How to Preserve Flower Petals for Keepsakes, Crafts, and More

Preserving flower petals is not just a way to hold onto memories but also an opportunity to infuse their loveliness into everyday life. Whether you’re pressing them for art, drying them for a DIY project or home décor, or just preserving them as a keepsake, with the right flowers and techniques, you’ll be able to keep the beauty of your blossoms around for as long as you like—while turning them into something truly special.

When it comes to how to preserve flower petals, you have your pick of a few methods. “Some are easy enough for kids; others will have you working with chemicals and heat,” says artisan Christina Argonish. 

Here’s your ultimate guide on how to preserve flower petals.

Choose the Right Flowers for Preservation

Not all flowers are created equal when it comes to preservation, with some petals holding their shape and color better than others. Additionally, while you’ll want to seek out studier flowers (e.g., sunflowers and peonies) if you’re preserving the whole plant, focus on blooms with larger petals if you’re just focusing on these bits.

Here are a few flower types whose petals preserve beautifully:

• Roses: The quintessential flower for sentimental moments has full, rounded petals that maintain their structure, “making them perfect for keepsakes like pressed flower art,” says Argonish.
• Pansies: Pansies’ vibrant colors and flat, wide petals make them ideal candidates for pressing.
• Poppies: These flowers are known for their saturated hues that stay intact once dried. Their flat shape makes them suitable for pressing and paper crafts.
• Ranunculus: The wedding flower staple boasts plenty of lush petals for your preserving purposes.
• Hibiscus: Who wouldn’t want to save the stunning shades of this large tropical flower?

Method 1: How to Press Flower Petals

If you’re after a timeless, flat design, pressing flower petals is a simple and effective way to preserve their beauty. "Whether you use a traditional flower press or just a heavy book, this method is simple and inexpensive," says Argonish.

Materials Needed:

• Heavy book
• Parchment paper
• Wood flower press
• Sealant or hairspray

Instructions:

1. Place the petals between two sheets of parchment paper. "This will keep the petals from sticking to or dying the pages of your book," says Argonish.
2. Place the parchment paper and petals between the pages of a large book. Add additional weight (such as additional heavy books) and leave the flowers pressed for about 2 to 3 weeks.
3. After drying the petals, “a light spray of clear acrylic sealant will help preserve their color and prevent them from becoming brittle,” shares Argonish. Be sure to only do this if you're not using the flowers for edible purposes or potpourri.

If using a traditional wooden flower press, place the petals in between pieces of parchment paper. Then, sandwich the paper between the two wooden boards of the press. Tighten the screws until firmly pressed. Leave for 2 to 3 weeks.

Method 2: How to Oven-Dry Flower Petals

Drying flowers is a slightly different process than pressing, but it's just as effective if you're looking to create "a textured, organic look," according to Argonish.

Materials Needed:

• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet
• Oven

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to the lowest possible temperature setting.
2. Lay petals on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, ensuring that they are not overlapping, and place in oven.
3. Leave the door open a crack to allow moisture to escape.
4. Check every 10 minutes to ensure the petals don’t burn. Keep a careful eye to avoid over-drying, which can make them brittle. The goal is to preserve the petals' structure without losing too much color.

Method 3: How to Use Silica Gel to Preserve Flower Petals

Absorbent silica gel is a fantastic option for preserving both the color and shape of flower petals.

Materials Needed:

• Silica gel
• Airtight container

Instructions:

1. Add petals and silica gel to an airtight container, ensuring the petals are covered completely.
2. Seal the container and let sit for about 2 to 3 days.
3. Once dry to the touch, remove petals from container.

Method 4: How to Use Resin to Preserve Flower Petals

Resin, a hardening compound, can be used to preserve flower petals and create artful objects like trinket dishes, coasters, and more. You'll need liquid resin, as well as its (usually included) hardener. Once mixed and poured into a silicone mold with your flower petals, it'll cure, thus preserving your blooms.

"You'll want to press or dry your flower petals first," says Argonish, to prevent them from degrading once cast in the resin. You'll also want to wear protective gear, including goggles, due to the vapors released during the mixing and curing process.

Creative Uses for Preserved Flower Petals

Once your petals are preserved, the fun really begins. Whether you want to use them to create something meaningful or add a decorative touch to your home, preserved petals open up a world of artful possibilities.

A pro tip? “Sunlight can cause colors to fade from preserved petals,” says Argonish, so display your creations in a shady spot.

• Pressed Flower Art: One of the most popular uses for preserved petals is to create unique art pieces. Frame them in a shadow box or glue them onto paper for a vintage-inspired look. You can also create unique greeting cards, bookmarks, or scrapbook pages.
• Homemade Potpourri: A fragrant blend of dried flowers can be used to make potpourri. Combine dried petals with dried herbs and essential oils to create a natural air freshener. Fill a small fabric bag with your DY creation and then add it to a drawer or closet as a natural fabric refresher.
• Floral Resin Crafts: Create one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, home décor, and more by embedding dried petals in clear resin. Flower petal pendants, coasters, and keychains can make for pretty and personalized gifts.
• Floral Candles: Preserved flower petals can be embedded in homemade candles. Use molds to shape the candles and place the petals along the top or mix them into the wax.