How to Make a DIY Flower-Pressed Frame

Creating a DIY flower-pressed frame is a wonderful way to preserve beautiful blooms and create a stunning, personalized piece of art for your home. This project is not only easy to do, but also a meaningful way to showcase flowers from special occasions, like a wedding or a memorable hike. Here’s how you can make your own flower-pressed frame from start to finish.

Materials Needed:

• Fresh flowers (real or dried)

• Heavy books or a flower press

• A frame (with glass)

• Wax paper or parchment paper

• Scissors

• Tweezers (optional)

• A small paintbrush (optional)

• Hot glue gun or craft glue

• Cardstock or backing paper for the frame

Step 1: Choose Your Flowers

Select the flowers you want to preserve. You can use flowers from your garden, a bouquet, or wildflowers. Keep in mind that thin, flat flowers work best for pressing, as they dry evenly and retain their shape. Popular choices include daisies, pansies, violets, and lavender.

Step 2: Press the Flowers

There are two main ways to press flowers: using a flower press or heavy books.

• Using a flower press: If you have a flower press, place the flowers between two pieces of wax or parchment paper. Insert the paper into the press, tightening the screws so that the flowers are firmly in place. Leave them for 2-3 weeks to ensure they are fully dried.

• Using heavy books: If you don’t have a flower press, you can use heavy books. Place your flowers between two pieces of wax or parchment paper, then stack several books on top. Check the flowers every few days to ensure they are drying evenly. Leave them for at least one to two weeks.

Step 3: Prepare the Frame

Choose a frame that will complement your pressed flowers. A simple wooden frame works well, but you can get creative with colors or textures depending on the look you want to achieve. If the frame has a mat, you can use it as a guide to cut your cardstock or backing paper to fit.

Step 4: Arrange the Pressed Flowers

Once your flowers are pressed and dried, carefully remove them from the wax paper. Lay out the pressed flowers on the backing paper or cardstock to design your arrangement. This step allows you to experiment with the placement before committing to gluing.

You can arrange the flowers in a variety of ways:

• Symmetrical: Create a balanced design where flowers are evenly placed on each side of the frame.

• Asymmetrical: Arrange the flowers in a more free-flowing, natural design.

• Layered: Place smaller flowers on top of larger ones to create depth.

Use tweezers to help you carefully position the flowers without damaging them.

Step 5: Glue the Flowers

Once you’re happy with the arrangement, use a small amount of craft glue or hot glue to secure the flowers in place. If you’re using a hot glue gun, make sure to apply the glue sparingly to avoid excess, which can seep out and damage the delicate flowers. If you prefer a cleaner finish, use a small paintbrush to apply the glue to the back of each flower. Press each flower down gently to ensure they stick firmly.

Allow the glue to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Step 6: Frame the Flowers

Once the flowers are glued and dried, carefully place the backing paper with the pressed flowers into the frame. Secure the frame’s back and glass. If your frame has an opening or slot for a photograph, make sure the glass is aligned properly so the flowers are displayed clearly.

Step 7: Display Your DIY Flower-Pressed Frame

Now that your pressed flower frame is ready, choose the perfect spot to display it! Whether it’s hung on the wall, placed on a shelf, or even gifted to someone special, this frame will be a charming and sentimental addition to any space.

Tips for Success:

• Choose the right flowers: Some flowers, like roses, may not press well, as they can become too thick or not retain their color. Opt for more delicate blooms for the best results.

• Dry completely: Ensure the flowers are fully dried before framing them to prevent mold or discoloration.

• Use preservation spray: If you want to give your flowers extra longevity, you can use a floral preservation spray before gluing them into the frame. This will help them retain their color and texture for years to come.

Variations:

• Pressed Leaf Frames: In addition to flowers, you can press leaves, ferns, or even herbs for a more varied botanical look.

• Multi-Layered Framing: Use several layers of pressed flowers in different frames to create a more intricate, 3D effect.

• Themed Frames: Create seasonal frames with flowers that represent different times of the year, such as spring blossoms, summer blooms, or autumn leaves.

This DIY flower-pressed frame is not only a creative project but also a beautiful way to celebrate nature’s beauty in your home decor. It allows you to turn fleeting moments with flowers into lasting memories, while adding a personalized touch to any room.