Quick and Easy Flower Pressing with the Microfleur Press for Ecoprinting

Wildflowers in my Pasture

Flower pressing has long been a favorite craft for nature lovers, artists, ecoprinters, and DIY enthusiasts. Traditional methods often require patience and days of waiting for flowers and leaves to dry flat. I have written before about the more traditional flower press.

But what if you could press flowers in just seconds? The Microfleur flower press offers a simple, fast, and effective way to preserve the beauty of flowers and leaves using a microwave. Let's explores how to use the Microfleur plastic flower press, tips for best results, and creative ideas to enjoy your pressed flowers.

What Makes the Microfleur Flower Press Different

The Microfleur flower press is a plastic device designed specifically for microwave use. Unlike traditional presses that rely on heavy books or wooden frames and take days, the Microfleur press uses heat and pressure to dry and flatten flowers in seconds. This innovation saves time and space while producing high-quality pressed flowers that retain color and shape.

Key features include:

• Microwave-safe plastic construction that withstands heat without warping

• Built-in pressure plates to evenly flatten flowers and leaves

• Compact size ideal for quick pressing and easy storage

• Reusable and easy to clean for repeated use

  

  The press comes in 2 sizes. This is the large. 9" x 9". 2 felted pads and 2 thin press cloths

  
  
  
  

This tool is perfect for ecoprinters, hobbyists, teachers, and anyone who wants to preserve flowers quickly without waiting for days.

How to Use the Microfleur Flower Press Step-by-Step

Using the Microfleur press is straightforward. Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Select fresh flowers or leaves

   Choose flowers that are not too thick or bulky. Thin petals like pansies, violets, daisies, and ferns work well. Avoid flowers with high moisture content like tulips or roses unless you separate the petals.

   
   

2. Prepare the flowers

   Trim stems and remove excess moisture by gently patting with a paper towel. Arrange the flowers flat between the press plates

   
   

   

   Wild heliopsis growing under the power lines

3. Place flowers inside the Microfleur press

   Open the press and lay the flowers carefully on the inner surface. Close the press so the flowers are sandwiched evenly.

   
   

4. Microwave the press

   Place the closed press in the microwave. Heat for about 30 seconds to 1 minute depending on your microwave’s power and the thickness of the flowers. Start with 30 seconds and check progress to avoid burning.

   

   Place flowers face down, not touching

5. Cool and remove flowers

   Let the press cool for a minute before opening. Carefully remove the pressed flowers. They should be dry, flat, and ready to use.

   
   

6. Store or use immediately

   Pressed flowers can be stored in airtight containers or used right away for crafts.

   

   Flowers pressed after 30 seconds. Let cool for a minute, then remove. Gently stretch the cotton liners back and forth under flowers to loosen any flowers that adhere to liner.

Tips for Best Results with the Microfleur Press

• Test microwave power: Microwaves vary, so test with a small flower first to find the ideal time.

• Use absorbent paper: Place a sheet of parchment or blotting paper inside the press to absorb moisture and protect the plastic.

• Avoid thick flowers: Thick or fleshy flowers may not press well and could burn. Separate petals if needed. Sunflowers are too thick!

• Press leaves flat: Leaves with veins may need gentle flattening before pressing.

• Handle with care: Pressed flowers are delicate; use tweezers to move them if needed. Gently stretch the cotton liner to loosen any petals that may adhere to it.

  
  

Creative Ways to Use Your Pressed Flowers

Once you have your pressed flowers, the possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

As an ecoprinter, having a supply of flattened flowers and leaves that can be re-hydrated for winter use is a timesaver! WIldflowers in my area are seasonal and when they are gone, they are gone. You cannot find them at a florist or grocery store. It sure beats the other trusty method of flattening flowers-a rubber mallet!

Daisies on Leather

• Greeting cards and invitations

Add a natural touch to handmade cards by gluing pressed flowers on the front.

• Bookmarks

Laminate pressed flowers between sheets of clear plastic to create unique bookmarks.

• Wall art

Arrange pressed flowers in frames or shadow boxes for botanical decor.

• Scrapbooking

Enhance scrapbook pages with floral accents that preserve memories.

• Jewelry making

Embed pressed flowers in resin to create pendants, earrings, or bracelets.

• Gift wrapping

Decorate gift tags or wrapping paper with pressed flowers for a personal touch.

Caring for Your Pressed Flowers

Pressed flowers are fragile and can fade or crumble if not cared for properly. Keep these tips in mind:

• Store in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight.

• Use acid-free paper or materials to prevent discoloration.

• For ecoprinting, use just as you would any foliage. Leaves also work well in the press.

• Avoid touching flowers with bare hands to prevent oils from damaging petals.

• Frame or laminate flowers to protect them from dust and moisture.

• The flowers can stay between papers for a long time, or package together and store in the freezer for ecoprinting.

  
  

What's the Advantage of the Microwave Pressing Technique

The Microfleur press offers several advantages over traditional pressing methods:

• Speed: Flowers dry in seconds, not days.

• Convenience: No need for heavy books or bulky presses.

• Quality: Retains vibrant colors and delicate details.

• Reusable: Durable plastic lasts for many uses.

• Accessibility: Easy for beginners and children to use safely.

  
  

  This technique opens up flower pressing to more people by removing common barriers like time and space.

  

  Keeping wildflowers in water as I work to press the flowers heads in the Microfleur.

A timeless press, I no longer use this method of pressing flowers and leaves!

The Microfleur flower press can be found in many places including Amazon.

Regardless of your preferences, I found the press really changed how quickly and how enthusiastically I collected and preserved flowers for later ecoprinting! (And no, I don't own stock in the company or get paid to mention them!)

IN THE STUDIO

I am off to San Diego, CA at the end of January to teach at The Silk Painters Guild and can't wait! The best way to keep track of where I will be, is on my drop-down workshop menu on my website, www.thesilkthread.com

Private workshops with one or more students at my studio are welcome too! We'll forage for leaves and flowers and press a few!

Until next time!

Warm Regards,

Theresa

Close up of microfleur pressed wildflower. There is a big difference between this and the traditional method, as here, you will see no petal shrinkage!