For a traditional pressing method, you can press flowers between the pages of a book, a photo album with acid-free paper sheets or a flower press. Gently arrange your flowers on the surface, opening up the petals to match how you’d like them to look once pressed. Once they are in a position that will look good when they become 2D, slowly close the book or place the top of the press down over the flowers. Doing this too quickly or suddenly could blow the petals out of position.
How to press flowers: a step-by-step guide to flower pressing
Learning how to press flowers means you can enjoy them for years to come by transforming significant petals into a pressed flower display. Whether you want to dry and press your wedding bouquet or prolong the life of a special bunch from a loved one, a great way to cherish flowers is by preserving their vibrant colours and unique shape in a pressing book.
Pressing flowers is an ancient art form, originally practised by the Greek and Romans thousands of years ago. Still loved today, not only does flower pressing extend the life of your blooms, but the displays also add a unique, stylish touch to your home.
What are the best flowers to press?
Before you begin, it’s vital you choose the right flowers to press, as not every style will work. Opt for blooms that are naturally flat, such as pansies, daisies and violets. When flower pressing, choose foliage and plants that will look good when pressed flat – large flouncy blooms, for example, won’t work as well.
- Wild plants and flowers (always follow the countryside code when foraging and never remove a large amount or more than you need)
- Flowers from the garden (cut them in the morning just after the morning due has evaporated)
- Cut flowers from bouquets for birthdays and celebrations
- Wedding flowers
- Funeral flowers
- Flowers people are named after
Photo: Rachel Whiting|Styling: Alaina Binks
How to press flowers in a book or press: A four-step guide
Display dried flowers and plants, such as fern leaves and cow parsley stems, in glass frames for a lasting seasonal arrangement. Here’s what you’ll need in your flower pressing tool kit:
Flower pressing tool kit:
- The flowers and/or plants you want to press
- Garden scissors or secateurs
- Pressing kit or book – make sure the paper is plain so will not print any pattern onto the petal
- Display of choice: frame, necklace, card
Step 1: Outline the Flower Design
The first step in creating a flower design drawing is to draw the outline of the flower design. This includes drawing the branches, leaves, and flowers. Use a pencil to draw the outline of the flower design, as this will be easier to erase and refine later on.
Once the outline of the flower design has been drawn, the next step is to add some details to the flower design. This includes adding stems and veins to the flowers, as well as drawing the seed pods of the flowers. Use a ruler to draw straight lines on the branches and leaves.
Step 3: Refine the Flower Design
Now that the outline and details of the flower design have been drawn, the next step is to refine the flower design. This includes erasing any unnecessary lines and refining the flower design. This step is important in order to create a neat and professional looking flower design drawing.
The next step is to add color to the flower design. Start by coloring the largest flowers with a light shade of orange. Then, add color to the background, using a light shade of blue. Next, add color to the branches and leaves, using a shade of green. After that, add color to the medium flowers, using a light shade of pink. Finally, add color to the smallest flowers, using a shade of red. For the seed pods, use dark gray, yellow, and black.
Step 5: Apply a Second Coat of Color
Now that the flower design drawing has been colored, the next step is to apply a second coat of color. Focus on the largest flowers first, and then move on to the medium flowers and the smallest flowers. This will help create a vibrant and colorful flower design drawing.
Once the second coat of color has been applied, the next step is to contour the flower design. Use a shade of orange to contour the flower design drawing. This will help create a more three-dimensional look.
Step-by-step guide to drawing simple flowers
Now, let’s dive into a step-by-step guide to drawing simple flowers. We will start with a classic flower – the rose. Begin by drawing a small circle in the center of your paper. This will be the base of the rose. Next, draw a larger circle around the center circle, slightly overlapping it. These circles will form the petals of the rose. Now, draw a series of curved lines from the center of the rose to the outer edge, connecting the inner and outer circles. These lines will represent the petals. Continue adding more curved lines and overlapping petals to create a fuller rose. Finally, add details like thorns and leaves to complete your rose drawing. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment and try different variations of flowers.
Adding details and shading to your flower drawings can bring them to life and create a sense of depth and realism. When adding details, observe the flowers closely and pay attention to the intricate patterns and textures. Use a variety of pencil strokes to create different effects – hatching, cross-hatching, and stippling. Experiment with different shades of graphite to add depth and dimension. When shading, consider the direction of the light source and the areas of shadow and highlights. Use a light touch and build up the layers gradually to achieve a smooth and realistic effect. Remember, practice and observation are key to mastering the art of adding details and shading to your flower drawings.
Exploring different styles of flower drawings
Flower drawings can be created in various styles, depending on your personal preference and artistic expression. You can explore different styles, such as realistic, impressionistic, abstract, or even cartoonish. Realistic flower drawings aim to capture the intricate details and textures of the flowers, while impressionistic drawings focus more on capturing the essence and mood of the flowers. Abstract flower drawings allow you to experiment with shapes, colors, and patterns, while cartoonish drawings add a touch of playfulness and whimsy. Explore different styles and find the one that resonates with you the most. Remember, there are no rules in art – let your imagination and creativity guide you.
Drawing realistic flowers requires a keen eye for observation and attention to detail. Start by carefully observing the flowers you want to draw – pay attention to the shapes, textures, and colors. Begin with a basic outline using light pencil strokes, capturing the overall form and proportions of the flower. Gradually add more details, such as the individual petals, leaves, and stems. Use shading techniques to create depth and realism. Consider the direction of the light source and the areas of shadow and highlights. Build up the layers of shading gradually to achieve a three-dimensional effect. Practice regularly and study different flowers to improve your skills in drawing realistic flowers.
Colored flower drawings: adding vibrancy to your artwork
Adding color to your flower drawings can enhance their vibrancy and make them come to life. Experiment with different mediums, such as colored pencils, watercolors, or markers, to add color to your artwork. Start by selecting a color palette that complements the flowers you want to draw. Begin with light layers of color and gradually build up the intensity. Use blending techniques to create smooth transitions between colors. Pay attention to the areas of highlights and shadows and use appropriate colors to create depth and dimension. Don’t be afraid to experiment and mix different colors to achieve the desired effect. Adding color to your flower drawings can be a fun and creative way to express your artistic vision.
If you’re looking for cute and creative ideas for drawing flowers, there are endless possibilities to explore. You can draw flowers in unconventional colors or create hybrid flowers by combining different species. Experiment with adding cute faces to your flowers or turn them into whimsical characters. Draw flowers in unusual settings or create intricate patterns using flowers as the main element. Let your imagination run wild and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. The beauty of art is that it allows you to express your unique style and creativity. So, embrace your inner child and have fun exploring cute and creative ideas for drawing flowers.
