How to Press Flowers and Leaves

Learn how to preserve nature's beauty by pressing flowers and leaves using simple household items. HowTo: Family Edition: family how-tos that actually help.

1. Prepare your plants. Choose flowers or leaves that are dry and free of dew or rain. If they are wet, pat them gently with a paper towel. Use scissors to trim the stems so the plants fit easily on your paper.
2. Create your press. Place one piece of cardboard on a flat surface. Lay a sheet of paper on top. Arrange your flowers or leaves on the paper so they aren't touching each other. Place the second sheet of paper over the top, followed by the second piece of cardboard.
3. Add weight. Carefully place your cardboard sandwich inside a heavy book, or place a heavy stack of books on top of the cardboard. Make sure the weight is distributed evenly.
4. Wait for results. Leave your press in a cool, dry place for at least one to two weeks. Avoid the temptation to peek, as moving the plants too soon can cause them to wrinkle.