Long before photographs, pressed flowers served as treasured mementos, preserving meaningful moments and the fleeting beauty of nature. Today, the practice continues to inspire artists who transform delicate botanicals into enduring works of art. From breathtaking large-scale installations in luxury hotels to simple creations anyone can make at home, we’ll explore the rich history of flower pressing and share why we’re endlessly inspired by this timeless art form.
Did you know that pressed flowers and botanicals were first created as a tool for preservation? Beginning in the 16th century, botanists carefully pressed plants between pages to document species, creating herbariums that allowed nature to be studied long after it was collected. What started as a scientific practice eventually found its way into homes, where flowers became a way to capture memory, seasonality, and a sense of place.
By the Victorian era, pressed flowers had evolved into a beloved creative pursuit. Blooms gathered from gardens, celebrations, and travels were transformed into keepsakes. Each decorative arrangement carried a story, preserving not only the flower itself but the experience of a moment in time.
We love the vibrant, collaged works of Anastasia Kovaleva of Poland, whose compositions celebrate the expressive potential of preserved botanicals. We are equally captivated by Olga Prinku, artist, maker, and originator of flowers-on-tulle embroidery, whose delicate works expand beyond florals to incorporate twigs and other natural materials for an added sense of texture and depth.
For the award-winning program at Chamonix Casino Resort, we worked with MaeLily Design Studio to create a series of pressed floral works. “I drew inspiration from Chamonix’s warm color palette, organic materials, and connection to nature,” artist and studio owner, Sarah Park shares. “The flowers were selected to complement the surrounding interiors while creating a sense of depth, texture, and softness.”
We asked her to give us a quick how-to for us at home and she happily obliged. She suggested to first start by gathering fresh, healthy flowers that catch your eye. Layer them between absorbent paper and cardboard, then place them in a traditional flower press or beneath a stack of heavy books. Check on them every few days, replacing the paper as needed until the flowers are completely dry. Once they’re preserved, experiment with different arrangements, letting the natural shapes, colors, and movement of each bloom guide your composition. When you’re happy with the design, carefully secure each flower with an archival, pH-neutral adhesive. Finish by framing your piece in a frame that complements the botanicals and protects your artwork, creating a keepsake you can enjoy for years to come.
“Creating with pressed flowers is a slow and intentional process. Every bloom is carefully preserved and thoughtfully arranged to celebrate the beauty that nature has already created.”
Sarah Park of MaeLily Design Studio
If you have some favorite flowers you recently got for a special occasion, or if you want to preserve some lovely moments from your garden before winter rolls around, let this be your inspiration to start. Be sure to tag us @kevinbarryartadvisory on social and show us what you made.
