How to Press Calla Lilies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Calla lilies are not only beautiful flowers but also make for stunning decorations and thoughtful gifts. Pressing calla lilies is a popular way to preserve their beauty and fragrance, allowing you to enjoy them long after they have faded. If you’re interested in learning how to press calla lilies, follow this step-by-step guide to create your own floral keepsakes.
Materials Needed:
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
– Fresh calla lilies
– Flower press or heavy book
– White paper or cardstock
– Scissors
– Optional: Parchment paper or wax paper
Step 1: Prepare the Calla Lilies
Start by selecting fresh calla lilies with tight buds and vibrant colors. Trim the stems to about 2 inches in length, ensuring that the flowers are not fully bloomed. Remove any excess foliage that may be on the stems.
Step 2: Arrange the Flowers
Lay out a sheet of white paper or cardstock on a flat surface. Arrange the calla lilies on the paper, ensuring that they are facing the direction you want them to be pressed. If you want to create a layered look, you can place multiple flowers on top of each other.
Step 3: Press the Calla Lilies
Place a flower press or a heavy book on top of the arranged calla lilies. If you’re using a flower press, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to secure the flowers. If you’re using a heavy book, make sure it is flat and even to prevent any distortion in the flower’s shape.
Step 4: Choose a Pressing Method
There are two main methods for pressing calla lilies: using a flower press or using a heavy book. If you’re using a flower press, leave it on for 1-2 weeks, depending on the thickness of the flowers. If you’re using a heavy book, leave it on for 2-3 weeks. Check the flowers periodically to ensure they are drying out evenly.
Step 5: Remove the Flowers
After the pressing period has elapsed, carefully remove the calla lilies from the paper or cardstock. Gently peel the petals and sepals away from the stem, ensuring that they are dry and crisp.
Step 6: Display or Use the Pressed Calla Lilies
Now that your calla lilies are pressed, you can display them in a frame, use them as decorative elements in a scrapbook, or incorporate them into handmade cards and invitations. The possibilities are endless!
Pressing calla lilies is a simple and rewarding activity that allows you to preserve the beauty of these stunning flowers. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to create your own floral keepsakes in no time. Happy pressing!
