(And Falling in Love with It)
There’s something so satisfying about trying a new hobby with no expectations. That’s exactly how I felt when I decided to try pressing flowers for the first time. I’d always admired the delicate bookmarks, framed art, and handmade cards people created with pressed flowers, but I never imagined I’d enjoy making them myself as much as I did.
Sure, I’d tried it when I was young for school projects – placing flowers in newspaper between large books. This time I thought to try my hand with a dedicated press – a small and a large one.
I started with a small collection of blooms from my garden and a few wildflowers and leaves. Nothing fancy—just flowers that caught my eye because of their color or shape. I carefully arranged them between sheets of blotting paper and foam and set the press. Then – wait.
The waiting turned out to be part of the experience. In a world where everything feels instant, it was surprisingly refreshing to slow down and let nature do its thing. Every few days I found myself wondering how the flowers were changing, resisting the urge to peek too often.
I busied my mind with thinking of other crafts and creations to use the pressings for. Bookmarks, scrapbooking, junk journalling, and so many options.
When I finally opened the press a couple of weeks later, I was amazed. The flowers had transformed into delicate, paper-thin versions of themselves, with many of their colors still beautifully preserved. It felt like I’d captured a tiny moment in time.
What I enjoyed most wasn’t just the finished result—it was the process. Pressing flowers encouraged me to pay closer attention to the plants around me. I found myself noticing little blossoms I would have walked right past before. Even an ordinary walk became an opportunity to discover something beautiful.
Now I’m already thinking of all the ways I can use my pressed flowers. I’d love to make greeting cards, decorate a journal, frame a few favorites, or even create handmade gifts. It’s such a simple, inexpensive hobby, but it feels incredibly rewarding.
If you’ve ever been curious about flower pressing, I’d definitely recommend giving it a try. You don’t need expensive supplies or artistic experience—just a few flowers, a press (or some really heavy books), and a little patience. Sometimes the simplest hobbies end up bringing the most joy, and this one has quickly become one of my favorites.
