display. Consider combining different types of leaves for a more dynamic composition.
Healthy and Undamaged: Ensure the leaves are healthy, undamaged, and free from pests or diseases. Damaged leaves may not press well, and any existing issues could worsen during the pressing process.
Harvesting Tips: Harvest leaves with a bit of stem attached, which makes them easier to handle during the pressing and framing stages. Additionally, choose leaves at their peak freshness for the best results.
2. Dry Your Flowers and Leaves
You only need to pick one of the methods below when drying your flowers
Hanging
Bundle the flowers together and hang them upside down in a dark, dry place. Tie small bunches of flowers together with string and hang them in a well-ventilated, dark area. The drying time varies based on the flower type.
Silica Gel
Submerge the flowers in silica gel, which absorbs moisture and helps retain their shape and color. Place flowers in a container filled with silica gel, ensuring they are completely covered. Seal the container and let it sit for several days.
Microwave
Quick-dry flowers by placing them in a microwave-safe container with silica gel. Or place flowers between layers of paper towels and microwave in short bursts, checking for dryness after each burst.
Freeze Drying
Freeze drying retains the natural color and structure of flowers, making it a popular method for professional floral preservation. Freeze the flowers and then place them in a vacuum chamber, where moisture is removed through sublimation.
Pressing
Pressing flowers is a classic method that involves flattening blooms between absorbent materials, preserving them for framed displays. Arrange flowers between parchment or absorbent paper and place heavy books or a flower press on top. Leave them for a few weeks to fully dry.
These are great methods for preserving flowers after they have already been dried
Use Hairspray
Hair Spray can help flowers maintain their vibrant colors and prevent them from becoming brittle. Spray hairspray evenly across the flowers.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
The sun will fade colors from your flowers, so avoid keeping your flowers near direct sunlight.
3. Select and Prepare your Frame
Floating Frame
A frame with a transparent front and a small gap between the glass and backing. Pressed flowers can appear as if they are floating within the frame, creating an ethereal and modern look.
Shadow Box Frame
A shadow box frame, featuring a deeper design, is perfect for wedding bouquets or 3-dimensional flowers. With its three-dimensional layout, a shadow box allows you to layer multiple blooms, creating a dynamic and visually captivating arrangement. The added depth enhances the intricate details of the flowers, making them stand out within the frame.
4. Press the Leaves and Flowers Flat (skip this step if you are using a shadow box frame and want your flowers to maintain a three-dimensional look).
What you need will need
Fresh flowers
Absorbent paper (such as parchment or blotting paper)
Heavy books or flower press
Weight (optional)
Microwavable container (for microwave pressing)
Your pressing options
Traditional Pressing - Place the flowers between absorbent paper sheets, ensuring they do not touch or overlap. - Put the paper with flowers inside a heavy book or flower press. - Add additional weight on top for added pressure.
Microwave Pressing (for Quick Results) - Arrange the flowers between layers of absorbent paper, following the same principles as traditional pressing. - Place the paper with flowers in a microwavable container. - Microwave in short intervals (10-30 seconds) until the flowers are sufficiently dried. Be cautious not to overheat and damage the flowers.
Pressing Time
Traditional Pressing: Leave the flowers pressed for 1-2 weeks. Check periodically to ensure they are drying evenly.
Microwave Pressing: Check the flowers after each interval until they are sufficiently dried. This method can take a few minutes.
Check for Dryness
Flowers are ready when they feel dry to the touch and have a papery texture. If there is any residual moisture, they may become moldy.
Unveil the Pressed Flowers
Carefully open the press or book, ensuring not to disrupt the delicate dried flowers.
If using absorbent paper, gently peel it away from the flowers.
5. Arrange the Dried Flowers and Leaves
Lay out your dried flowers or leaves on a clean surface and experiment with different arrangements. Consider the color palette and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve.
Use a curved tipped tweezer to move your dried flowers to and from the glass frame.
Below are various ideas for arranging your pressed flowers and leaves in a visually stunning way
Symmetrical Grid
Arrange pressed flowers or leaves in a symmetrical grid pattern within the frame. This clean and structured layout provides a balanced and organized look.
Ombre Effect
Create an ombre effect by arranging flowers or leaves in a gradient of colors. Start with one shade and transition to another, creating a visually striking display.
Random Scatter
Scatter pressed flowers or leaves randomly across the frame for a whimsical and carefree appearance. This approach can create an organic and natural feel.
Corner Bouquet
Concentrate a vibrant bouquet of pressed flowers in one corner of the frame, allowing the arrangement to spill elegantly into the rest of the space.
Circular Arrangement
Create a circular or spiral arrangement of pressed flowers in the center of the frame. This can draw attention to the focal point and evoke a sense of harmony.
Quilted Patchwork
Mimic a quilted patchwork by arranging pressed flowers or leaves in distinct sections, each showcasing a different botanical element. This approach adds a dynamic and textured feel.
Crescent Moon or Sunburst
Arrange pressed flowers in the shape of a crescent moon or a sunburst. This unique arrangement can evoke celestial and celestial-inspired aesthetics.
Botanical Heart
Arrange pressed flowers and leaves in the shape of a heart, creating a romantic and sentimental display. This arrangement is especially suitable for gifts or decor in intimate spaces.
Geometric Patterns
Create geometric patterns within the frame using pressed flowers or leaves. This structured and modern approach adds a touch of contemporary flair.
6. Secure Flowers and Leaves in Frame
Choose the Right Adhesive
For pressed flowers, opt for a clear, acid-free glue or floral tape designed for delicate materials like dried flowers. Acid-free adhesives prevent deterioration over time and ensure that the colors of the flowers remain vibrant without any chemical reactions. If you are framing a three-dimensional bouquet arrangement, try using a hot glue gun.
Ensure that the glue is clear to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the arrangement. Some adhesives may dry with a cloudy or yellowish tint, which can affect the visual quality.
Applying the Adhesive
Apply a small amount of the chosen adhesive to the back of each dried flower or stem. Use a fine-tip applicator or a small brush for precision, especially if the flowers are intricate or have fine details.
Be sparing with the glue to avoid excess seepage around the edges of the flowers. Excessive adhesive can create a messy appearance and may be challenging to clean once dried.
Securing the Flowers
Gently press each flower onto the backing material of the frame, ensuring that it adheres firmly without causing damage. Take care not to crush or deform the delicate blooms during this process.
If using floral tape, carefully wrap it around the stems or bases of the flowers, securing them to the backing. Floral tape is flexible and provides additional support while maintaining a natural appearance.
Drying Time
Allow sufficient time for the adhesive to dry completely before handling the framed arrangement. Follow the specific drying instructions provided by the chosen adhesive to ensure optimal results.
7. Seal the Frame
If your frame originally included glass, you should reattach it. Be careful with foldable floating frames, as they can break easily if the flowers are not flat enough and you press too hard.
8. Display Your Work
Place your framed dried flowers in an area with indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause colors to fade over time, diminishing the vibrancy of your arrangement.
Explore popular and effective drying paper options when pressing flowers
Blotting Paper
Blotting paper is a highly absorbent paper often used for pressing flowers. It's smooth and allows for even drying, preventing wrinkles on delicate petals.
Parchment Paper
Parchment paper is another excellent option. It's non-stick and provides a smooth surface, making it easy to remove pressed flowers without damaging them.
Watercolor Paper
Watercolor paper is a thicker option that provides sturdiness during pressing. It's ideal for larger or more substantial flowers.
Silica Gel Paper
Silica gel paper is embedded with silica gel crystals, acting as a desiccant to absorb moisture quickly. It's an efficient option for speeding up the drying process.
Coffee Filters
Coffee filters are lightweight and absorbent, making them suitable for pressing smaller flowers. They are also convenient and readily available.
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