DIY Pressed Flower Ornaments: A Complete Tutorial

Every year, I find myself searching for that perfect handmade gift that doesn’t break the bank but still feels special.

Last holiday season, my wallet was painfully thin, yet I wanted to give meaningful presents to friends and family. That’s when I stumbled upon pressed flower ornaments – beautiful, personalized keepsakes that preserve nature’s fleeting beauty.

You can create these stunning decorations with flowers from your garden or meaningful bouquets, transforming them into lasting memories.

In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through my step-by-step process for making pressed flower ornaments that will wow your loved ones. Whether you’re a crafting newbie or a DIY veteran, these ornaments are surprisingly simple to make but look incredibly professional.

Let’s preserve some floral beauty together!

Longevity of Pressed Flowers in Ornaments

One of the most common questions I get about these DIY pressed flower ornaments is about their longevity. I’m happy to report that with proper care, these beautiful keepsakes can last for years!

Pressed flowers properly preserved in ornaments typically last:

• 2-3 years with basic preservation methods
• 5+ years when sealed properly with quality materials
• Decades when kept in ideal conditions with professional preservation techniques

The longevity of your pressed flower ornaments depends on several key factors:

Preservation Method

The way you initially dry and press your flowers makes a huge difference. Air-dried flowers tend to fade more quickly than those pressed between absorbent papers with even pressure.

Sealing Materials

The type of resin, lamination, or glass you use creates a barrier against moisture and air.

Higher quality, UV-resistant materials significantly extend the life of your flowers.

Display Location

Sunlight is the biggest enemy of pressed flowers!

Direct sunlight will fade colors rapidly, sometimes within months. Keep your ornaments away from windows and bright lamps to preserve their vibrant colors.

Humidity Levels

Moisture can cause pressed flowers to mold or discolor. Store and display your ornaments in climate-controlled environments with moderate humidity.

Best Flowers for Pressing

Not all blooms are created equal when it comes to pressing!

Through years of trial and error (and yes, some disappointing results), I’ve discovered which flowers preserve their beauty best.

Here’s my go-to list of flowers that maintain their color and form beautifully when pressed:

Flat, naturally thin flowers work exceptionally well:

• Pansies and violas
• Cosmos
• Queen Anne’s lace
• Larkspur
• Daisies
• Forget-me-nots

Wildflowers are often perfect candidates:

• Buttercups
• Clover blooms
• Bluebonnets
• Black-eyed Susans

Herbs and small blooms add subtle detail:

• Lavender sprigs
• Thyme flowers
• Baby’s breath
• Heather

Some surprising garden favorites that press beautifully:

• Roses (single-petal varieties work better than full blooms)
• Geraniums (separate the tiny florets)
• Hydrangeas (individual florets, not whole clusters)
• Snapdragons

Flowers to avoid or use with caution:

• Thick, water-filled blooms like orchids and succulents
• Very fuzzy flowers like lamb’s ear
• Extremely dark flowers that turn black when dried

I’ve found that gathering flowers mid-morning after the dew has dried but before the hot sun hits gives the best results.

And remember, you don’t need a garden. Wildflowers from a nature walk, sprigs from your herb pot, or even flowers from a special bouquet all make meaningful additions to your ornaments.

Essential Tools for Pressed Flower Crafts

You don’t need to invest in everything at once. I started with just books and parchment paper, then gradually added specialized tools as my hobby grew.

The most important items? Good tweezers and quality pressing paper – they’ll make the biggest difference in your results.

How to Create Pressed Flower Ornaments

Creating these beautiful keepsakes is simpler than you might think!

I’ve refined this process over dozens of projects, and I’m excited to share my step-by-step method that consistently produces stunning results.

Step 1: Collect and Prepare Your Flowers

Start with blooms that are in perfect condition – no brown spots or damage. I’ve found that picking flowers mid-morning after the dew has dried gives the best results.

Always choose flowers that are completely dry with no rain or moisture lingering on the petals. Look for blooms that are newly opened rather than fully mature, as they press more beautifully and retain better color.

When working with larger flowers like roses, I recommend separating the individual petals before pressing to achieve flatter results.

Don’t forget to include interesting leaves, ferns, or grasses for variety and texture in your finished ornaments – these elements often create the most distinctive designs.

Step 2: Press Your Flowers

There are several methods for pressing, but these two are my favorites:

Traditional Book Method:

• Place flowers between sheets of absorbent paper
• Position them so petals don’t overlap
• Insert between pages of a heavy book
• Stack additional books on top
• Leave undisturbed for 2-3 weeks

Flower Press Method:

• Layer blotting paper, cardboard, flowers, more blotting paper, then cardboard
• Repeat layers for multiple flowers
• Tighten the press screws firmly
• Check after one week and tighten again if needed
• Allow 2-3 weeks for complete drying

Step 3: Design Your Ornament

Take time to experiment with arrangements before committing to your final design.

I always start by laying out a template that’s the same size as my ornament, which gives me clear boundaries to work within.

I arrange my pressed flowers in different patterns until I find the perfect composition, then snap a quick photo for reference before assembly. Throughout this process, I’m considering balance, identifying focal points, and ensuring color harmony feels right.

This planning stage is crucial for creating an ornament you’ll love.

Step 4: Create Your Ornament

This is where the magic happens! Follow these steps carefully:

Prepare your workspace with all materials ready by setting up a clean, flat surface with plenty of room to maneuver.

I recommend covering your table with wax paper or a silicone mat to protect it from resin drips and make cleanup much easier.

If using resin:

• Mix according to package directions (exact ratios are crucial!)
• Pour a thin base layer into your mold
• Let it set until tacky (usually 30-45 minutes)
• Using tweezers, carefully place your pressed flowers in position
• Pour another thin layer of resin to cover completely
• Remove any air bubbles with a toothpick or heat gun

If using glass or plastic frames:

• Clean both surfaces thoroughly
• Place flowers on one piece
• Carefully position the second piece on top
• Seal edges with decorative tape or a metal frame

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Once your creation is fully cured (usually 24-48 hours), carefully sand any rough edges for a smooth, polished feel that’s comfortable to handle.

If your design doesn’t already include a way to hang it, now’s the time to add a small drill hole near the top.

Next, attach your choice of ribbon, twine, or ornament hooks through the opening, selecting materials that complement your flower colors and overall aesthetic.

For a thoughtful final touch, consider adding a small tag with information about the flower type or the date it was collected—this transforms your ornament into a meaningful keepsake with a story to tell.

For a more detailed tutorial on how to create pressed flower ornaments at home, check out the video below:

Mistakes to Avoid When Making Pressed Flower Ornaments

After making dozens of these ornaments (and plenty of blunders along the way), I’ve learned what can go wrong and how to avoid it.

Here are the most common mistakes I’ve encountered and how to sidestep them:

Mistake 1. Rushing the pressing process:

I’ve been there—excited to start creating and pulling flowers out of the press too early. This leads to moisture trapped in the ornament, causing discoloration or even mold. Give your flowers at least 2-3 weeks to fully dry before using them.

Mistake 2. Choosing the wrong flowers:

Not all blooms press well. I once tried to press a gorgeous succulent only to end up with a brown, mushy mess.

Stick with naturally flat, thin-petaled flowers for best results.

Mistake 3. Using too much resin at once:

In my eagerness, I’ve poured thick layers of resin that generated heat, discolored my flowers, and created bubbles. Always work in thin layers, allowing each to set partially before adding the next.

Mistake 4. Forgetting about air bubbles:

Nothing ruins a beautiful ornament like trapped air bubbles!

I now gently tap my molds on the table and use a toothpick to coax out bubbles before the resin sets.

Mistake 5. Not sealing pressed flowers properly:

Modern clear-drying craft glues or a light coat of mod podge before adding resin helps preserve colors longer and protects the flowers from fading within months.

Mistake 6. Touching flowers with bare fingers:

The oils from our skin can discolor pressed flowers. I’ve learned to always use tweezers for placement, even when it seems unnecessary.

Mistake 7. Ignoring temperature and humidity:

My summer batches used to cure unevenly until I realized that environmental factors affect resin. Now I check that my workspace is between 70-75°F with moderate humidity for best results.

Learning from these mistakes has made a world of difference in the quality of my ornaments.

Trust me—a little caution and patience will save you both time and precious flowers in the long run!

Unique Ways to Display Pressed Flower Art

Floating Frames: Floating frames create a stunning three-dimensional effect that makes pressed flowers appear to be suspended in mid-air. This modern display technique adds depth and visual interest to your botanical art.

Resin Crafts: Preserving pressed flowers in resin creates durable, versatile art pieces that capture the flowers’ beauty in a crystal-clear medium.

When working with resin, arrange your pressed flowers in the mold first, then carefully pour the resin in stages to prevent shifting and ensure perfect placement.

Botanical Lamp Shades: Transform ordinary lighting into extraordinary art by incorporating pressed flowers into lampshades.

Pieces such as paper lampshades, cylindrical shades, pendant lights and table lamps create magical ambient lighting that casts flower-shaped shadows throughout your space.

Stationery and Paper Goods: Incorporate pressed flowers into paper products for personalized, nature-inspired communication pieces.

Handmade greeting cards create memorable correspondence for special occasions, while custom invitations add unique botanical touches for weddings and events.

Bookmarks and journal covers offer practical applications that bring natural beauty to everyday items.

Botanical Wallpaper: Transform your living space with dramatic pressed flower wall installations that upgrade botanical art to architectural scale.

Whether arranged in a grid of framed panels to create a gallery effect or installed as a full feature wall, pressed flowers create stunning visual impact when used in larger compositions.

Wrapping It Up!

Ready to transform your garden’s fleeting beauty into timeless keepsakes? Pressed flower ornaments offer the perfect blend of nature’s grace and your creative touch.

By following this step-by-step tutorial, you’ve gained all the skills needed to preserve botanical valuables in stunning displays that will brighten your home for years to come.

Remember, the best ornaments come from experimentation—try different flower combinations, pressing techniques, and display methods until you find your signature style.

Whether crafting gifts for loved ones or decorating your own space, these gentle creations carry the story of your garden’s seasons within them.

So gather your blooms, press with patience, and watch as ordinary flowers become extraordinary art in your hands.

Your pressed flower journey is just beginning!