How to Press Herbs for Botanical Art

Have you ever wanted to create your own botanical art prints? Today you will learn how to press herbs for botanical art. You can preserve the beauty of nature and add a touch of greenery to your home.

Nothing is more authentic than a real pressed herb for making botanical prints.

Today you will learn how easy it is to press herbs for botanical art.

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In addition, you will learn the best way to frame pressed herbs. This project is fun for all ages, and you’ll love the results.

How to Gather Herbs To Make Botanical Art

You will want to gather your herbs at a peak time and when they look their healthiest. Gather on a sunny day when the sun has dried all moisture from the stems. Use sharp shears to harvest herbs.

How Do You Press Herbs?

The easiest method is to press herbs or flowers using a heavy book.

I have an old dictionary that I like to use. If you are not concerned about the book’s conditionbook, you can lay your herbs between the pages without any protection. Some herbs and especially flowers may stain the pages. If this is a concern, place your herbs between two pieces of parchment paper and then put them between the pages of your book.

Note: Your herbs will dry quickly between the paper page, usually within two weeks. Parchment paper doesn’t absorb the oils as quickly, and drying time is extended.

Add Weight To Press Herbs

In order to press herbs, place them between the book pages and add weight to the book.

I place the book on my desk under this urn and add extra books for good measure.

I allowed my last batch of herbs to stay in the book for two or three weeks.

Here is the result after three weeks of pressing. I was not as happy with my basil. The leaves are tiny and curly. Therefore, they didn’t dry as well this time. The larger leaves work better.

Now To Make Botanical Art?

Begin by finding frames for your botanical art prints.

I love these gold frames, however, I already had three frames. I purchased them from IKEA for a future project, and because I’m always budget conscious, I used what was on hand.

If you use a pressed glass frame, you will need a background for your herbs.

I used some quality paper that I had on hand. Using a calligraphy pen, I hand-lettered the names onto the heavy paper.

How Do You Attach The Pressed Herbs to Paper for Framing?

Next, you need to add the herbs to the paper to frame for botanical art.

I used a basting adhesive to keep the pressed herbs from slipping. Just a light mist of spray will hold the herb in place on your paper.

I held the spray can 24 inches from the herb and gave it a light spray.

Because you can easily damage your pressed herbs, you want to use caution while handling them, especially when applying adhesive.

How To Frame Pressed Herbs For Botanical Art?

Now add your pressed herbs to the glass to make botanical art.

To attach the background paper to the glass, add just a mist of adhesive to the center of the paper. Then align the paper in the center of the glass and press. Finally, gently apply the top glass and add it to the frame.

These are perfect in the greenhouse on the DIY Potting Table.

Preserving Herbs

In addition to making botanical art, you may be looking for additional ways to preserve herbs for out-of-season use. Be sure to read How to Dry Herbs.

You might also enjoy this tasty basil pesto recipe.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. This technique works for press-drying flowers as well. It’s a great way to preserve and make your flowers into art.

Resources

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