PRESSING FLOWERS

Unblemished flowers and leaves should be collected, ideally in dry conditions when they are free of rain or dew. Pages inside a heavy book are lined with parchment or waxed paper and the flowers and leaves gently placed face down on the paper. The book is then closed and weighted down or fitted into a tight space on a bookshelf to press the leaves and petals flat. After 10-14 days, they will be ready for use.