Pressing roses with a flower press can be a beautiful way to preserve their shape and colour for use in cards, scrapbooking, or framed art. However, because roses are thick and layered, they need a little extra care to press well. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
How to Press Roses with a Flower Press
What You’ll Need:
A flower press (or use heavy books and parchment paper as a DIY alternative)
Fresh roses
Scissors or floral snips
Blotting paper, parchment paper, or absorbent paper
Patience (roses take a bit longer to press than smaller flowers)
New to flower pressing and fancy giving it a go?
As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases—at no extra cost to you. It helps support my work and keeps the creative ideas flowing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Pick the Right Roses
Choose roses that are fresh and free from browning or bruising. Pale and pink varieties tend to keep their colour better than deep reds, which may darken.
2. Trim the Rose
Because roses are bulky, you’ll need to flatten them to press properly. You have a few options:
Split the bloom down the middle with a sharp knife or scissors and press half a rose.
Remove outer petals and press them individually.
Disassemble the rose completely and press the petals flat.
Or gently flatten the whole bloom by hand (but this may result in a chunky press and a slower dry time).
3. Position the Rose in the Press
Place your rose or petals between two sheets of blotting paper or parchment. Position carefully, as they will dry exactly as placed.
4. Layer and Secure
Sandwich the paper between the press layers and tighten the screws firmly. If using books, place heavy ones on top and avoid moving them.
5. Wait and Check
Leave the rose in the press for 10–14 days, depending on thickness and moisture. Replace paper halfway through if it feels damp to prevent mould.
6. Remove and Store
Once dry, carefully remove the pressed rose. Store in a dry place or mount directly onto your craft project.
Tips for Best Results:
If colour retention is important, dry your roses quickly and keep them out of direct sunlight during the pressing process.
Mix rose petals with other flat foliage (like ferns or eucalyptus) for a more interesting composition.
Use tweezers when handling delicate pressed pieces to avoid tearing.
Creative Ideas for Pressed Roses:
Add to handmade cards or tags
Frame for romantic wall art
Use in junk journals or scrapbooks
Decorate gift wrap or candles
Make bookmarks or resin crafts
Looking for a little more creative inspiration?
If you’re enjoying the journey so far and feel like exploring a bit deeper, I’d love to welcome you across some of our other crafty spaces. Whether you're here for the inspiration, the community, or just a quiet moment to create, there's something waiting for you.
🎨 Facebook Group – A lovely, welcoming community full of inspiration and crafty chats:
💖 Facebook Page – Stay up to date with launches, lives, and special offers:
📝 Crafty Blog – Behind-the-scenes, tutorials, and updates:
🛒 Download Shop – Packed with digital papers, sentiments, and more:
🌐 Main Website – Explore everything Opulence by Design:
Instagram - Give me a follow for lots of info - https://www.instagram.com/opulencebydesignca/
📚 Amazon – For my Cut & Craft printed books and kits (great for those who love physical items!):
👉 Check out all of my books here on amazon
📌 Pinterest – I’ve been busy adding card samples and inspiration to my boards!
It would mean the world if you could pop over, have a peek, and give me a follow 💕
👉 Check Out My Pinterest Boards
And for everything in one place, all of our socials are right here:
Comments
Post a Comment