How to store pressed flowers...

Storing Pressed Flowers

Storing pressed flowers in a way that protects them and keeps them easily accessible is a challenge!

After years of trial and error, I’ve finally come up with a method that seems to be working for me.

First, as I finish pressing my flowers, I place them on sheets of computer paper in a single layer, until the sheet is full.  I then place the paper in a file folder, that is appropriately labeled (more about that later).  Depending on the thickness of the flowers, I can usually place about 10 sheets filled with pressed flowers or greens in each folder. 

The file folders are placed horizontally in a large plastic tub (approx. 32” by 24”) that I’ve subdivided in half with a piece of cardboard to further organize the folders, and to keep them from shifting.  Of course I also add several packets of silica gel to keep the flowers nice and dry.

For pressed flowers I use in abundance, such as pansies, I devote entire file folders to them.  As a shortcut, I also include a page or two of pansy leaves and stems, so that I have everything I need in one place.  That way if I need to make pansy cards, I only have to grab one folder from my storage bin.  Sometimes I group my flowers and greens according to season  - my spring folders include snow drops, crocus (along with their striped leaves) and woodland violets.  For my wildflowers, since there are so many different kinds, I find it easiest to group in file folders according to color.

I have also found that pressing an over abundance of greens is a real time saver.  Since I have so many different stems, leaves, grasses pressed, I can always open up one of my “greens” folders and find something that will work. 

I also have an old bookcase filled with phone books for storage, but because of the high acid content in the newsprint, I only use them for tough botanicals like autumn leaves, queen anne’s lace, or botanicals that I will be adding pigment to, like ferns.

Here are some other ideas for storing pressed flowers:

 - Kate Chu uses small paper envelopes that she makes herself.  They easily “pop” open into a small box, and can be stored flat. 

- Glassine envelops, or used business envelopes with windows, or even take out containers with clear lids make it easy to quickly see the contents inside. 

- Thin stationary boxes work well for storing really delicate pressed flowers and botanicals.

The delicateness of the botanical treasures we use makes them challenging to store and easily locate when we need them, but what a blessing it is to work with something so beautiful!