How to Make Pressed Flower Wall Art

Readers often ask me what to make with pressed flowers. While there are countless flower crafts you can make, pressed flower wall art is the simplest! With this easy tutorial, I’ll show you how to make pressed flower artwork in three unique styles. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of nature.

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How to Get Pressed Flowers

I love sharing tutorials on how to press flowers and how to dry flowers. It’s one of my favorite hobbies.

There’s something sentimental about preserving flowers from special occasions like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or a birthday. Making pressed flower art has also gained popularity as a way to preserve wedding flowers.

If you’re completely new to pressing flowers, watch my step-by-step tutorial on how to dry flowers 5 ways. This YouTube video covers two flower pressing methods that are great for beginners.

Watch This Tutorial

Pressing Flowers: Four Options

You have four options for sourcing pressed flowers, including three that you can easily do at home.

1. Wooden flower press (2-3 weeks). You can buy a wooden flower press, or you can easily make a budget-friendly DIY flower press. There’s no woodworking required except drilling four holes! You’ll also need a piece of cardboard between each layer and blotting paper.
2. Book press (1-3 weeks). In my flower drying video, I explain how to press flowers in a large book (like an old phone book or dictionary). You’ll need a sheet of absorbent paper like parchment paper or blotting paper, and you can use bricks or heavy books on top if you need to apply more pressure.
3. Microwave flower press (5-10 minutes). For the first piece of floral art below, I used a Microfleur flower press, which presses flowers in minutes. I first demonstrated this product when I made DIY pressed flower art as a keepsake for our first home.
4. Store-bought pressed flowers. Short on time? You can skip pressing altogether and buy pressed floral bundles online.

There is no right or wrong way to press flowers, but there is a significant difference in drying times among methods.

Aside from purchasing pressed flowers, a microwave flower press will take the least time, while the first two methods will take 10-14 days depending on the thickness of your petals.

What types of flowers are best for pressing?

If you plan to use plant material from your garden, cut the stems in the morning after the dew has dried. For pressed flower art, you’ll want blooms that lie fairly flat when pressed, preferably with a single layer of petals.

Daisies, zinnias, cosmos, pansies, bluebonnets (lupines), larkspur (delphiniums), violas, and simple wildflowers are my favorites to press.

If you try to work with thicker flowers like roses, you may find it challenging to fit the art into a frame. Water-rich petals like those in the succulent family are also not the best for pressing.

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Project #1: Pressed Flower Botanical Prints

This project is a perfect introduction to pressing flowers. You don’t have to worry about how pretty the pressed flowers look because we only need a good silhouette. Choose a stem or flower with great curves and texture!

Supplies

• Fresh flowers or herbs
• Flower press
• Scrapbook paper, cardstock, or watercolor paper
• Spray paint
• Frame

Step 1: Arrange the flowers

Once the flowers or herbs have dried fully, place the specimen on your paper or canvas to find an arrangement that pleases you. Use a small piece of double-sided tape to keep your florals in place temporarily, if needed.

Step 2: Spray paint the dried flowers

I suggest placing the paper inside a cardboard box to prevent the dried flowers from flying away or moving while you spray.

For best results, work in short bursts to add just a touch of spray paint, holding the can about 10-15 inches away from the canvas. You can add a small amount for a more splattered paint effect or thicker layers for full coverage.

If using paper, avoid spraying the same section with multiple coats at once, since this could cause the paper to warp.

Step 3: Frame and display your art

Allow the paint to dry 20 minutes before touching the artwork and 24 hours before framing it.

You can see how even the parsley looks interesting as a silhouette. Who knew?!

I painted a few old wooden frames with white chalk paint to match the botanical shapes. This project is a great way to upcycle old picture frames lying around the house. You can also find affordable frames at a craft store or dollar store.

I’m digging the calm coastal feel of this pressed flower wall art. It’s a wonderful way to add budget-friendly DIY decor to your home or create a unique gift for friends and family.

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Project #2: Floating Frame Pressed Flower Art

For a more minimalist approach to floral art, use a floating frame! IKEA sells several sizes of floating frames like the LERBODA line. You can also find similar styles online.

Supplies

• Pressed flowers
• Floating frames
• Tweezers (optional)

Step 1: Arrange pressed flowers

Floating frames typically come with two sheets of glass or acrylic. Once you separate the layers, you can arrange your flowers on one layer of the frame.

I used a set of pressed flowers purchased online. The flowers are very dainty, so a pair of tweezers helps to arrange the flowers without breaking any petals. My set came with a set of tweezers included.

Step 2: Place the cover over the flowers

Once you’re satisfied with your flower arrangement, place the second clear panel on top. I struggled with a bit of static electricity, so be prepared to rearrange any petals that shift in the process.

Note: I didn’t use any glue for the floating frames since the pressure of the frames was enough to keep the petals in place.

Step 3: Insert the panels and display your art

The IKEA frames come with an option to place the frames on a shelf or hang them with a metal chain. I love how they look on the sideboard in our dining room against our dark blue walls.

For another great idea using a floating frame concept, see my pressed flower wedding table numbers.

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Project #3: Framed Pressed Flower Art

The most traditional method of displaying pressed flower art is on a thick piece of cardstock or watercolor paper.

I created a layered piece of art with scrapbook paper and watercolor paper for a mixed-media aesthetic. You can also choose a frame with a mat to set off the flowers. I love the romantic vibe of this project.

Supplies

• Pressed flowers
• Frame
• Watercolor paper
• Scrapbook paper
• Mod Podge or glue (preferably acid-free)
• Tweezers (optional)

Step 1: Cut scrapbook paper to size

If using scrapbook paper as a background, trim it to match your frame size. I used a sheet of 12×12-inch scrapbook paper and an 8×10-inch frame for this project.

Step 2: Attach watercolor paper to scrapbook paper

Attach the watercolor paper to the scrapbook paper using a double-sided tape roller. My watercolor paper is 6×4 inches and has beautiful torn edges, so it didn’t require any trimming.

Step 3: Arrange the flowers and glue in place

Since the flowers in this project had more depth and layering, I decided to glue them in place. I used Mod Podge Matte Multi to add a small dab of glue in strategic areas. The glue is very thin, so I didn’t need to dilute it with water.

If you’re worried about flowers shifting while you glue, take a quick photo with your smartphone before you begin.

Step 4: Display your artwork

I love how romantic this piece of DIY art looks! It has a personal touch but looks beautiful enough to pass as real art.

I hope this tutorial gives you ideas for a future craft project! This unique art is a beautiful way to preserve memories, and it makes a great gift for loved ones.

Pin it for later!

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