We’re right in the middle of the guest bedroom makeover, and it turns out the ideal wall decor was literally growing in our backyard.
If you’ve been here before, you know I have a soft spot for botanical prints — even though I’m hopeless at keeping live plants alive. So instead of mourning them, I press them and frame them. It’s an easy, affordable way to create vintage-inspired wall art.
How to Make Pressed Flower Art
Pressed flower art is a simple, budget-friendly craft that transforms everyday garden blooms into framed keepsakes. Whether you’re decorating a guest room, creating a gallery wall, or making personalized gifts, pressed botanical art adds natural texture and seasonal charm to any space.
If you have a garden, you already have your supplies. If not, grocery stores and markets often sell small bunches of flowers for under $10. Thrift stores are great for finding inexpensive, character-filled frames that make an eclectic display.
(Note: some product links in the original post referenced tools and materials.)
Supplies
- Assorted flowers and leaves — pick them on a dry, sunny day after the morning dew has gone
- Flower press or plain parchment paper and heavy books (an inexpensive DIY press can be replaced by books and cardboard)
- Textured paper or scrapbook paper for backing
- Picture frames (thrifted frames give great character)
Step 1 – Gather Flowers
Select flowers with thin petals; they flatten and dry faster. Thicker, juicier blooms will take longer and may not press as evenly. Also gather varied greenery—ferns, herbs, and flat leaves press beautifully and add contrast.
Best Flowers for Pressing
- Anemones
- Pansies and violas
- Daisies
- Cosmos
- Forget-me-nots
- Buttercups and poppies
- Sweet peas and larkspur
- Lily of the valley and hydrangea petals
- Bluebells
We walked the yard together to collect a small assortment — it’s a fun family activity and makes the finished pieces feel meaningful.
Step 2 – Dry Out Flowers and Leaves
Make sure everything is completely dry before pressing. Place each flower or leaf on a piece of blotting paper (or plain paper towel) with a little space between specimens. Cover with another sheet of blotting paper.
Step 3 – Place Flowers Between Pages
“Sandwich” the paper between pieces of cardboard and stack them. If you have a flower press, place the blotting paper sheets in between the press boards and tighten the screws. If you’re using books, place another heavy board on top to keep even pressure.
Step 4 – Place Heavy Books
Add weight by piling heavy books on top or clamp down the flower press tightly. Consistent pressure helps petals flatten evenly and speeds drying.
Step 5 – Wait
Thin petals can take about a week to press; larger flowers may need up to three weeks. If using a screw-style press, tighten the screws every few days as moisture leaves the petals. You can check periodically, but patience gives the best, fully dried result.
Step 6 – Create Arrangements
Carefully remove the dried specimens and experiment with layouts on textured paper. When you’re happy with the arrangement, secure the pieces in the frame using the backing. For longevity, consider museum glass or conservation glass, especially for art that will hang in sunlight.
These framed pressed flowers are simple, elegant, and make a meaningful display — or a thoughtful, handmade gift.
How long do pressed flowers last?
Pressed flowers can last for decades when properly dried and framed away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme heat. Some specimens hold their color for 5–7 years or longer; others can remain recognizable for many decades. Using quality backing, archival paper, and conservation glass will extend their life significantly.
How to Care for Pressed Flowers
Keep framed pressed flowers out of direct sun and in a stable, dry environment. Avoid hanging them where humidity is high, such as bathrooms. If possible, use UV-protective or museum glass to minimize fading and protect delicate petals from dust and handling.
Where to Buy Pressed Flowers
If you prefer not to press your own, many sellers offer pre-pressed flowers and foliage. Packs of assorted pressed blooms are available and are especially handy for seasonal crafts in fall and winter when fresh flowers are scarce.
Pressed Flower Shops (examples)
- Dried Flower shops and independent floral artisans on marketplaces
- Specialty dried florals and craft suppliers
For this project, I used simple textured scrapbook pages as a background and affordable frames from big-box stores; thrift stores and dollar stores are great alternatives to keep costs low.
In our guest room I used local plants — magnolia, crape myrtle, palmetto, and gardenia — to give the art a sense of place. Smaller frames work well grouped together, and a larger mirror or statement piece nearby balances the display.
DIY Pressed Fall Leaf Art
Pressed leaves are another beautiful option, especially in autumn when color variation is at its best. I made a fall set during a craft afternoon and loved the warm tones against textured paper.
For more DIY wall art ideas and floral decorating inspiration, explore photo and craft tutorials to fill blank walls with personality and natural beauty.
