There’s something timeless and comforting about a pressed flower bookmark. It’s simple, lightweight, giftable, and practical — a little preserved moment of summer tucked between book pages. Whether you’re selling at markets, gifting to friends, or crafting just for the joy of it, pressed flower bookmarks are one of the easiest and most approachable botanical projects.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: the supplies, where to buy them, approximate pricing, pro tips, sealing methods, and—most important—the step-by-step process. And if you prefer to skip the flower-pressing stage, I offer locally grown, hand-pressed flowers from my farm near Toronto that you can purchase and use in your bookmarks.

Let’s get crafting.

Why Pressed Flower Bookmarks Make a Great Craft

Pressed flower bookmarks check a lot of creative boxes:

• They’re beginner-friendly

• They require only a few core supplies

• They make beautiful, lightweight items for craft markets

• They use very little material, keeping costs low

• Each piece is unique

• They’re fast to batch-produce if you’re building inventory

• They preserve botanical colour in a functional piece

Plus, they make wonderful gifts for teachers, mothers, book lovers, and pen pals.

Supplies You’ll Need (With Approximate Prices)

Below is a breakdown of the essential supplies, including where you can source them affordably in Toronto, Ontario, or online.

1. Pressed Flowers

You can use:

• Store-bought pressed flowers

• DIY-pressed petals from your garden

• Locally grown pressed flowers from my farm (Ontario) — already sorted, dried, and ready for crafting

Price:

• DIY free (minus tools/time)

• Purchased: $6–$20 per pack depending on quantity and rarity

• My pressed flowers are typically in the $10–$18 range depending on the assortment

2. Bookmark Base

Options include:

• Watercolour paper (140lb): Durable, textured, lovely for botanical work

• Mixed media cardstock: Smooth finish, great if you want clean lines

• Pre-cut blank bookmarks: Saves time and ensures uniform size

Cost: ~$6–$20 depending on brand and quantity
Where to buy:

• Michaels (Toronto)

• DeSerres (multiple GTA locations)

• Amazon Canada

• Local art supply stores

3. Adhesive

Two main approaches:

Option A: Mod Podge (Matte or Gloss)

• Beginner-friendly

• Works well for sealing and sticking flowers

• Gives a slightly raised finish

Cost: $10–$14 for a standard bottle

Option B: Archival Glue (like Lineco)

• Museum-safe

• Very thin application

• Ideal when you want minimal clouding

Cost: ~$12–$18

4. Lamination or UV-Resin (Optional, but Highly Recommended)

Option A: Thermal Lamination

• Clean, durable finish

• Resistant to bending and moisture

• Best for longevity

You’ll need:

• Laminating machine ($30–$45)

• Laminating pouches ($10–$15 per pack)

Option B: Self-Adhesive Lamination Sheets

• No machine needed

• Great for beginners

• Slightly softer edges

Cost: $7–$12

Option C: UV Resin (For a Professional Glossy Finish)

• Gives a glass-like finish

• Stunning clarity

• Slight learning curve

Cost:

• UV resin: ~$10–$20

• UV lamp: $20–$40

5. Optional Add-Ons

• Hole punch ($5–$10)

• Tassels or ribbons ($5–$12 per set)

• Gold leaf flakes ($8–$15)

• Pressed leaves or herbs for layering

• Fine-tip micron pen for lettering on the base

Where to Buy Supplies in Toronto & Online

You can source everything from:

Local Shops

• Michaels (Toronto & GTA) — adhesives, laminators, cardstock, tassels

• DeSerres — high-quality paper, archival glues, craft tools

• Above Ground Art Supplies — artist-grade materials

• Dollarama — budget-friendly basics (lamination sheets, ribbon, brushes)

Online

• Amazon Canada — laminators, resin, pouches

• Etsy — handmade papers and unique embellishments

• My shop — locally grown pressed flowers, curated for crafters who want natural Ontario colours and shapes

How to Make Pressed Flower Bookmarks: Full Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Choose Your Flowers

You want petals and leaves that are:

• Thin

• Already pressed flat

• Fully dried

Good choices: violas, cosmos, larkspur, daisies, ferns, yarrow, hydrangea petals.
If you don’t have pressed flowers ready, you can buy pre-pressed assortments—or browse my Ontario-grown pressed flower packs for a curated selection specifically sorted for bookmark size.

Tip: Avoid thick flowers like roses unless the petals are individually pressed.

Step 2: Prepare Your Bookmark Base

Cut your base to standard bookmark size: 2” × 6”, or 2.25" × 7" for a slightly taller look.

Optional:

• Round the corners using a corner punch

• Add a light wash of watercolour to create a soft background

• Sketch a faint guiding line layout

Let everything dry fully before moving on.

Step 3: Arrange Your Flowers

This is the creative part.

Experiment with layouts:

• Cascading florals from top to bottom

• A cluster of blooms at the bottom

• A minimal, single-flower design

• Vertical botanical stems

Pro tip:
Lay out your flowers before you glue anything. Pressed flowers are delicate and can tear if rearranged repeatedly.

Step 4: Adhere the Flowers

Using a soft brush or small silicone tool:

1. Place a very thin layer of Mod Podge or archival glue on the back of each petal.

2. Gently press it onto the bookmark base with tweezers or a silicone applicator.

3. Add a thin top coat (if using Mod Podge). Work slowly to avoid trapping air bubbles.

Let dry completely.

Tip:
If flowers curl or lift, use a sheet of parchment paper and press under a book for an hour.

Step 5: Seal the Bookmark

You have three main sealing options. Choose one based on your style and equipment.

Option A: Lamination (Beginner-Friendly + Durable)

1. Place the bookmark in a laminating pouch, leaving about ¼ inch border.

2. Run it through the laminator.

3. Trim excess if needed (but not too close, or it may peel).

Pros: Long-lasting, smooth, clear
Cons: Less organic feel

Option B: Self-Adhesive Lamination Sheets

1. Peel the backing

2. Lay the bookmark face-down

3. Smooth from centre outward

Pros: No machine needed
Cons: Can sometimes trap bubbles

Option C: UV Resin (Advanced + Professional Finish)

1. Apply a thin layer of resin over the entire surface

2. Use a toothpick to guide resin around petals

3. Cure under UV lamp for 1–3 minutes

4. Flip and repeat for the back

Pros: Gorgeous clarity, premium look
Cons: Requires practice + ventilation

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

• Punch a hole at the top and add a tassel

• Add a tiny charm (moon, leaf, or gold bead)

• Outline edges with metallic paint

• Add a handwritten quote or name

These final touches elevate the piece and help differentiate your style, especially if you’re selling.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Bubbling Under Flowers

• Caused by thick glue or uneven pressure

• Fix: Press under parchment and a heavy book

Cloudy Adhesive

• Some Mod Podge batches dry slightly opaque

• Fix: Use super thin layers or switch to archival glue

Flowers Losing Colour

• Use only fully dried, well-pressed flowers

• Consider sealing with UV-resin for best clarity

• Store finished pieces out of direct sun

Bookmark Bending

• Laminate for durability

• Or use heavy paper stock (140–160lb)

Cost Breakdown (Per Bookmark)

Approximate cost if making batches:

• Paper base: $0.10–$0.30

• Pressed flowers: $0.50–$1.50 each (less if buying in bulk)

• Adhesive: ~$0.05

• Lamination pouch: $0.15

• Tassel/ribbon: $0.20–$0.40

Estimated total cost:
$0.80–$2.50 per bookmark, depending on materials and embellishments.

Where to Get Pressed Flowers (If You Don’t Want to Press Your Own)

If you want to skip the growing, harvesting, and pressing stage, I sell locally grown, hand-pressed flowers from my Ontario farm. They’re flattened naturally, no dyes, and sorted by colour and size—perfect for bookmarks, resin work, or botanical crafts.

You can use them right out of the package, saving hours (or weeks) of prep time.

Final Thoughts

Making pressed flower bookmarks is a beautifully simple craft with endless variations. You can create soft, minimalist designs or bold, colourful layouts — all with just a handful of materials. They’re satisfying to make, calming to assemble, and always appreciated by anyone who receives one.

If you need pressed flowers to get started, feel free to explore my selection of locally grown, hand-pressed botanical assortments. And if you'd like templates, printable bookmark backgrounds, or a video tutorial, just let me know — I can create those too.