How to Make a Pressed Flower Journal

Creating a pressed flower journal is a beautiful and creative way to preserve nature’s beauty while crafting a unique keepsake. The process combines both botanical art and journaling, making it an enjoyable activity for flower lovers and crafters alike. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make your own pressed flower journal.

1. Gather Materials

Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary supplies. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• Fresh flowers (ideally picked when they are in full bloom and dry)

• Pressing method (either a flower press, heavy books, or parchment paper)

• Journaling materials (blank journal or notebook with acid-free paper)

• Tweezers (for handling delicate flowers)

• Scissors (for trimming flowers)

• Glue (a clear-drying adhesive like Mod Podge or a craft glue)

• Optional: Decorative materials like ribbons, washi tape, or scrapbook embellishments

• A few heavy books or a flower press to flatten the flowers

2. Select and Prepare Flowers

Choose flowers that have vibrant colors and flat shapes, as they are easier to press and will retain their beauty. Some good options include daisies, pansies, lavender, violets, and small roses. Avoid overly thick or fleshy flowers, as they might not press well.

Pick your flowers in the morning when they are fully hydrated. Trim any stems and leaves, leaving only the petals. Make sure to handle them carefully to avoid bruising or damaging them.

3. Pressing the Flowers

There are several ways to press flowers. Here are three common methods:

Flower Press

A flower press is a specialized tool designed to hold flowers between sheets of absorbent paper and apply consistent pressure. It’s a convenient option if you plan to press flowers frequently.

• Place the flowers between the layers of parchment paper inside the press.

• Tighten the screws to apply pressure, ensuring the flowers are flat.

• Leave the flowers in the press for about 2-4 weeks, depending on their moisture content.

Using Heavy Books

If you don’t have a flower press, you can use heavy books as an alternative.

• Lay a piece of parchment paper on the open pages of a book.

• Place the flowers flat on the parchment paper.

• Close the book and stack a few more heavy books on top to apply pressure.

• Leave the flowers in the book for about 2-4 weeks, making sure to check on them periodically.

Using a Microwave Pressing Method

For a quicker alternative, the microwave pressing method can speed up the process.

• Place your flowers between two pieces of parchment paper and sandwich them between two paper towels.

• Microwave the flowers on a low setting for 30 seconds at a time, checking for dryness in between each cycle.

• Once dry and flat, remove the flowers carefully.

4. Prepare Your Journal

While your flowers are pressing, it’s time to prepare your journal. You can use a pre-made journal or create your own by binding together sheets of acid-free paper. The pages should be thick enough to handle the weight of the pressed flowers without causing the journal to bulge.

• Choose a journal with a solid cover and acid-free pages, as this will prevent your pressed flowers from deteriorating over time.

• If you want to add extra flair, consider decorating the cover of your journal with ribbons, stickers, or other materials that complement your flower theme.

5. Arrange and Glue the Flowers

Once your flowers are pressed and completely dry, it’s time to arrange them in the journal.

• Decide where you want to place each flower. You can create borders, patterns, or simply scatter them across the page.

• Use tweezers to carefully handle the flowers and avoid damaging them.

• Apply a small amount of glue to the back of each flower. Be gentle, as too much glue can cause the flowers to wrinkle or become transparent.

• Press the flowers down onto the journal pages and hold for a few seconds to ensure they stick properly.

• Let the glue dry fully before moving to the next flower or page.

6. Enhance the Pages with Journaling

A pressed flower journal is not only a botanical craft, but it’s also a place for your personal thoughts, reflections, or memories. After gluing your flowers, you can add written content to the pages:

• Include Descriptions: Write about the flowers you pressed, the significance of the flowers, or the time of year you collected them.

• Add Dates: Include the date when you pressed each flower to give it a historical context.

• Create Stories: If the flowers remind you of a special event, person, or place, write a short story or memory associated with them.

7. Decorate the Pages

To enhance the beauty of your pressed flower journal, consider adding other decorative elements:

• Washi Tape: Use decorative tape around the edges of the pages for a playful touch.

• Stamps or Stickers: Botanical-themed stamps or stickers can complement your pressed flowers.

• Sketches or Paintings: Add delicate sketches of the flowers around their pressed counterparts or watercolor accents to create a more artistic feel.

8. Preserve Your Journal

To keep your pressed flower journal in good condition, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will prevent the flowers from fading. You might also want to store the journal inside a protective cover or case to keep it safe from damage.

You can also lightly spray the flowers with a floral preservative (available at craft stores) to help maintain their color and texture.

9. Gift or Keep the Journal

Your pressed flower journal can be a wonderful personal keepsake, or it can serve as a unique gift. Whether you use it for writing, drawing, or as a memory book, it’s a meaningful way to preserve the beauty of nature.

For gift-giving, consider wrapping the journal in decorative paper or placing it in a gift box with a personalized note.

Creating a pressed flower journal is a fulfilling craft that allows you to connect with nature and preserve precious memories. It’s an ideal project for nature lovers, crafters, and anyone who enjoys a bit of creativity and personal expression. By following these steps, you can create a timeless, beautiful journal that reflects both your artistic abilities and your love for the natural world.