You can create unique note cards with flowers and leaves from your garden. These botanical cards are easy and fun to make. With just a little bit of preparation and time, you can make your own note cards or holiday cards more personal by designing them yourself. Here’s how to do it!

First, gather your cuttings. Choose colorful flowers and leaves with interesting shapes. Harvest when the plants are fresh and dew has dried.

To learn more about pressing flowers and which species are best for pressing, visit here.

To assemble your press, you will need:

• 2 pieces of plywood
• Newsprint or boxboard
• Blotter paper
• Fresh leaves and foliage
• Heavy stones, bricks, or books

How to press the cuttings:

1. Start with a base of plywood and several layers of newspaper.
2. Lay down a piece of blotter paper.
3. Snip off individual flowers and place them face down on the paper.
4. Break large cuttings into smaller pieces, if you wish.
5. Add layers of blotter paper and cuttings until your press is filled.
6. Add several more layers of newsprint, and top with another piece of plywood.
7. Add heavy stones, bricks, or books to weigh down the top of the press.

It will take two to three weeks for the cuttings to dry completely. When they are dry and papery, they are ready to work with.

How to make the note cards with pressed flowers:

1. For each card, fold a piece of heavy paper in half and trim it to fit an envelope of your choice.
2. Use white glue or craft glue to hold the flowers and leaves to the cards.
3. You can apply the glue to the back of a cutting to hold it down, or apply drops of glue to the card and apply the flowers or leaves.
4. Feel free to experiment and to let the cuttings from your garden inspire you.

More garden crafts and inspiration

How to Make Strawflower Ornaments

Make an Allium Winter Solstice Wreath

How to Make a Nordic Tree for the Holidays