Seaweed Pressing
Seaweed pressing is a beautiful way to preserve a moment by the coast. This creative and meditative practice dates back to Victorian times when naturalists collected and pressed seaweed to study its intricate structures. Today, it’s just as much about art as it is about nature—a chance to create something delicate and unique while connecting with the rhythm of the sea.
How long will it take?
How hard is it?
How many people can do it together?
Under 2 hours
Beginner-friendly
Solo or small group
Anytime
a wildish story
What do you need?
Freshly picked seaweed (rinsed of sand and debris)
A shallow tray filled with ~1 inch of water
Good quality drawing paper
A paintbrush (optional)
A clean tea towel
Newspaper
Heavy objects (books, tins, or weights)
How to do it.
1. Prepare Your Workspace Lay out materials. Fill shallow tray with water. Rinse seaweed to remove sand/salt.
2. Mark Your Paper Write location/date in pencil at the bottom.
3. Arrange the Seaweed Float seaweed in tray. Slide paper underneath. Use fingers or paintbrush to spread fronds.
4. Lift the Paper Carefully lift paper so seaweed “”sticks”” to it. Adjust if needed.
5. Press Lay on a flat surface. Cover with a tea towel, then sandwich between sheets of newspaper. Top with heavy objects.
6. Change Newspaper Replace newspaper daily for ~3 days, then every few days until fully dry (~2 weeks).
7. Display Frame or keep as a unique piece of coastal art!