Creating Botanical Prints with the Heat Press

The heat press is a WOW! when it comes to revolutionizing some aspects of botanical printing! This video explains the basics.
It’s all about heat, moisture and direct contact and it’s easy to adapt a press to provide the perfect environment for each of the key components!
I’ve been using three different presses in my botanical printing experiments. Here is a brief review and links to Heat Press Nation - a great company with good prices and customer service that I've recently partnered with. They have a short video shrsl.com/2246j to help you make the decision of which press to buy, but here are the features I use to evaluate a press:
1. Consistent pressure. Overall even pressure is really important, as is an ability to tighten pressure and change it based on the thickness of the “bundle” - Not all presses are equally uniform.
2. The speed of temperature recovery. When the press is closed the temperature slowly goes down, so a quick recovery is a valuable feature.
3. Reliable timer. I tested each press against the timer on my phone and one was off almost ten seconds, which can affect the quality of the print.
Since filming this video, I've created an online course! Check it out here:
www.janedunnewold.com/heatpress
The Mpress 16” x 20” press is a great press for the money.
shrsl.com/2246m
The 15” model is less expensive and is also a great buy, as Heat Press Nation discounts all the machines they sell.
shrsl.com/2246n
The first press I bought was a Siser 16” x 20” and I love it. Fulfills all the criteria that matter to me, but it is a little pricier.shrsl.com/2246r. Of course they also sell a 15” and that would be cheaper, and still a decent size!
shrsl.com/2246s
Two notes: I also bought an EPhoto inc. press but I don’t recommend it compared to the ones mentioned here. I don’t think it heats as evenly as the other models.
Also might be important to note that I have used all of my presses for workshops where we kept them running six hours straight for five days at a time, in addition to the personal time I’ve put on the machines. Absolutely no issues with keeping these machines running for hours at a time, so I don’t see any reason to spend more money on brands that are more costly.
Ferrous sulfate: amzn.to/2sGIDfv
Copper sulfate: amzn.to/2RZkBHv
Iron or Press cleaner: amzn.to/38Z6UhQ
Teflon sheets: amzn.to/36MzMb3
------------------------------------------------------
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[@ViBellArt]

All the steps of this printing process are pure joy and art therapy. It’s so ironic that back in art school I treated the Printmaking module as a waste of time. It just bored me. Now I’m hooked. I’m consumed. Not a day goes by without me printing something. Thank you for the demo and for the inspiration.

[@deborahannable5439]

Thanks for the demo Jane. This is wonderful. Your explanations are so easy to follow.

[@debberkebile4396]

Jane this is fantastic! Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge! My heat press is sitting here waiting on me for the Christmas break! Can't wait to get started!

[@gillesmontezin497]

Wow, I'm very impressed by the ease and through information you share here, you are a very good speaker and share everything that is necessary for the process you developed.Thanks for doing that, one cannot remain uninterested to botanical printing after your presentation!

[@gumleafdesigns4075]

I have watched this several times, Jane - it is exciting and joyful every time. Magic like no other!

[@donnasavage9814]

Thank you for taking the time to make these videos and share your creative knowledge!

[@BothThingsCreative]

You are very welcome.

[@rhondaroebuck9192]

Thank you Jane! Clear, easy directions. As an added note, viewers might find a "dry mount press" that was used by photographers for mounting photos onto mat board back in the day of darkroom photography. This is why artists never get rid of anything....it might be used for something else someday. You always do an excellent job with instructions, love your book!

[@polaroiddiva]

Yes, wishing I hadn't sold my dry mount press when I moved!

[@linus0804]

This is an excellent, intelligent, informative, well presented and organized presentation. Thank you

[@BothThingsCreative]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@christine-lyndingraeve4001]

Wow. This was a fantastic video. Love to try this.

[@TaseWoolf]

Thank you so much for sharing with such detail. Very much appreciated and I know what I'm doing today!

[@BothThingsCreative]

Glad it was helpful!

[@debbieballentine477]

I just received my new heat press because I was so inspired by your new technique. I’m waiting on mordant and a few supplies, theeen… I’ll make magic! I’ve been following you and have a couple of your books. You ARE an excellent instructor; organized, clear, thorough, not overwhelming. FYI, the link to the copper is broken. I’ll get what I can find, but I’m sure you’ll want to fix that. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@BothThingsCreative]

Make sure to share your results! And you might consider my online class which starts October 4! You can find it on my website janedunnewold.com. People have loved the four week course and it gives you a cohort to compare notes with, and also demos the entire Heat Press magic from start to finish. If you love doing this and want to become really proficient, it's a great way to speed things up and limit trial and error.

[@joann1567]

Wonderful - don’t have a heat press, just an etching press. Not the same! Looking forward to your online class.

[@rbbrfish]

After having done it for years, I can tell a good teacher when I see one. YOU are a good teacher. Thanks! And a great process video too.

[@BothThingsCreative]

Thank you, Fred B Mullett!! I appreciate your kind words.

[@susanwhite8591]

Great video Jane and terrific resource info. Thank you so much!

[@BothThingsCreative]

Glad it was helpful!

[@smlbingham]

Thank you! Beautiful work and really great information!

[@BothThingsCreative]

You are so welcome!

[@Kitsaplorax]

This is similar to the anthotype (flower printing) technique that's done with light. Thank you for sharing this.

[@BothThingsCreative]

You are so welcome!

[@parisnchristlove]

Beautiful results, Jane, I’ll try this with my cricut easy press, which goes up to 400*F. Thank you!

[@BothThingsCreative]

Wonderful idea! How did it turn out?

[@LisaGonzales1654]

@@BothThingsCreative I’d like to know, too!

[@BelangerFamily09]

I just got an Easy Press and am anxious to hear how yours turned out!

[@LizKettle]

thanks Jane! such a fun technique

[@xriswm1439]

Thank you for sharing it with us here

[@hannahg39]

Great video! I also just bought her book on eco printing (which is great by the way,I highly recommend it,lots of new exciting ideas!!!).I spent this whole summer eco printing and dyeing and all of my are 5.5x7.5" because that's the size that would fit in my pot,lol! I know what I'm asking Santa for this Christmas! (Warning!!! To anyone thinking of starting to eco print and/or dye-IT IS HIGHLY ADDICTIVE! Once you start you won't be able stop!)

[@lidyarahmah6307]

Can u tell what the title

[@BothThingsCreative]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@BothThingsCreative]

Best of Both Worlds, Enhanced Botanical Printing - on Amazon!

[@kaybuffalo8744]

Thank you so much for sharing your talents on youtube. I can't wait to see which heat press you recommend. Kay from last summer class at surface design symposium.

[@BothThingsCreative]

HI Kay Buffalo! The recommendations are now posted in the commentary below the video.

[@almaarizpe3834]

I just discovered this technique. I have bunch of flowers 💐 gifted to me and own a heat press......so thank you very much.

[@BothThingsCreative]

You are so welcome!

[@anndotsey1910]

Thank you so much for all of your information.

[@BothThingsCreative]

You are so welcome!

[@Christine-uy2yz]

Awesome tutorial!!! Thank you!!’

[@hollywillson]

These are great. I print on arches Hot press with Alum as the mordant. I’ve been doing it for a few years. When my rose of Sharon bush starts dropping blossoms, I go crazy making cards. I use a hot water bath in my goodwill electric frypan. I’m pretty low tech, but I get some really nice prints. Lots of detail.

[@BothThingsCreative]

Sounds great!

[@soniadownie8749]

Thank you for this video

[@sunshinejenny5536]

I am so excited that you have a You Tube Channel! You Rock! Thanks for sharing. Beautiful. The red press that you used, was that the Siser or MPress?

[@BothThingsCreative]

Thank you, Sunshine Jenny! That's the Siser.

[@rizamerk]

I was very impressed by the process and results - I wonder how permanent the leaf prints on the felt pieces are? I'm an ecoprinter and sewer and would love prints like this for apparel. I just ordered your new book - hope to learn more in the future, although my work space currently does not have room for a heat press.

[@BothThingsCreative]

The stains on the felt are permanent but they aren't usually clear enough to be usable. However you can do all the printing on fabric pieces and those are clearer. You will see examples in the new book, so I'm glad you have it on order!!

[@AngieEKnowlesTextileArtist]

Beautiful!

[@lifemelody2010]

Thank you so much for sharing this 💗

[@BothThingsCreative]

You are so welcome!

[@alicezaharian2226]

great video i cant wait to see or take your workshop. i love ecoprinting, i just recently took a class in natural dying and was introduced to eco printing . its the best discovery for me this year, since I never heard about it or seen it. I was wondering if a regulra clothing iron can work just as well since i dont have space for a heat press at the moment.

[@BothThingsCreative]

I haven't had great luck with the iron, unfortunately. This is actually a process I invented, Alice, so that's why you don't see it anywhere else (yet!!)

[@MariaLuciaGomezGreenberg]

Outstanding! 😍 Great detailed instructions-to the point! Thank you so much. Have you tried your prints on fabric? 🤔

[@BothThingsCreative]

Yes, and they are wonderful. You can see more and sign up for my full course on www.janedunnewold.com.

[@lesleyhagan7526]

Really love this. With regards to the mordant, what would you use if you did it on fabric? Also if you don’t have a heat press what else could you do ?

[@BothThingsCreative]

You can still bundle the traditional way, and the mordant would stay the same...

[@arsenioamador2370]

Great bonus use for my t shirt press! Wait. Foliage prints on t shirts?

[@BothThingsCreative]

Yes!

[@shadowfly60]

Jane, thank you so much for doing this. Wondering about a cricut easy press as a more affordable alternative to a heat press. How much is it about pressure vs heat and a large flat surface?

[@BothThingsCreative]

No experience with the Cricut, Cathy, so you'd just have to try it out...

[@fntkm97]

thanks so much for your sharing

[@BothThingsCreative]

Thanks for watching!

[@timelessmemories5150]

love this thank you for sharing

[@BothThingsCreative]

Thanks for watching!

[@oppositeofnpc8361]

Hi! Love this video! Could you use an ironing board and iron for the same effect?

[@BothThingsCreative]

No. Not enough heat, steam and prolonged pressure.

[@colleenconnolly5106]

This looks perfect. I was wondering if you have used this with fabric as well?

[@BothThingsCreative]

Yes, and it works great!

[@giselleburningham3204]

Jane thank you so much for this information. Question: the platten protective covers.. did you make them yourself because I have not seen them for sale? I purchased a press after your last blog.. brilliant idea thankyou! As I am unable to tie bundles with my hands so this is a great solution. The obvious next question is how do we do fabric Lololol. I tried soaking Cotton and silk in mordants and dried them as per the traditional method.. but it didn’t print.. I might try keeping the fabric moist to see if it makes a difference.

[@BothThingsCreative]

Hi Giselle Burningham, remember that the press works best if the "substrate" -that is, fabric OR paper - is wet. It won't work on dry fabric.

[@gigiprints7508]

Hi Jane, thanks for inspiring my creative inner force with your Best of Both Worlds book. I can't thank you enough. I have been bundle printing with the steamer for about two months now and I am about to buy a heat press. 2 Questions: 1) Should I be concerned with thick stems inside of the press damaging the press? I ask this because my aluminum plates are warped to all heck doing the bundle process, but they still function. 2) Are you holding any in person classes in July or August? I would love to work and learn with you. I am a chemist / chemistry teacher, and I wonder what we could discover together.

[@BothThingsCreative]

Hi there! The press is much sturdier than the aluminum plates, which do definitely warp over time. I am not doing any in person classes right now, but enrollment is NOW OPEN (as of 3/10/2022) for my online course and it starts in early April! Very thorough and has two LIVE Q&A sessions during the four weeks. Sign up on janedunnewold.com.

[@miriamzimms]

Hi Jayne, where do we find the list for all the products? Thank you for a great video and look forward to learning more from you.

[@BothThingsCreative]

There isn't a list as that is part of the course online, which is enrolling now on janedunnewold.com!

[@madeleinebonn9056]

Wonderful video and information. Thank you! I'm wondering how to make the Ferrous sulfate solution. Is this detailed in another video somewhere? Thanks so much

[@BothThingsCreative]

You can find recipes online! I also have a full length class that goes into all of the details which is a good way to smooth out the steep learning curve. It's listed on my website. www.janedunnewold.com.

[@madeleinebonn9056]

@@BothThingsCreative Wonderful. Thank you so much!

[@eugenialopera9393]

It is a first time watch nice video. Could you tell me the list of implements and solution that yuo used I would like to tray this. Thanks a lot

[@BothThingsCreative]

Working on a new book now! Stay tuned.

[@piedpiper1201]

very interesting, do you have a video on what plants/ leaves work best, or can you use anything?

[@BothThingsCreative]

Depends on where you live, for starters. But in general, annuals don't work as well as perennials. Trial and Error is pretty much how i roll.

[@joanneshaban8980]

Excited about trying this! Just wanted to confirm you heat bundle in the press for around 4 minutes, at a temperature around 310F?

[@BothThingsCreative]

NOT a bundle. Just one or two pieces between the Teflon sheets...

[@siobhanmiller2491]

Hi there. Excellent tutorial, thank you! What percentage iron sulphate solution did you use for dipping the leaves in? Thanks.

[@BothThingsCreative]

I don't work with percentages. I add 1 Tablespoon of ferrous to 1 quart of hot water...

[@siobhanmiller2491]

@@BothThingsCreative Ok, thanks!

[@saesog]

Its good, thanks for sharing 🙏☺️☘️

[@BothThingsCreative]

Welcome 😊

[@jessdumbrell9949]

Hello! I have just discovered you page and I've found it so useful! Could I just ask what you use to mordant your paper? Thankyou!

[@BothThingsCreative]

I usually use alum acetate.

[@jessdumbrell9949]

@@BothThingsCreative Thankyou! What temperature do you have your heat press at please? Thankyou :)

[@deenabailarina]

Love it! Would this work just as well with flowers that have lots of dye (like coreopsis) and, I’m assuming, on natural fiber fabric? :D

[@BothThingsCreative]

Yes it will

[@lesliedickinson2972]

Just curious if you have tried fabric in the heat press? I like working with silk and cotton, I usually bundle but would love to put into a heat press.

[@BothThingsCreative]

Yes I have and it works great. Writing a new book now!

[@typovision7306]

Love this process. Could you do it with material rather than paper? Thanks for sharing

[@BothThingsCreative]

Yes, fabrics work, too.

[@judithelder-mccartney1540]

BEAUTIFUL JANE!

[@BothThingsCreative]

Thank you so much!

[@catalinanorenapuerta9908]

Hi Jane! Woww, I'm so happy to find your chanel. So the Press is used for only a minute? Is it possible with fabric? Amazing work :D

[@BothThingsCreative]

Hi Catalina Norena Puerta! The time is four minutes and yes it also works on fabric.

[@catalinanorenapuerta9908]

@@BothThingsCreative amazing! Thank you for your answer :)

[@beckywilliams9703]

I just found your site and love your method. However, I am a fiber artist. Do you think your Method would work on wool, silk and/or cotton?

[@BothThingsCreative]

Yes, absolutely

[@mariusmarius4832]

Do you put the leaves face up or down. Liked the video.. 👍✨

[@BothThingsCreative]

Both!

[@christiyorkartist]

Hi Jane: I took your botanical printing class in 2021 and loved it! Afterwards, I was very intrigued by the heat press class, and I emailed you to see if a heat press was similar to a dry mounting press. (I have been offered a free dry mounting press but i'm not sure it will do the same job as a heat press) Back in 2021 you weren't sure if a dry mount press would work - wondering if you have any more information a few years on?

[@BothThingsCreative]

The dry mount doesn't get hot enough.

[@christiyorkartist]

Thanks for the definitive answer!

[@dayaweerasena941]

the great. tks.

[@BothThingsCreative]

Glad you liked it!

[@arunitadatta]

Thank you for this video. What temperature does it reach when you are printing fabric like silk?

[@BothThingsCreative]

310.

[@arunitadatta]

That's 145 celsius. Here we are more used to C. Thank you

[@suzetermaat9602]

I enjoy your video and i have a question is this techniek also a goodway for ecoprint on fabric? Best regards. Suus

[@BothThingsCreative]

Yes! It works great on fabric, too.

[@suzetermaat9602]

@@BothThingsCreative Thank for your replay Jane and what do you use for mordant on fabric is that also the alum and sodium

[@suzetermaat9602]

@@BothThingsCreative Another question where can i buy the mordants online or in the netherlands. Thank you Jane.

[@blingeli]

Hi, are the colours with this technique washfast on textiles, since the time is so short? I have learned that you need at least 45-60 minutes for the colours to be actually washfast.

[@BothThingsCreative]

Heat setting is required, unless you air cure for two weeks, Emma. Even 50 - 60 minutes isn't long enough, in my opinion.

[@foozmanagement6513]

Are you able to use this method on leather? Just wondering how it would go in the heat press, even if between teflon sheets

[@BothThingsCreative]

Yes. you can.

[@triciaslater4783]

Did you say what the mordant was that you dipped the paper in please?

[@BothThingsCreative]

Alum acetate.

[@carolfagan6239]

Do you have a recommendation for heat presses

[@BothThingsCreative]

Hi Carol! I recommend two presses in the description under the video. Take a look! :)

[@sarahpaty6108]

Will you please do a tutorial on how to eco print from start to finish?

[@BothThingsCreative]

It's a pretty involved process for a KZbin video, but I do have a full length course on my website that has gotten great reviews. www.janedunnewold.com. Take a look there!

[@gwencampbell1101]

what temp is the heat press for this? Thank-you for a wonderful video

[@BothThingsCreative]

It varies, but usually in the 300 degree range.

[@susantyson1204]

Hi, is this process covered in your new book please?

[@BothThingsCreative]

No Susan, it isn't but I am working on a new book as I write...

[@nirjamohunta4102]

Hi can we do larger pieces of fabric with this method? Like I wish to make a top ot trousers

[@BothThingsCreative]

Yes, I've done bigger pieces. You just keep moving the fabric around and repositioning it until you get all the areas printed.

[@handspun9976]

Would using my old trousers press work as well?

[@BothThingsCreative]

sort of, but not as well.

[@pepphearter]

Hi! Do you think it would work on fabrics as well so that they are still washable ?

[@BothThingsCreative]

yes.

[@maryclemons1048]

How long will the color last in the flower eco prints.

[@BothThingsCreative]

It lasts for years if not exposed to bright sunlight.

[@debbieballentine477]

QUESTION: I did a couple experiments and the prints came out very very faint. I’m guessing that I didn’t use enough alum mordant. I tried to guess the ratio of alum to H2O. At Dharma Trading they give a ratio for a POUND of fabric. I’m just doing a few 12x16 pieces. I can see in this video that you have alum pre-mixed. What’s your ratio? And how long will it stay fresh? Thanks much!

[@BothThingsCreative]

Hi Debbie. I use 2 T. to 1 gallon water.

[@BothThingsCreative]

The faintness of the leaves may be more about the leaves or the ferrous sulfate "dip" and not the alum at all. Check out my "Best of Both Worlds" book on Amazon for full details.

[@polianathes]

Where did you buy your felt?

[@BothThingsCreative]

I buy felt at JOAnn craft in the states. It's basically a polyester felt that is made from recycled soda bottles. VERY good product.

[@MarigoldMen]

I am new to learning and working with botanical prints. Can you soak fabric in the mordant solution for the same result or is fabric and paper a completely different process?

[@BothThingsCreative]

Both can be soaked in the mordant.

[@MarigoldMen]

Thank you!! @@BothThingsCreative

[@carolinedeforreal1856]

Does it work only with leaves or with flowers also ?

[@BothThingsCreative]

Flowers, too!

[@artofdeborah]

What temperature did you set your press to please?..

[@BothThingsCreative]

It depends on the press.

[@phillippalack9244]

Hi,, Jane!! remember me! I'm stitching and gardening away in Wyoming, not far from Mary McCauley. watching your video and it looks cool! how to translate this to fabric?

[@BothThingsCreative]

Hey there! Wish I was there! You can do everything I showed on fabric, too. If you really want to learn all about it, the online course is very detailed and a great way to get the information.

[@sharonsmith1783]

@Phillippa Lack, I've been thinking about using that mirrored effect on garments. It's awful to see the right and left sides of a printed garment looking incongruous. It might be preferable to lay out your pattern on your large fabric and try arranging them in sections. Printing the sections seperately would be easier and probably better.

[@anndotsey1910]

Do you think this technique would work on cotton fabric?

[@BothThingsCreative]

I know it will.

[@ashenihansika6382]

What is the material for the use this technique

[@BothThingsCreative]

It can be watercolor paper, assorted other kinds of papers, or cloth, Asheni.

[@hanaahaiba5241]

Hi. Can I use any sulfate, like aluminum or copper

[@BothThingsCreative]

Cooper or ferrous are the most common and what I have experience with.

[@hanaahaiba5241]

@@BothThingsCreative thank you so much for replying

[@sonasood1752]

Which solution u dip the leaves in

[@BothThingsCreative]

Iron sulfate.

[@ruthhamilton8297]

What temperature do you use?

[@BothThingsCreative]

It depends. You sort of have to experiment but usually higher than 300 degrees.

[@wandahumphrey9378]

Can fabric be used in this process?

[@BothThingsCreative]

yes.

[@Decopainterandtea]

Can you.please tell me what mordanting the watercolor paper means?

[@BothThingsCreative]

Hi! Mordanting is soaking your paper in your chosen mordant so that it will accept more of your leaf/flowers color!

[@Decopainterandtea]

@@BothThingsCreative Thankyou❤

[@monicafabbrini6674]

Salve si possono avere sottotitoli in italiano ? Grazie

[@BothThingsCreative]

Sorry I don't have a translation feature.

[@Hady_septirah313]

on fabric or leather ?

[@BothThingsCreative]

Yes. Both!

[@nirjamohunta4102]

Hi what is the class fee I wish to join. Thanks

[@BothThingsCreative]

We just released this class as on-demand! The fee is $125 and you can learn more here: www.janedunnewold.com/heatpress

[@lornajones127]

What mordant did you use in the watercolour paper water please?

[@BothThingsCreative]

Hi Lorna Jones, I used aluminium acetate. Which is a 50/50 mix of alum sulfate and sodium acetate.

[@lornajones127]

@@BothThingsCreative thank you

[@lornajones127]

@@BothThingsCreative lovely work ♥

[@polianathes]

@@BothThingsCreative did you mix the Alum with water?

[@polianathes]

is it wool felt? how thick?

[@BothThingsCreative]

NO not wool. It doesn't work very well at all. This is polyester felt. Oddly, it holds the water better.

[@polianathes]

@@BothThingsCreative thank you. you are an amazing teacher!

[@iamtheglass3744]

… Aaaaand … A whole lotta Brilliant! LoveLOVELovetty Loves 🪄🌿💗🌱✨💨

[@BothThingsCreative]

Thanks!

[@karenholst8306]

👍👍👍💕💕💕🇩🇰

[@mecedesa2623]

Por favor Subtitulen. Somos muchos países, en América, casi un continente, que hablan a ESPAÑOL. Muchos millones en ¡ el mundo! que no hablamos inglés. Y somos más, de los que hablan inglés MÉJICO, AMÉRICA CENTRAL, CARIBE, todo el CONO SUR de AMÉRICA, y ESPAÑA. Subtitulen Please. Muchas gracias. Un saludo desde España. Por cierto en Norteamérica, confunde España, con Cuba, o Méjico. 😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@BothThingsCreative]

We can work on subtitles but it might be beyond what our plan is capable of doing...so sorry.