How to Store Pressed Flowers (My Simple Storage Method)
If you work with pressed flowers, you know how delicate they are. Once flowers are dried and pressed, they can easily break if they’re not stored carefully. Over the years, I’ve developed a simple storage method that keeps pressed flowers flat, protected, and easy to see when I’m creating artwork. This is the exact system I use in my studio. If you’re wondering how to store pressed flowers without damaging them, this method works beautifully.
How I Organize My Pressed Flowers
Before storing my pressed flowers, I like to organize them. I joke that half of my art-making time is just organizing. Most of the time I organize my flowers by color because that’s how I like to design and create. Sometimes I organize by flower type instead.
For example:
purple flowers together
yellow flowers together
greenery together
or
hydrangeas together
roses together
There isn’t one right way. The important thing is that you can easily see what you have when you're designing. I also use this time to throw out less-than-perfect flowers and make sure I only keep what I really love.
My Pressed Flower Storage Method (The “Stack Sandwich”)
My storage system is very simple.
I start with:
one piece of cardboard
one sheet of paper (usually 8.5 x 11)
Then I place a single layer of pressed flowers on that sheet of paper.
After that I repeat the layers:
paper
cardboard
flowers
paper, cardboard….
It creates a little stack sandwich of cardboard, paper, and flowers. I continue building the stack until the layers are full. Each sheet only has one layer of flowers. I never overlap delicate pieces because they can easily break.
Holding the Stack Together
Once the stack is complete, I use large rubber bands to hold everything together.
If the stacks are just sitting safely on a shelf in my studio, I skip the rubber bands. But if I’m moving things around or transporting them, the rubber bands keep everything secure.
Why This Is the Best Way to Store Pressed Flowers
The reason I love this storage method is because it creates very light pressure. Pressed flowers don’t need heavy weight once they’re dry. They just need gentle pressure to keep them flat and protected. Another reason I love this system is that it makes creating much easier. I can pull out one layer, see all the flowers clearly, and slide the paper out without touching the flowers at all.
If you’ve worked with fragile pressed flowers before, you know how helpful that is. It’s also helpful because this method keeps the flowers away from light. Keeping them in a dark, dry environment helps extend the color vibrancy of your pressed flowers.
How I Protect Delicate Pressed Flowers
One of the most important things to me is not breaking anything fragile.
That’s why:
I never overlap flowers
I keep one single layer per sheet
I avoid systems that require touching the flowers too much
This storage method allows me to see every flower without handling it. It also helps me assess what I need to press more of. I usually notice I need more orange. Do you have a color that always seems to be missing from your flower library?
Pressed Flower Storage Methods I Don’t Use
People often ask if I store my flowers in binders, drawers, or plastic sleeves. You may have seen a photo of me with pressed flowers in aluminum tins. I’m sorry to say that photo was taken for styling purposes only — that is not how I actually store my flowers.
I don’t keep pressed flowers in:
binders
plastic sleeves
bins
drawers
brown storage boxes
In my experience, those systems make it harder to see everything and increase the chances of breaking delicate flowers.
Do I Use Glassine Paper or a Dehumidifier?
Glassine paper can be useful, but I don’t love it for storing pressed flowers. Pressed flowers need to breathe, and I’ve found that simple paper works better for long-term storage. However, I do love glassine paper for protecting finished artwork. Once the glue on a pressed flower piece is completely dry, glassine works beautifully to cover and protect the finished art.
You might also consider having a dehumidifier near your flower stacks to keep the environment dry. Paper and cardboard naturally absorb moisture, which helps regulate humidity, but you still don’t want your flowers sitting in a damp atmosphere. A dehumidifier can really help with this.
Watch My Pressed Flower Storage Setup
I also filmed a quick video showing exactly how I build my storage stacks and how easy it is to look through the layers.
Final Thoughts on Storing Pressed Flowers
When it comes to pressed flower storage, the goal is simple:
keep flowers flat
protect them from breaking
make them easy to see and access
For me, this simple cardboard and paper stack system has worked better than anything else.
It keeps my flowers organized, protected, and ready whenever inspiration strikes.
About Modern Pressed Flower
Modern Pressed Flower is my studio where I share techniques for pressing flowers and creating pressed flower artwork. If you love working with nature, want to elevate your craft practice, and learn about pressing, gluing, and creating art with pressed flowers, you’re in the right place.
You can also visit www.domainoftheflowerings.com to see how I’ve expanded my love of pressed flowers into an entire lifestyle brand.
Frequently Asked Questions About Storing Pressed Flowers
What is the best way to store pressed flowers?
The best way to store pressed flowers is in flat layers between sheets of paper with light pressure on top. Using paper and cardboard layers helps keep flowers flat while allowing them to breathe. Avoid stacking multiple layers of flowers on one sheet because delicate petals can break.
Can pressed flowers be stored in plastic?
It’s generally better to avoid storing pressed flowers in plastic containers or sleeves. Pressed flowers need some airflow, and plastic can trap moisture which may damage delicate petals over time.
How do you keep pressed flowers from breaking?
The best way to prevent pressed flowers from breaking is to store them in single layers on paper so they don’t overlap. Keeping light pressure on the flowers and minimizing how often they are touched also helps protect delicate petals.
How long do pressed flowers last?
When stored properly in a dry environment and protected from direct sunlight, pressed flowers can last for many years. Keeping them flat between paper layers helps maintain their shape and color.
