Starting a floral preservation project begins with selecting the right specimens at the peak of their beauty. While many enthusiasts believe that any bloom can be tossed into a press, successful results depend heavily on the moisture content and structure of the plant. At Microfleur, we believe that understanding these foundational steps ensures your botanical art remains vibrant for years.
Selecting the Ideal Blooms for Pressing
For the best results, we recommend harvesting your flowers on a dry morning after the dew has evaporated but before the sun is at its peak. Choosing flowers that are just beginning to open ensures they retain their color and structural integrity. We always look for healthy petals free of blemishes or insect damage.
Prepping Your Workspace and Tools
Preparation is the bridge between a fresh garden and a lasting masterpiece. Before we begin the pressing process, we ensure all our tools are clean and our workspace is organized. Having your online craft supply essentials ready, such as your press and liners, allows you to move quickly before the flowers begin to wilt.
Handling Problem Flowers and Thick Blooms
Thick flowers like roses, marigolds, and succulents often pose a challenge because of their moisture-rich centers. To achieve a perfectly flat finish, we carefully slice these "problem" flowers in half vertically using a sharp blade. This technique reduces bulk and allows the moisture to escape efficiently during the drying process in our kits.
Arranging Specimens for Maximum Visual Impact
Once prepared, we focus on the placement of each petal and leaf. How you lay the flower down is how it will stay forever. We take care to smooth out any folds and position stems to mimic natural growth. This attention to detail ensures your pressed flower art kit produces professional, gallery-quality botanical results.
The journey from a fresh garden bloom to a stunning piece of preserved art is made simple when you master these preparation techniques. By selecting the right specimens and using our method of slicing thicker blooms, you ensure every project is a success. At Microfleur, we are dedicated to providing the tools and knowledge you need for beautiful DIY flower pressing. We invite you to explore our full range of products to enhance your craft, or feel free to reach out to us with any questions about your floral projects.
