Floral pictures, bookmarks, and other decorations can be made using entire flowers or individual petals arranged randomly or in mosaic patterns. Choosing Flowers Collect flowers for pressing in midmorning, after dew has dried and while color is at its peak. Most flowers press easily, but if the base of a flower is thick, take the flower apart and press the petals individually. Thin-out the petals of roses or similar dense flowers before pressing so the finished flower doesn't look smashed.
Flowers tend to change color during pressing, usually becoming darker.
Once pressed, not all flowers retain their color, so a little trial and error is needed to determine which flowers are best for your pressed flower designs. Working with Flower Presses Assemble your plant press by placing a piece of cardboard on a smooth, flat surface, followed by a layer of newspaper then tissue paper. Arrange flowers or petals about a half-inch apart on the tissue paper, then cover the flowers with another layer of tissue paper, followed by a layer of newspaper, then a piece of cardboard. Repeat this layering process four to five times, ending with a piece of cardboard. Use the books or a concrete block to weight the stack.