Flower pressing is among the most rewarding nature activities for children because the result — a beautifully preserved flower that retains its color and shape — seems almost magical. Fresh flowers, flat on a book page and weighted down for two weeks, emerge dried and preserved, ready to be mounted, framed, or used in craft projects. The waiting period itself teaches patience and delayed gratification; the scientific context (why flowers dry this way, what a herbarium is) adds depth to what might otherwise seem like a purely decorative activity.

Flowers That Press Well

• Pansies, violas, violets (flat face, press perfectly)
• Daisies and black-eyed Susans (simple structure)
• Lavender sprigs (retain color and scent)
• Leaves of any kind (ferns are spectacular)
• Clover, Queen Anne's lace (delicate and beautiful)

Flowers That Don't Press Well

• Thick, fleshy flowers (tulips, magnolias) — too much moisture
• Very round flowers (roses need to be pressed partially open)

Pressing Method

1. Pick flowers at their freshest, ideally in the morning.
2. Place between two sheets of absorbent paper (parchment or newsprint).
3. Lay flat inside a heavy book, adding extra books on top for weight.
4. Wait 2–3 weeks without peeking.
5. Remove carefully and use in cards, frames, or botanical art.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make pressed flowers into art?

Pressed flowers can be arranged and glued onto cardstock to make greeting cards, framed under glass as botanical prints, laminated as bookmarks, or encased in resin as jewelry. For children, simple arrangements on cardstock with a glue stick are the most accessible. Write the flower name and collection date on the back for a genuine herbarium-style record. A collection of 20+ pressed specimens becomes a beautiful nature field guide.

Related activities: Nature Color Wheel | Build a Fairy House | Tree Bark Rubbings