Pressed Flower Gifts: Bookmarks, Frames and Cards

By Kelly · Updated 2026-10-17

Pressed flowers preserve garden blooms for use in professional-quality handmade gifts. These projects utilize specific pressing techniques and mounting methods to create bookmarks, framed art, and stationery suitable for adult gift-giving.

Flower Pressing Methods and Timing

• Traditional Book Pressing: Place flowers between two sheets of parchment paper inside a heavy book. Stack additional weights on top. Drying time: 2 to 3 weeks.
• Microwave Pressing: Use a dedicated microwave flower press with felt pads and terracotta plates. Heat in 30-second intervals at 50% power. Drying time: 2 to 5 minutes.
• Wooden Bolt Press: Place specimens between layers of blotting paper and cardboard within a wooden press. Tighten wing nuts every few days to maintain pressure. Drying time: 10 to 14 days.

Laminated Botanical Bookmarks

Adult · 30 min · about $10

• Dried pressed flowers
• 5 mil thermal laminating pouches
• 80 lb white cardstock
• 1/4 inch silk ribbon
• Thermal laminator
• Paper trimmer
• 1/8 inch hole punch

1. Use a paper trimmer to cut the white cardstock into 2x6 inch strips.
2. Arrange your dried flowers on the cardstock strips. Use a tiny speck of glue stick if needed to keep them from shifting.
3. Place the strips into a thermal laminating pouch, leaving at least 1/2 inch of space between each strip to ensure a proper seal.
4. Feed the pouch through the thermal laminator. Use caution as the machine and the laminated plastic will be hot upon exit.
5. Trim around each bookmark with the paper trimmer, leaving a 1/8 inch clear plastic border to prevent the lamination from peeling.
6. Punch a hole in the top center and thread the silk ribbon through to finish.

Double-Glass Floating Frame

Adult · 20 min · about $20

• 8x10 inch double-glass floating frame
• Assorted pressed flowers and ferns
• Fine-tipped tweezers
• Clear archival glue dots (micro size)
• Microfiber cloth
• Glass cleaner

1. Remove the glass panes from the frame and clean both sides of each pane thoroughly with glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth.
2. Lay the back pane of glass on a flat, lint-free surface.
3. Use tweezers to position the pressed flowers in the center of the glass, creating a balanced composition.
4. Apply one micro glue dot to the back of the sturdiest part of each flower to secure its position on the glass.
5. Carefully lower the top pane of glass directly onto the flowers, being careful not to shift the arrangement.
6. Slide the glass panes back into the frame and secure the locking mechanism.

Hand-Pressed Floral Stationery

Adult · 45 min · about $15

• A2 size 100 lb cardstock note cards
• Matching envelopes
• Pressed flowers
• Matte decoupage medium
• Small flat-bristle paintbrush
• Wax paper
• Heavy book

1. Lay your cardstock flat on your workspace and arrange the pressed flowers until you are satisfied with the layout.
2. Dip the paintbrush into the decoupage medium and apply a thin layer to the back of the first flower.
3. Gently press the flower onto the cardstock and hold for 5 seconds.
4. Apply a very thin, even coat of decoupage medium over the top of the flower, extending slightly onto the cardstock to seal the edges.
5. Repeat for all flowers, then place a piece of wax paper over the design and set a heavy book on top for 15 minutes.
6. Remove the book and wax paper, then let the cards air dry for at least 2 hours before placing them in envelopes.

To keep the colors of your pressed flower gifts from fading, display them away from direct sunlight. UV rays will eventually bleach the natural pigments in the petals, even if they are sealed in plastic or glass.

Choosing the Best Flowers for Pressing