Sometimes you just need a craft that slows everything down — something quiet, pretty, and easy enough to make in one sitting. Pressed flower bookmarks are exactly that. They’re delicate, personal, and they make your books feel like part of a garden. And honestly? They’re surprisingly beginner-friendly. If you’ve never worked with pressed flowers before, this is the perfect place to start.
What You Need to Get Started
Before you dive in, gather a few basics so the process flows easily. You’ll need pressed flowers (thin ones work best), clear-drying glue or Mod Podge, cardstock or watercolor paper, a wide soft brush, and a lamination layer — either a self-adhesive laminate sheet or a thermal laminator. Scissors and a small pair of tweezers will help you place the flowers without tearing them. Keep everything close; this project feels smoother when your workspace is organized.
How to Arrange Your Pressed Flowers Without Stress
Arranging the flowers is where the bookmark starts to feel personal. Some people go minimalist with a single stem; others create tiny bouquets along the edges. There’s no wrong choice, but the trick is placing everything before adding glue. Move the petals around lightly with tweezers until the layout feels balanced. If a flower is too thick, gently peel off the back layer to make it flatter — this helps the lamination seal perfectly later.
Sealing the Flowers and Creating the Bookmark
Once you love your layout, it’s time to seal. Use a soft brush to apply a thin, even layer of clear glue on the paper — not on the flowers yet. Press each flower into place, then brush a feather-light layer on top just to secure them. Don’t worry if the petals look slightly cloudy; they dry beautifully clear. Let everything dry completely before moving on. When the glue sets, cut the bookmark to your preferred size (around 2×6 inches looks clean), then laminate it. The lamination is what keeps the flowers protected for years, even if the bookmark bends.
If you love the look of pressed flowers but your petals keep turning brown, curling, or falling apart, this little guide is for you. In this mini tutorial, I’ll walk you through a simple, beginner-friendly way to press flowers so they stay flat, colorful, and ready for all your DIY projects.
Adding Finishing Touches
This is the fun part — the details that make your bookmark feel special. Punch a hole at the top and add a ribbon or thin twine for a cottagecore look. If you like a more modern finish, leave it clean and simple. You can also edge the bookmark with gold paint or add a tiny handwritten quote along the bottom. Little touches like that make it gift-worthy.
Why This Project Is Worth Making
Pressed flower bookmarks are one of those crafts that feel small but meaningful. They make beautiful gifts for friends, teachers, and book lovers, and they’re perfect for selling at craft fairs or adding to your Etsy shop. More than anything, they’re relaxing. Something about arranging flowers on paper feels grounding — like you paused the world for a moment.
And when you’re ready to turn those petals into beautiful home decor, bookmarks, and gifts, be sure to check out my full guide on pressed flower crafts. That’s where I dive into lots of project ideas and step-by-step tutorials.
