How to Create a Flower Press: A Beginner’s Guide

Pressing flowers is a timeless craft that captures nature’s ephemeral beauty in a permanent form. Whether you’re an artist, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a creative DIY project, learning how to create a flower press is a rewarding endeavour. This beginner’s guide will walk you through the process of building your own flower press, using readily available materials, and provide tips on how to use it effectively. By following these instructions, you can preserve a variety of blooms to create beautiful art, bookmarks, greeting cards, or keepsakes that last a lifetime.

Materials Needed

Before starting, gather the following materials for creating your flower press:

Two pieces of wood or sturdy cardboard: These will form the top and bottom of your press.
Plywood, MDF, or thick cardboard: About the same size as your chosen boards for additional pressing layers.
Absorbent paper: Unprinted newspaper, blotting paper, or plain white absorbent paper.
Fabric or canvas: To separate layers and protect flowers.
Springs, screws, or clamps: These will apply pressure evenly.
Hand saw and/or electric saw: If cutting wood.
Ruler and pencil: For measuring and marking cuts.
Drill and screws (if using springs and bolts).
Work gloves and safety glasses: For safety when working with tools.
A selection of fresh flowers: To press and experiment with.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Choose Your Base

Select two flat, rigid boards that will serve as the top and bottom of the flower press. Wood is a durable choice, but for a budget-friendly option, sturdy cardboard or MDF can work just as well. Ensure both pieces are of equal size to apply even pressure.

2. Prepare the Layers

Create several layers that will go between the top and bottom boards. Cut additional pieces of plywood, MDF, or thick cardboard to the same size as your base. These intermediate boards will distribute pressure and help press your flowers evenly. The number of layers depends on how many flowers you wish to press at one time – generally, more layers are needed for larger projects.

3. Add Absorbent Paper

Between each layer, place absorbent paper. Newspaper, blotting paper, or unprinted white paper works best. The purpose of this paper is to wick moisture out of the flowers, speeding up the drying process and preventing mould. Use multiple sheets if necessary, stacking them evenly to ensure all layers are covered.

4. Include Fabric or Canvas

To protect delicate petals and preserve their colour and shape, add a piece of fabric or canvas between the absorbent paper and the flowers. This layer acts as a buffer, preventing the sharp edges of wooden or cardboard layers from damaging the blooms. Cut the fabric to the same size as your boards and paper.

5. Arrange the Flowers

Select a few fresh flowers, making sure they are clean and free of dirt. Arrange them neatly on the fabric layer. For best results, choose blooms that are not overly thick or succulent, as these can take longer to dry and may not press as well. If needed, trim stems to a manageable length.

6. Stack the Layers

Once your flowers are arranged, continue stacking the layers. Place another piece of fabric or canvas over the flowers, followed by more absorbent paper. Add additional plywood or cardboard layers, alternating with paper and fabric as needed. The goal is to sandwich the flowers between multiple layers to evenly distribute pressure across each bloom.

7. Assemble the Press

Place the top board or flat piece of wood on the stack. Secure the entire assembly using springs, screws, or clamps. If using springs, attach them to the corners of the base boards with screws, tightening them gradually until firm pressure is applied. Springs are ideal because they distribute pressure evenly and can be adjusted as needed. If using screws, drill holes through the boards and tighten bolts to apply pressure. Clamps can also be used on the edges if you lack springs or hardware.

8. Apply Pressure and Wait

The key to effective flower pressing is consistent, even pressure. Ensure your springs or clamps are tight but not overly so, as excessive pressure can damage the delicate petals. Place the assembled press in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This allows the flowers to dry slowly and evenly. The drying process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on humidity levels and flower thickness.

Tips for Successful Flower Pressing

Choose the Right Flowers: Some flowers press better than others. Smaller, flatter blooms such as violets, daisies, and pansies work best. Experiment with different types to see which preserve their colour and shape most effectively.
Avoid Overcrowding: When arranging flowers, leave enough space between them to ensure even pressure and airflow. Overcrowding can result in missed spots where moisture remains, leading to mould or incomplete drying.
Replace Absorbent Paper: If you notice the absorbent paper becoming damp during the drying process, gently open the press to replace the paper with dry sheets. This helps prevent mould and ensures optimal dryness.
Handle with Care: Once the flowers are pressed, handle them with clean, dry hands. The pressed blooms can be fragile, especially if they haven’t fully dried. Store finished flower pages or use them in crafting projects like scrapbooking or framing.
Experiment with Designs: Consider combining pressed flowers with other materials like leaves, feathers, or even hand-written notes to create unique pieces of art or personalised gifts. This adds an extra layer of meaning to your work.

Using Your Pressed Flowers

After your flowers are thoroughly dried and pressed, they can be used in various creative projects. Some popular ideas include:

Creating Bookmarks: Laminate pressed flowers between two sheets of clear plastic or sandwich them within a cardstock bookmark.
Decorating Cards and Albums: Use pressed flowers to embellish handmade greeting cards, photo albums, or journals.
Framing Artwork: Arrange multiple pressed flowers on a colourful background, frame them, and hang the natural artwork on a wall.
Crafting Jewellery: Encapsulate small pressed blooms in resin to create unique pendants, earrings, or brooches.

Conclusion

Creating a flower press is an accessible and delightful project that offers a tangible connection to the natural world. By following this beginner’s guide, you can build a simple yet effective flower press using common materials, and begin preserving the beauty of New Zealand flowers or any others you love. The process requires patience and care, but the resulting pressed flowers and their endless creative applications are well worth the effort. Enjoy the meditative process of pressing flowers and let your creativity blossom as you transform delicate petals into lasting pieces of art.

Running out of vases? Add a stylish glass vase to any order or startin pressing your flowers is a perfect way to enjoy your fresh flowers from Florist.co.nz for longer.