How to Make Pressed Flower Bookmarks: A Simple & Thoughtful Holiday Gift
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Bookmarks in progress
As the holiday season approaches, finding meaningful, handmade gifts can bring warmth and joy to both the giver and the receiver. Pressed flower bookmarks are not only beautiful but also an easy and thoughtful project that highlights the natural charm of wildflowers and herbs. Whether you're gifting them to a book lover or adding them as a personal touch to a holiday card, these bookmarks are sure to delight!
Why Pressed Flower Bookmarks Make the Perfect Gift
Personalized: Each bookmark can reflect your unique style, using flowers and greenery from your own garden or foraged locally.
Eco-Friendly: Made with simple, natural materials, they’re a sustainable gift option.
Budget-Friendly: With minimal supplies, you can create something that feels luxurious without breaking the bank.
Flowers pressed from vacation last summer
Alternative: Dried Herb or Paper-Cut Designs
Paper embellishments purchased from Hobby Lobby
If you don’t have access to flowers, don’t worry! You can create beautiful bookmarks using dried herbs, patterned paper, or even hand-drawn designs.
Using Dried Herbs:
Gather herbs like rosemary, thyme, or mint.
Follow the same pressing and laminating steps as you would for flowers. See below.
Dried herbs offer an earthy, minimalist aesthetic and can double as scented bookmarks.
Paper-Cut Designs: Paper-cut package
Use decorative scrapbooking paper, old book pages, or colorful cardstock.
Cut them into bookmark shapes and embellish with stickers, stamps, or washi tape.
Personalize with hand-drawn art, calligraphy, or inspirational quotes.
By offering these alternative designs, you can still create unique, handmade bookmarks even without access to flowers!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pressed Flower Bookmarks
Instructions:
Paper bookmarks and tags are inexpensive and a variety of options are available.
Pick and Prepare Flowers
Choose small, flat flowers or leaves (link to pre pressed flowers). Examples: daisies, pansies, ferns, or baby’s breath.
Pat them dry if they’re wet or have moisture on them.
Press the Flowers
Place flowers or leaves between two sheets of parchment paper or blotting paper. I have a small flower press that was inexpensive from Amazon.
Put the paper inside a heavy book, then stack additional books or weights on top.
Leave the flowers to press for 1-2 weeks, or until they are completely dry and flat.
Cut Your Bookmark Base (link to pre cut bookmarks)
Cut your cardstock or watercolor paper into bookmark shapes. A standard size is 2 inches by 6 inches, but you can make them larger or smaller.
Arrange Your Flowers
Plan your design by laying out the pressed flowers on the bookmark. Experiment with different arrangements until you find one you like.
Attach the Flowers
Use a small amount of glue or double-sided tape to secure the flowers to the bookmark base. This helps keep them in place before sealing.
Seal the Bookmark
Cover the bookmark with clear contact paper, laminating sheets, or self-sealing pouches to protect the flowers. I used ModPodge on mine. Downside is you have to place a book on it to flatten when dry. It provides a nice rustic and glossy finish.
If using contact paper, cut a piece slightly larger than your bookmark. Press it firmly over the front and back, smoothing out air bubbles.
If using a laminating machine, follow the machine’s instructions to laminate your bookmark.
Trim the Edges
Use scissors to carefully trim any excess contact paper or laminating sheet around the edges.
Optional: Add a Ribbon or Tassel
Punch a hole at the top of the bookmark using a hole punch.
Thread a ribbon or twine through the hole and tie a knot.
Tips for Success
For flowers, stick to flat blooms like pansies or daisies. For herbs, choose fragrant ones for a sensory experience.
Paper designs work great for readers who enjoy crafting with paper or upcycling old materials.
Coated with Mod Podge
Wrapping and Gifting Ideas
Bundle a few bookmarks with a rustic ribbon or twine and pair them with a journal or a favorite book. They also make lovely additions to holiday cards or gift baskets.
This holiday season, embrace the beauty of nature and the joy of crafting with these handmade bookmarks. Whether you’re pressing flowers, drying herbs, or creating designs from paper, you’ll find that these gifts carry a heartfelt charm that’s hard to match with store-bought options. Happy crafting, and may your holidays be filled with warmth and creativity!
What’s your favorite crafting material for bookmarks? Let me know in the comments, and be sure to share your creations on social media!
