• Use Fresh Flowers--You will be tempted to wait until blooms begin to fade before clipping them to press, but resist temptations. For best color and best results, flowers should be pressed as blooms open.
• Microwave Oven Temperatures vary. Try varying times and power levels for the best results.
• Press stems and leaves for use in your designs.
• Process flowers with thick centers slowly to allow the thicker center to dry thoroughly without scorching delicate petals. Try several cycles at 50% power.
• Rose buds and carnation blossoms can be pressed. Remember that you will only see the front of the blossom. When I press a rose or a carnation, I clip the back out of the blossom and remove much of the bulk.
• For open roses, try dismantling and reassembling the petals.
• Press your items promptly after picking
• Pick after all signs of moisture are gone
• Any flower, petal, leaf or part of a plant is worth trying
• Press items of similar size & bulk together

Be sure that your flowers are fully dry. To check this, wait for the flowers to cool. I touch my processed flowers to my face & if it feels cool, I know that it still has moisture & needs to be processed again. If flowers are not fully dry, they might mold during storage.

Several customers have called to ask if they need additional materials like an extra fill pack or liners. Your press will come with a fill pack (wool pads and a pair of fabric liners.) The fill pack should last several hundred cycles.before needing replacement. However, the fabric liners will become stained as you use your press. If they become too soiled, colors can bleed. I recommend getting a package of extra liners. They can be washed and reused, but you will enjoy the convenience of having extras.

When I use my flowers, I like to cover them for extra protection. While it is not essential, it makes your projects more durable. You can use cold laminate film, a small piece of clear cover (like you use to cover books), or clear contact paper. If you are using your flowers in a scrapbook, be sure your cover is acid-free. A pair of fine tip tweezers will make arranging your flowers easier. I use my favorite tweezers--TweezerBees. They are perfect for detail work.

I hope you have as much fun with your Microfleur as I have had with mine. I have owned mine for 6+ years now, and it is still one of my favorite craft tools.Try using your pressed flowers in photo frames, decoupaged to wood or glass, in cards (How about doing Ornare around an arrangement of pressed flowers!), in stained glass, with calligraphy, and more! Our webstore storefront has a picture of a pretty Victorian-style card that I made using my press. Our small presses come with six blank cards and envelopes in this style.

A Microfleur press makes a great gift! My Dad had a very good time with his! He had many hours of enjoyment from choosing his flowers, pressing and arranging them. We offer two sizes of presses, a 5"x5" and a 9"x9" press.  :o)

FAQ:

How long does it take?
This will vary on the type of flower you are pressing and the power of your microwave. A simple flower such as a pansy, in a 750Watt oven could take up to 1 minute. While a whole gerbera could take up to 5 or 6 minutes in short bursts.

How will I know it is dry?
Touch is the best way. The flower should feel papery, be reasonably stiff and resist drooping. If it feels damp or wet continue pressing. After you have had a bit of practice you will be able to tell quite easily if more pressing is required.

How long will the color last?
Using a Microfleur will help to retain the color in your flowers. This also varies depending on the type of flower or leaf being processed, how fresh the specimen is, and where it is stored. Generally the stronger colors, such as the yellow jonquill, a red rose, dark larkspur, etc. keep their color for years, where the paler shades and older blooms tend to fade after a few months and may even discolor slightly in the press. Sunlight and fluorescent lights are the main culprits, so store your masterpieces carefully.

What do I use to glue the flowers down with?
We use a good quality PVA glue or folk art sealer.

How do I store them until I need them?
We store ours in a snap lock plastic bag with pieces of blotting paper a bit smaller than the bag. 
These are then placed in a shoe box or plastic container. The blotting paper helps to keep the flowers flat. They need to be completely dry before sealing the bag as they may rot if there is any moisture left in them.