If pressing flowers, think about what types of flowers work best. I find good beginners flowers are violas, pansies, hydrangea, Jacob's ladder and Lavendar. These flowers are so easy to dry effectively. I often just press them in a book inside some kitchen paper. For flowers that have a higher water content, you will have to change the kitchen or blotting paper regularly, otherwise you will find that pale coloured flowers turn brown.
When the flowers are ready (two to four weeks) you can laquer them with a shop bought laquer (from craft shops) or use hairspray. This stops them from fading as much. Store the flowers in a dry dark place until needed.
If you want to press flowers on a regular basis then it is a good idea to either buy a flower press, or make one.
To make your own flower press, you need two pieces of 6mm MDF. Drill six holes around the edge and then use butterfly screws to pull the two pieces of MDF together.
Use blotting paper and card in flower presses for best results.
