To preserve a rose flat, you can press it using the method described for pressing flowers with books.
Preserving a Rose Flat by Pressing
One effective and simple way to preserve a rose and make it flat is by pressing it using books, as outlined in the method for pressing flowers with books. This process removes moisture from the petals and leaves, leaving the rose dried and flattened.
Here's how to do it:
- Preparation: Select a rose bloom you wish to preserve. You'll need paper (blotting paper or parchment paper works well, but standard paper is also usable) and books.
- Placement: Open a book and place a piece of paper on one page. Carefully place the rose face down on the paper. Ensure the petals are arranged how you want them to dry flat.
- Pressing: Place another piece of paper over the rose. Slowly and carefully close the book, applying pressure to the rose between the pages. The reference notes that you can use almost any book for this purpose.
- Adding Weight (Optional but Recommended): To enhance the pressing effect, you can place heavier books on top of the book containing the rose. This extra weight helps to press the rose more uniformly and speed up the drying process slightly.
- Waiting Period: Once the rose is secured within the book, you need to wait for it to dry completely. According to the referenced method, this typically takes around 10 days.
- Checking and Removal: After about 10 days, carefully open the book and check the rose. It should feel dry and brittle, indicating it is fully preserved in its flattened state. Gently remove the dried, flat rose from between the pages.
This process results in a beautiful, dried rose that is perfectly flat and ready for use in various crafts or display.
