Flower Preparation

Of greatest importance to the flower pressing is the condition of the flowers when you pick them, which will determine the quality of your final product. Try your best to find flowers that are as perfect as possible. The best time to pick flowers for pressing is on a sunny dry day after the dew has dried. Damp is the flower-presser'smain enemy. The dryer the flowers are when picked, the better their color retention. After cutting the flowers and leaves off, press them as soon as possible.

If you don't press them immediately, put them in a vase with a little water. You can cut off the wet part of the stem when you are ready to press them. If you are collecting the flowers in a place not near your home, the method of maintaining freshness is to carry around several airtight plastic bags. Put flowers directly into the bags. Don't put too many in the smae bag since they may crush each other. A very good tip is to blow air into each bag as if you are blowing up a balloon and before securing the top of your bag. This air cushion can protect the flowers from being crushed.