Creating a DIY Flower Press: A Step-by-Step Guide

One of the most rewarding aspects of gardening is the beautiful blooms it produces. But what if you could capture and preserve a piece of that beauty? In this article, we’ll delve into the art of flower pressing and guide you through crafting your very own flower press. This simple yet enjoyable project is not only an engaging activity but also results in pressed flowers that you can use in various crafts and home décor.

Materials Needed

To create your flower press, you will need some essential items, most of which can be found around the house or at your local hardware store. You’ll require two pieces of plywood (12×18 inches), which will serve as the sturdy plates of your press. In addition, you’ll need four bolts, four wing nuts, and eight washers (quarter-inch). These will secure your press and apply pressure to your flowers. To press, you’ll need cardboard and absorbent paper, like newsprint or blotting paper. You will also need flowers and leaves for pressing – consider choosing various colors and shapes to make your crafts enjoyable. Finally, to put it all together, you’ll need a drill with a quarter-inch drill bit, ruler, and pencil for accurate measurements.

Step 1: Prepare the Wood

The first step to creating your flower press is preparing your plywood pieces. These will act as the top and bottom plates of your press. It would be best to sand the plywood well to eliminate rough edges, as you don’t want splinters interfering with your project. After sanding, you have a few options. You can leave the wood in its natural state for a rustic look or paint it to inject personal style into your press. If you’re feeling crafty, you could decorate it with a wood-burning tool for a beautifully artistic touch.

Step 2: Mark and Drill the Holes

The next step involves marking the locations for your bolt holes on one piece of plywood. Position them approximately two inches from each corner. Once carefully kept the spots, use your quarter-inch drill bit to make the holes. Then, using this drilled piece as a template, place it on top of the second piece of plywood and drill corresponding holes. This will ensure that the holes on both pieces align perfectly, a crucial aspect of the assembling process.

Step 3: Cut Your Blotting and Cardboard Pieces

Now, you need to prepare your blotting paper and cardboard. Cut these materials to match the size of your plywood. They will sit within your press, providing the perfect space to lay your flowers. Make sure you have enough pieces to layer between your flowers. Depending on the number of flowers you plan to press simultaneously, you might need several sheets of each material.