How to Press Seaweed

Seaweed provides some of the most vivid and beautiful colours in the ocean, a vital habitat for marine wildlife and an important part of our ecosystem. Seaweed is remarkable, growing on the deepest parts of the seabed and floating freely with the tides. It’s estimated that 50% of the planet’s oxygen comes from a species of seaweed known as planktonic algae. It exists in various shades of greens, browns and yellows and can be exquisite and other-worldly in its various forms.

Pressing seaweed is a simple and fun activity the whole family can enjoy, resulting in some stunning nautical artwork. It requires some creative flair, a gentle touch, and some patience.

Start your project with a trip to the coast, scouring the strandline for small pieces of interesting looking seaweed but being very careful not to pick up seaweed with living creatures attached to it, such as small crabs and sea snails (gently rinse your seaweed in a bucket or the ocean to be sure. Bear in mind that your collage will have to fit onto an A4 sheet of paper.

pressed seaweed art

How to press seaweed for art

Things you’ll need

  • A deep tray
  • Thick watercolour paper
  • A jug of fresh water
  • Paper towels
  • Some newspaper
  • Some heavy books

How it’s done

Step One: Start by giving your seaweed samples a rinse in some fresh water. It’s best to work on a table or flat surface, don’t forget to lay down some sheets of newspaper or a cloth if you want to protect the surfaces.

Step Two: Half fill your deep tray with fresh water and gently lay your sheet of thick watercolour paper on the surface.

Step Three: Bob the paper down with your finger until it is submerged just below the surface and then carefully arrange your seaweed collage on top. Take your time and let your creative juices flow.

Step Four: Very slowly, lift the paper out of the tray and lay it face up on some newspaper. Softly cover the collage with paper towels to help absorb the moisture, making sure not to press too hard. Gently remove the sodden paper towels and replace with fresh ones and a layer of newspaper.

Step Five: Press down the seaweed collage with four or five heavy books, remembering to keep the paper towels and newspaper in place.

Step Six: Do nothing to it for a few days, occasionally checking to see if the collage is dry. When you think it is, slowly remove the books, newspaper and paper towels and admire your original, one-of-a-kind piece of seaweed art!

Step Seven (optional): Enter your seaweed masterpiece into the Turner Prize?

Now all you need is a holiday cottage by the coast. Search our beach houses and waterside cottages in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Hampshire.