Spring is here and now is the perfect time to press flowers! Children have fun with this activity, and it's easy. Here is everything you need to do to start pressing your own flowers.
Children especially love to press flowers because it is so fun and easy. A wide variety of flowers are blooming which can provide a nice array of colors and textures. My favorite flowers to press are violets, pansies, and rose petals. I prefer smaller flowers since they are much easier to press than larger ones. Children will delight in picking flowers with Mom and Dad. Here are some simple directions on how to start your pressed flower
fun!
Supplies:
White glue
Scissors
Flower press or heavy books
(phonebooks are ideal)
Heavyweight Paper
(Watercolor paper is the perfect weight)
Paintbrushes
Fresh flowers
Step #1
Pick desired flowers while they are in bloom. Collect between seven to ten flowers.
Step #2
Carefully press flowers between a flower press or heavy books. Some like to use phone books and place the flowers in the Yellow Pages under the section titled "Flowers" so there is no mistaking where they are.
Step #3
The flowers need to press for approximately three weeks depending on thickness of bloom. I suggest adding additional weight as each week passes so the flowers are completely compressed when done. Adding one thin hardback book should suffice.
Step #4
Now comes the fun part! Gently remove the flowers from the Flower press or heavy books. Have your children paint the glue on lightly with paintbrushes. Once the paper is covered with glue, decide where the flowers should be placed. Be creative! After the flowers are in place, go over the picture once more with a light coating of glue. Once dry, your pressed flower picture can be framed and hung to admire all through the seasons.
You can do more with pressed flowers than just pictures. Pressed flower stationary is another great way to use beautiful blooms. For this project all you need to do is follow the same directions as above except cover the glued-on flower with self-adhesive film.
Have a wonderful time picking flowers with your children!
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