How to Make a DIY Flower-Pressed Wall Hanging

Making a DIY flower-pressed wall hanging is a beautiful and creative way to incorporate nature into your home decor. This project allows you to preserve flowers in a unique way and transform them into a piece of art that can add a touch of charm to any room. Whether you’re using flowers from your garden or collecting blooms from a local florist, the process of making a flower-pressed wall hanging is simple and enjoyable. Here’s how to create your own.

Materials You Will Need:

1. Fresh Flowers: Choose flowers that press well, such as daisies, lavender, roses, or violets. Ensure that the flowers are fresh, as they retain their color better when pressed.

2. Pressing Paper: You can use blotting paper, parchment paper, or regular paper to press the flowers.

3. A Flower Press or Heavy Books: A flower press is ideal, but if you don’t have one, you can use a stack of heavy books to press the flowers.

4. Scissors: For trimming the flowers to the desired size.

5. Wooden Frame: To display the pressed flowers, you’ll need a frame with glass.

6. Hot Glue Gun or Craft Adhesive: To secure the flowers to the backing of the frame.

7. String, Twine, or Wire: To hang your wall hanging.

8. Cardboard or Foam Board: This will be the backing for your flower arrangement.

9. Optional Decorative Elements: Ribbon, beads, or other small decorative elements can enhance your finished piece.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Flower-Pressed Wall Hanging:

1. Choose Your Flowers

Select flowers that press well and have vibrant colors. If you want to create a specific design or pattern, plan your flower arrangement ahead of time. Flowers such as pansies, violets, daisies, and lavender are popular choices because they retain their color well when pressed.

2. Prepare the Flowers for Pressing

Trim the stems of the flowers so that only the petals or small stems are visible. This helps to fit them into the press or between the pages of a book. Ensure that the petals lie flat to get an even press.

3. Press the Flowers

Lay the flowers between sheets of parchment or blotting paper. If you’re using a flower press, stack the flowers inside and tighten the screws. If you don’t have a flower press, place the flowers between sheets of paper and then place them under a heavy book or two to apply pressure. Leave the flowers pressed for about 1 to 2 weeks. The longer they are pressed, the flatter and more vibrant they will become.

4. Check the Pressed Flowers

After the flowers have dried, carefully remove them from the press. If they are still fragile, handle them with care. You should have flat, dry flowers ready for crafting. If you notice any discoloration, try using different flowers or experimenting with pressing methods in the future.

5. Arrange the Flowers on the Frame

Take the wooden frame and remove the backing. Cut a piece of cardboard or foam board to fit the back of the frame as the base for your flower arrangement. Arrange the pressed flowers on the cardboard in a design or pattern you like. You can choose a simple design, a more elaborate composition, or even make a geometric pattern.

6. Secure the Flowers in Place

Once you’re satisfied with the arrangement, use a hot glue gun or craft adhesive to attach the flowers to the cardboard or foam board. Be careful not to use too much glue, as it can seep through the petals and be visible. Only a small amount is needed to secure each flower.

7. Insert the Artwork into the Frame

Once all the flowers are attached, carefully insert the cardboard with the pressed flowers into the wooden frame. Make sure the flowers are facing the glass and that the frame holds everything in place securely.

8. Add Hanging Hardware

If your frame does not come with a hook, attach a piece of string, twine, or wire to the back of the frame. This will allow you to hang your flower-pressed wall hanging on the wall. Ensure that the string or wire is secure enough to hold the weight of the frame.

9. Final Touches

For a more decorative effect, you can add small embellishments like beads, ribbon, or a decorative border around the pressed flowers. These additions can enhance the overall aesthetic of the wall hanging.

Displaying Your Flower-Pressed Wall Hanging:

Once your flower-pressed wall hanging is complete, hang it in a place where it can be admired. This could be in your living room, bedroom, hallway, or even in a home office. The pressed flowers will add a soft, natural touch to your decor, and each piece will be a one-of-a-kind creation.

Tips for Success:

• Use the right flowers: Some flowers retain their color and shape better than others. Experiment with different types to see which ones work best for pressing.

• Patience is key: Allow the flowers to dry fully before removing them from the press. Rushing the process can lead to uneven results.

• Frame choice: Consider using a frame that has UV-protective glass to prevent the flowers from fading over time.

• Experiment with color: Mixing different types and colors of flowers can add visual interest and create a dynamic piece of art.

• Add texture: If you want to give the wall hanging more depth, you can combine pressed flowers with other materials such as dried leaves, lace, or fabric.

Conclusion:

Creating a flower-pressed wall hanging is a fun and rewarding project that allows you to preserve the beauty of nature while adding a personal touch to your home decor. With just a few materials and some creativity, you can turn fresh flowers into a lasting art piece. Whether you’re making one for yourself or as a thoughtful gift for someone else, your flower-pressed wall hanging will be a stunning reminder of the beauty of nature.