Framed flowers are an easy way to turn a handful of blooms into wall art, a gift, or a keepsake. You can use pressed flowers in a flat or floating frame, or slightly thicker dried flowers in a shadow box. The main steps are drying the flowers well, choosing a frame and backing, arranging before gluing, and sealing the frame.
What you need
- Pressed or dried flowers and small leaves or ferns
- A frame: a double-glass floating frame, a flat picture frame, or a shadow box
- Tweezers for placing delicate pieces
- Clear-drying craft glue, a glue stick made for paper, or double-sided tape
- A small paintbrush or toothpick for tiny dabs of glue
- Backing paper or card (see below)
- A soft cloth for cleaning the glass
Choose a frame style
- Double-glass floating frame: Flowers sit between two panes, so you see both sides and light passes through the petals. Best for flat pressed flowers.
- Standard frame with a mat: Flowers are attached to paper and sit behind glass. Good for tidy compositions.
- Shadow box: Has depth, so slightly thicker dried flowers can sit without being crushed against glass.
Prepare the flowers
Flowers must be dry before framing. Moisture can cause mold, browning, or fogging inside the glass.
- For flat frames, press them between sheets of absorbent paper under a heavy book or in a press. Many guides suggest leaving them for roughly one to two weeks, sometimes longer for thicker flowers.
- For shadow boxes, air dry or use silica gel. See our guide to drying flowers for methods and safety.
- Quick microwave pressing exists, but it can scorch petals and needs care. Use short intervals and microwave-safe materials, and check often.
What type of paper is best for framing pressed flowers?
The paper behind your flowers affects both how they look and how long they last.
- Acid-free or archival paper: Often recommended because paper that contains acid can yellow and may stain or darken flowers over time.
- Cotton or watercolor paper: Thick, textured paper such as cotton rag or heavyweight watercolor paper gives a sturdy background. It can also handle small dabs of glue without buckling as easily as thin paper. Our guide to the best paper for watercolor and ink explains how these papers differ.
- Heavy cardstock: A good, affordable choice for most simple projects (the paper weight and GSM guide helps you pick a weight). Choose a neutral or light color so delicate petals stand out.
- Black or dark paper: Can make pale flowers pop, but may show glue marks more.
- Avoid: Thin copy paper, newspaper, or anything with an unknown coating that might transfer color or acid. Note that for pressing itself, plain absorbent paper such as blotting paper or parchment is common.
If you are unsure, test a scrap of paper with a small pressed petal for a few weeks before doing the full project.
Step-by-step: pressed flower frame
- Clean the glass. Remove dust and fingerprints from the inside faces. Handle glass carefully, since edges can be sharp.
- Plan your layout. Lay the flowers on the backing or on a sheet of paper the size of the frame. Move them around until it feels balanced before using any adhesive.
- Fix the flowers. Use tweezers. Add a very small dab of clear-drying craft glue to the back of each piece with a toothpick or fine brush, or use tiny pieces of double-sided tape. Less is better, since glue can show through thin petals.
- Add the front glass or cover. Lower it carefully so you do not shift the pieces.
- Seal the frame. Close the clips or backing. Some floating frames can be taped around the edge to limit dust.
For a floating frame, flowers can also be held in place just by the pressure of the two panes if they are flat enough.
Step-by-step: shadow box with dried flowers
- Plan the arrangement on a flat surface first.
- Attach stems or flower heads to the backing with glue. Hot glue is often used for sturdier pieces. Hot glue is very hot and can burn skin. Work on a heat-safe surface, use a low-temperature gun if you have one, and keep it away from children.
- Leave a little room so nothing touches the glass.
- Let everything cool and set before closing the box.
Design tips
- Odd numbers: Many designers group elements in odd numbers, such as three or five, which tends to look more natural.
- Vary size and shape: Mix a larger focal flower with smaller fillers and leaves.
- The 3:5:8 rule: You may see this phrase used in floral arranging, usually describing ratios or groupings to help balance a design. It is a rule of thumb, not a strict rule, and different designers use different versions. Use it as a starting point rather than something to follow exactly.
- Leave space: Empty space around the flowers often looks more modern and lets delicate pieces stand out.
- Color: Pressed flowers often fade or darken, so light, bright colors may look different after drying.
Glue and fixing options
- Clear-drying craft glue or decoupage medium: Good for flat pieces. Use sparingly.
- Double-sided tape: Clean and quick but can show through petals.
- Glue stick for paper: May be enough for thin, flat pieces, though adhesion varies.
- Hot glue: For shadow boxes only. Not suited to delicate pressed petals.
Test any glue on a spare petal first.
Keep your framed flowers looking good
- Hang away from direct sunlight, which fades color.
- Avoid humid rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens.
- If you see condensation or fuzzy mold inside the frame, take it apart and discard affected flowers. Flowers that were not fully dry are the usual cause.
- Some frames use UV-filtering glass. This may slow fading but will not stop it.
Safety notes
- Glass edges can be sharp. Take care when cleaning or assembling, and consider using a frame with tempered or acrylic glazing if children are around.
- Hot glue guns, craft knives, and scissors are cut and burn hazards.
- Some flowers, such as lilies, are toxic to pets, so keep loose dried petals away from them.
For more ideas on turning special blooms into keepsakes, see our guide to preserving a bouquet at home.
FAQ
How can I frame dried flowers? Use a shadow box or a deep frame so the flowers do not touch the glass, and attach them gently to a backing.
Does vinegar help preserve cut flowers? Some home recipes add a small amount of vinegar and sugar to vase water to prolong vase life, but results vary and this does not preserve flowers for framing. For lasting framed flowers, dry or press them instead.
Can I use fresh flowers in a frame? Not recommended. Moisture can lead to mold and browning.