Preserving the beauty of flowers through pressing is an age-old tradition practiced by botanists, gardeners, and hobbyists alike. A flower press is a simple, yet effective tool that gently removes moisture from plant materials, allowing them to maintain their color and shape for future use in crafts or displays. Making your own flower press can be an enjoyable and inexpensive project. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process step by step.

Materials you’ll need:

– Two pieces of plywood (approximately 9 x 12 inches)

– Sandpaper

– A drill

– Four bolts with wingnuts and washers (at least 1/4 inch in diameter)

– Cardboard

– Absorbent paper (such as blotting paper or newsprint)

– Flowers and leaves

Instructions:

1. Prepare the wooden boards: Sand the plywood pieces to remove any rough edges or splinters. This will ensure that your flowers are not damaged during the pressing process.

2. Drill holes: Measure and mark each corner of the plywood pieces about one inch from both edges. Then, carefully drill holes through both boards at these marks using a drill bit slightly wider than the diameter of the bolts you’ve chosen.

3. Create cardboard layers: Cut several pieces of cardboard slightly smaller than the dimensions of your wooden boards. These will be used as separators in your press and help absorb moisture from your flowers.

4. Assemble your flower press: Place one sheet of absorbent paper on top of the bottom plywood piece. Arrange your flowers and leaves on this sheet, ensuring that they do not overlap each other.

5. Sandwich arrangement: Add another sheet of absorbent paper over your arranged flowers, followed by a piece of cut cardboard on top. You may repeat these layers if you have multiple sets of plant materials to press.

6. Secure the top board: Place the second piece of plywood on top of your layered materials. Line up the holes in both boards and insert the bolts through each, ensuring the washers are in place on both sides. Tighten the wingnuts onto each bolt.

7. Tighten gradually: Over the first few days, you will need to check and tighten your wingnuts periodically as your flowers may release moisture and compress slightly over time.

8. Drying time: Allow your flowers to remain in the press for two to three weeks, depending on thickness and moisture content.

9. Unveil your masterpieces! Carefully remove the pressed flowers from between the layers of paper, and behold your beautiful results! You can now use these pressed flowers in various crafts, such as creating bookmarks, greeting cards, framed artwork, or even jewelry.

A homemade flower press is a simple yet effective tool that not only preserves the beauty of nature but also allows you to create unique keepsakes or decorative items. Follow these easy steps, and soon you’ll be pressing flowers like a pro!