Pressing Flowers
Preserving the joy of summer on the longest day of the year, the summer solstice
“For centuries, we have pressed flowers as a way to hold a moment, a loved one, a memory."
—Linda Ruel Flynn, owner and artist at Flora-Ly in Orange, Massachusetts.
Growing up, I used to press dried leaves and flowers inside all of the big books on my parents' shelves. Back then, I preferred it to reading :)
Well, last winter, while poking through the sale section at a local florist in my community, Evanston Lands, I stumbled upon a simple wooden flower press and rediscovered my childhood fascination.
During the height of summer, or after a special occasion with florals, you can select a few artful blooms and press them. Laura Ratke does this work beautifully and shared some of her lovely pressed florals with me recently here.
Although I love my new flower press, you don't need a gadget to preserve your petals. A big, heavy book will still do the trick, as long as you pluck the right flowers that aren't too big or juicy.
Do you have a few minutes this summer for a flower hunt? I hope just the thought of it brings you some joy.
If you'd like to try it at home, I did a bit of research and found great tips in this how-to piece in Architectural Digest: How to Press Flowers the Right Way, According to Floral Pros.
Country Living Magazine published a feature filled with more simple tips: "How to press flowers for a pretty memento: 5 steps to follow.
What is your favorite flower, and what botanicals would you like to preserve?
May your summer be filled with joy and flowers!
