How to Press Herbs for Botanical Art

Have you ever wanted to create your own botanical art prints? Today, you will learn how to press herbs for botanical art. By doing so, you can preserve the beauty of nature and add a touch of greenery to your home.

Nothing is more authentic than a real pressed herb for making botanical prints.

Today, you will learn how easy it is to press herbs for botanical art and how to press flowers to preserve their beautiful blooms for years to come. If you are pressing several flowers or herbs, you may want a flower press and I’ll share a link to building an easy botanical press.

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In addition, you will learn the best way to frame pressed herbs. This project is fun for all ages, and you’ll love the results.

How to Gather Herbs To Make Botanical Art

You will want to gather your herbs at a peak time and when they look their healthiest. Gather on a sunny day when the sun has dried all moisture from the stems. Use sharp shears to harvest herbs.

How Do You Press Herbs?

The easiest method is to press herbs or flowers using a heavy book.

I have an old dictionary that I like to use. If you are not concerned about the book’s condition, you can lay your herbs between the pages without any protection. Some herbs and especially flowers may stain the pages. If this is a concern, place your herbs between two pieces of parchment paper and then put them between the pages of your book. You can add copy paper or paper towels but the moisture may still bleed through to your book pages.

To be safe, you can build a botanical press. This easy DIY is described further at the end of the post.

Note: Your herbs will dry quickly between the paper and cardboard, usually within two weeks. Parchment paper doesn’t absorb the oils as quickly, and drying time is extended.

Prepare the Herbs for Pressing

First, gather your herbs at their peak.

Remove any excess leaves or damaged areas. It’s best if the plant is as flat as possible.

Place the herbs on the paper and make sure there is no overlap. For best results, cover them carefully to not shift the position.

Add Weight To Press Herbs

In order to press herbs, place them between the book pages and add weight to the book.

I place the book on my desk under this urn and add extra books for good measure. It’s important that the book presses the herbs evenly. Flat herbs are best for pressing between book pages.

I allowed my last batch of herbs to stay in the book for two or three weeks.

Here is the result after three weeks of pressing. I was not as happy with my basil. The leaves are tiny and curly. Therefore, they didn’t dry as well this time. The larger leaves work better.

Which Herbs Are Best For Pressing?

Although you can press all herbs, some press more easily and look better after drying. Here are my favorites.

1. Dill
2. Mint
3. Thyme
4. Oregano
5. Cilantro
6. Sage
7. Rosemary
8. Lavender

Now To Make Botanical Art?

Begin by finding frames for your botanical art prints.

I love these gold frames; however, I already had three frames. I purchased them from IKEA for a future project, and because I’m always budget-conscious, I used what was on hand.

If you use a pressed glass frame, you will need a background for your herbs.

I used some quality acid-free paper that I had on hand. Using a calligraphy pen, I hand-lettered the names onto the heavy paper.

How Do You Attach The Pressed Herbs to Paper for Framing?

Next, you need to add the herbs to the acid-free paper to frame for botanical art.

I used basting adhesive to keep the pressed herbs from slipping. A light mist of spray will hold the herb in place on your paper.

The basting adhesive is acid-free and helps to maintain the color of your herbs.

I held the spray can 24 inches from the herb and gave it a light spray.

Because pressed herbs can easily damage, you should exercise caution when handling them, especially when applying adhesive.

How To Frame Pressed Herbs For Botanical Art?

Now, add your pressed herbs to the glass to make botanical art.

To attach the background paper to the glass, add just a mist of adhesive to the center of the paper. Then, align the paper in the center of the glass and press. Finally, gently apply the top glass and add it to the frame.

Preserving Herbs

In addition to making botanical art, you may be looking for additional ways to preserve herbs for out-of-season use. Be sure to read How to Dry and Freeze Herbs for out-of-season use.

You might also enjoy this tasty basil pesto recipe.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. This technique also works for press-drying flowers. It’s a great way to preserve and turn your flowers into art.

I began by displaying the framed botanicals to decorate inside the greenhouse. However, I quickly realized the excess sun exposure was fading the herbs.

Resources

Build a DIY Flower Press for Preserving Botanicals

If you are working with flowers and a large quantity of botanicals, you will need a flower press. You can see how easy it is to make one using scrap lumber. See Easy Flower Press: Upcycle Scrap Wood To Preserve Botanicals

More Favorite DIY Projects

• How To Build A DIY Greenhouse
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• Copper Hanging Pot Rack
• DIY Copper Spice Rack
• Nautical Rope Mirror Tutorial
• Easy Rustic Ladder Tutorial
• Distressed Decoupage Lamp Makeover
• Easy Thrifted Lamp DIY – Pottery Barn Hack
• Pottery Barn Leaf Napkin Ring Hack
• DIY Flower Press Tutorial using Scrap Wood

I appreciate you stopping by; your comments and questions are always welcome.

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