Pressed Botanical Framed Art

PROJECT AND PHOTOGRAPHY ERIN ROCHON

Make flowers the star of any room by creating this simple pressed botanical art. Bring the essence of the season inside with this easy DIY. 

MATERIALS

Bouquet of fresh flowers 

Parchment paper 

Iron 

Artist palette paper 

Towel 

Frame 

HOW TO

1. SELECT FRESH FLOWERS

Start by choosing a bouquet of fresh flowers. Opt for blossoms that are almost at their peak, have naturally-flat shapes and are single-layered petals like daisies or cosmos for optimal results. Pick greenery, like eucalyptus, ivy or ruscus.

2. PREPARE MATERIALS

Separate and cut flowers to desired length, removing extra leaves. Cut desired greens.

3. PRESS FLOWERS

You can press flowers and greens two ways – between the pages of a book or with an iron.

If you are using the book method, make sure flowers are placed between two pages of parchment paper before adding to a book. This method will take several weeks.

Using an iron will speed up the process. Place flowers and greens between parchment paper on top of a towel. You may have to do this in batches. Place your iron directly over flowers and greens, and hold for approximately six seconds to start.

Continue this process, holding the iron for up to 10 seconds, making sure flowers and greens do not burn. Repeat until all flowers have been pressed.

4. PLAN AND ARRANGE

Once the flowers are completely dry, remove from parchment paper, then layer the arrangement on the palette paper. Try different layouts until you are happy with the placements.

5. FRAME ARTWORK

Place the pressed flowers on the palette paper into the frame, and secure in place.

6. HANG AND ENJOY

Find a spot to hang your botanical art and let the colours add a touch of elegance to your space. OH