Transforming Blooms: The Microwave Flower Press Method

Have you ever wished to preserve the beauty of fresh flowers but found traditional pressing methods too slow? I know the feeling. 

Many flower enthusiasts don’t know that their kitchen microwave holds the key to quick and effective flower pressing – a method that turns a weeks-long wait into just minutes.

This simple technique will help you create lasting keepsakes from your garden blooms, perfect for cards, frames, or scrapbooks.

As someone who’s pressed hundreds of flowers, I can tell you this method saves so much time while giving wonderful results. 

Let me show you how to use your microwave to press flowers and create beautiful dried specimens in mere minutes.

You’ll be making pressed flower art before you know it! 

Why Your Microwave Is the Secret to Perfect-Pressed Flowers

I remember spending weeks waiting for flowers to dry in heavy books. But microwave flower pressing changed everything for me.

Time is on your side: Traditional pressing takes 2-4 weeks, but with a microwave, you’ll have perfectly pressed flowers in just 2-3 minutes.

This means you can finish multiple projects in a single afternoon.

Think about saving special flowers for events like weddings or birthdays. With this quick method, you can preserve those memories right away instead of waiting for weeks.

Here are some reasons you should use a microwave flower press:

• Better color retention: The quick drying process helps flowers keep their natural colors bright and fresh. I’ve noticed that petals dried this way often look almost as vivid as when they were fresh.
• Less chance of browning: Since the drying happens so fast, flowers are less likely to develop brown spots or mold. This means more of your pressed flowers turn out just the way you want them.
• Space-saving solution: No more stacking heavy books around your house. The microwave method needs just a small corner of your kitchen counter.

Supplies Required: Tools and Materials 

Budget Range- $10 to $ 30 (depending on the materials and tools you already have at home)

Step-By-Step Process of DIY Microwave Flower Press

Here’s a simple step-by-step process to create beautiful pressed flowers using your microwave.

This method is quick, easy, and perfect for crafting projects, allowing you to preserve flowers in just a few minutes. Let’s jump into the process!

Step 1: Gather Your Flowers and Botanicals

• Collect flowers from your garden or a park, or purchase them from the store.
• Include some leaves and ferns to use as fillers for a more decorative result.
• Ensure to cut the flowers as close to the bottom of the bloom as possible.
• For bulkier flowers (like roses), gently pull out the center petals to keep the flower flat.
• Choose a mix of flower colors and sizes for the best DIY results.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pressing Setup

• Place a paper towel on the bottom of your microwave-safe surface.
• Arrange your flowers on top of the towel.
• Cover the flowers with another layer of paper towel to protect them while pressing.
• Use a weight, such as a microwave-safe casserole dish, ceramic tile, or a brick, to apply pressure.
• Avoid pressing down hard on the flowers to prevent damage.

Step 3: Adjust Microwave Settings and Start Pressing

• Set your microwave to the defrost setting to reduce heat intensity.
• Microwave the flowers for one minute to start the pressing process.
• Check the flowers after one minute to see if they are flat and dry.
• If needed, microwave the flowers in 30-second intervals until they are fully pressed.

Step 4: Monitor Flower Pressing Times

• Flowers may require different times depending on their size and type.
• Smaller flowers usually press faster than larger ones.
• Regularly check the flowers to avoid overcooking or burning them.
• Aim for a completely dry, flat appearance for optimal results.

Step 5: Test Various Flowers and Leaves

• Not all botanicals press well, so test a small batch before committing to larger amounts.
• Some leaves, like redbuds, may turn brown after microwaving, so it’s best to test each plant.
• White flowers may discolor when pressed, while brighter-colored flowers tend to give the best results.

Step 6: Pressing Stems and Ferns

• Press small blooms (like flocks) off their stems for a better, flatter result.
• Ferns generally press beautifully and maintain their shape well.
• Don’t forget to try pressing the stems, as they can also be used in your projects.

Step 7: Finish Pressing and Storing Flowers

• Once flowers are fully pressed, you can use them immediately for crafting.
• For longer storage, place pressed flowers between wax paper and top them with a heavy book to maintain their flatness.
• Allow them to dry completely before starting any crafting projects.

Step 8: Start Crafting with Pressed Flowers

• Use your pressed flowers for a variety of crafts, such as floral monograms, coasters, gift tags, and more.
• For floral monograms, use a floating frame and white tulle to arrange your flowers.
• For coasters, consider using glass and foil tape for a decorative touch.
• Crafting with pressed flowers opens up a world of creative possibilities!

For more details, refer to the tube video provided below:

Flowers Perfect for Microwave Flower Press

Pansies:

These flat-faced blooms maintain their vibrant colors exceptionally well during microwave pressing. Their naturally compressed form and thin petals make them ideal candidates for quick drying without browning.

Violets:

Small and naturally flat, violets press beautifully in the microwave while retaining their deep purple hues.

Their delicate structure allows for even heat distribution during the pressing process.

Cosmos:

The thin, papery petals of cosmos flowers respond wonderfully to microwave pressing. They maintain their shape and bright colors, especially the pink and white varieties.

Daisies:

With their flat formation, these simple flowers are pressed evenly in the microwave.

Their white petals stay crisp and bright, while the yellow centers become perfectly preserved focal points.

Larkspur:

The small, clustered blooms of larkspur press remarkably well, keeping their blue and purple tones. Their delicate petals dry quickly and evenly in the microwave.

Queen Anne’s Lace:

These lacy, umbrella-shaped flower clusters press beautifully, creating intricate patterns. Their fine, white blooms maintain their detailed structure during microwave pressing.

Geraniums:

The small, clustered petals of geraniums press well while keeping their pink and red colors intact.

Their thin petals respond quickly to microwave pressing without losing shape.

Buttercups:

These cheerful yellow flowers maintain their color brilliantly during microwave pressing. Their naturally flat shape and simple petal structure make them perfect candidates for quick drying.

Forget-Me-Nots:

These tiny blue flowers press exceptionally well, maintaining both their color and delicate form.

Their small size allows for quick and even drying in the microwave.

Is Microwave Flower Pressing Better than Traditional Methods?

Wrapping It Up

Preserving flowers doesn’t need to be a time-consuming process anymore.

With a microwave and basic household items, you can create beautiful pressed flowers in minutes instead of weeks.

This quick method not only saves time but also helps maintain the vibrant colors of your favorite blooms.

While not every flower will respond perfectly to microwave pressing, wide varieties like pansies, violets, and cosmos give stunning results.

Ready to start your flower-pressing project? Pick some fresh blooms from your garden, gather your supplies, and give this method a try.