Do you love flowers and want to keep them forever? Do you want to create beautiful crafts and decorations with your favorite blooms? If you answered yes, then you might want to learn how to make a flower press.
A flower press is a simple device that allows you to preserve the shape and color of fresh flowers by pressing them between two flat surfaces and removing their moisture. Pressing flowers is a fun and easy hobby that anyone can enjoy. You can use your pressed flowers to make cards, bookmarks, jewelry, art, and more.
In this article, we will show you how to make a flower press using two different methods: using a book and using a wooden press. We will also give you some tips on how to choose and arrange your flowers, how to check if they are ready, and how to use them for your projects. Let’s get started!
How to press flowers using a book
One of the easiest ways to make a flower press is to use a book. You probably have some old books lying around that you don’t mind getting a bit wrinkled. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Choose your flowers.
The first step is to choose the flowers that you want to press. You can use any kind of flower, but some work better than others. Ideally, you want to choose flowers that are flat, thin, and have a single layer of petals. For example, pansies, daisies, violets, and poppies are good choices. You also want to avoid flowers that are too thick, fleshy, or have multiple layers of petals, such as roses, orchids, and lilies. These flowers will take longer to dry and may rot or mold.
You can pick your flowers from your garden, from a florist, or from the wild. Just make sure that you have permission to do so and that you are not harming any endangered species. You should also pick your flowers when they are fresh and dry, preferably in the morning after the dew has evaporated. Avoid picking flowers that are wilted, bruised, or have insects on them.
Step 2: Prepare your book.
The next step is to prepare your book. You will need a large and heavy book, such as a dictionary, an encyclopedia, or a phone book. You will also need some absorbent paper, such as newspaper, tissue paper, or coffee filters. You can also use parchment paper or wax paper to prevent the flowers from sticking to the book.
To prepare your book, open it in the middle and place a sheet of absorbent paper on each side. Then, place a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper on top of the absorbent paper. This will create a sandwich of paper layers that will protect your book and absorb the moisture from your flowers.
Step 3: Arrange your flowers.
The third step is to arrange your flowers on the paper. You can place as many flowers as you want, as long as they don’t overlap or touch each other. You can also arrange them in different ways, such as facing up, facing down, or sideways. You can also press leaves, stems, and buds along with your flowers.
To arrange your flowers, gently place them on parchment paper or wax paper, making sure that they are flat and not folded or curled. You can use tweezers or a toothpick to adjust them if needed. You can also label your flowers with their names, dates, and locations if you want to keep track of them.
Step 4: Close the book and weigh it down.
The fourth step is to close the book and weigh it down. You want to apply enough pressure to your flowers to squeeze out the moisture and flatten them. You can use more books, bricks, or other heavy objects to weigh down your book. You can also use rubber bands or clips to keep your book closed.
To close the book and weigh it down, carefully flip over the pages that have your flowers on them and close the book. Make sure that the paper layers are aligned and that your flowers are not falling out. Then, place your book on a flat and dry surface, such as a shelf or a table, and stack more books or other heavy objects on top of it. You can also use rubber bands or clips to secure your book.
Step 5: Check your flowers after a few weeks.
The final step is to check your flowers after a few weeks. The drying time will vary depending on the type, size, and moisture content of your flowers. Generally, it will take between two and four weeks for your flowers to be fully pressed and dried. You can check your flowers by carefully opening your book and gently lifting the paper layers. Your flowers should be crisp, flat, and colorful. If they are still moist, soft, or dark, you need to leave them for longer.
To check your flowers, open your book and remove the weights. Then, carefully flip over the pages that have your flowers on them and gently lift the paper layers. You can use tweezers or a toothpick to remove your flowers from the paper. You can also use a soft brush to dust off any residue or debris. Your flowers are now ready to use for your projects.
How to press flowers using a wooden press
Another way to make a flower press is to use a wooden press. This method requires some woodworking skills and tools, but it allows you to create a more durable and customizable press. You can also adjust the pressure and the size of your press according to your needs. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Gather your materials
The first step is to gather your materials. You will need the following items to make a wooden press:
- Two pieces of plywood, about 12 by 18 inches each
- Four bolts, about 6 inches long and 1/4 inch thick, with matching nuts and washers
- A drill with a 1/4-inch bit
- A saw
- A ruler
- A pencil
- A screwdriver
- Some cardboard cut into 12-by-18-inch pieces
- Some absorbent paper, such as newspaper, tissue paper, or coffee filters
- Some parchment paper or wax paper
Step 2: Cut your wood pieces.
The next step is to cut your wood pieces. You will need to cut four pieces of wood from your plywood, two for the top and bottom of your press, and two for the sides. The top and bottom pieces should be 12 by 18 inches each, and the side pieces should be 12 by 6 inches each. You can use a saw to cut your wood pieces, or you can ask a hardware store to do it for you.
To cut your wood pieces, measure and mark the dimensions of your pieces on your plywood using a ruler and a pencil. Then, use a saw to cut along the lines. You should end up with four pieces of wood that look like this:
Step 3: Drill holes in the wood pieces.
The third step is to drill holes in the wood pieces. You will need to drill four holes in each of the top and bottom pieces and two holes in each of the side pieces. The holes should be 1/4 inch in diameter and 1 inch from the edges. You can use a drill with a 1/4-inch bit to drill the holes.
To drill the holes, mark the locations of the holes on your wood pieces using a ruler and a pencil. Then, use a drill to make the holes. You should end up with wood pieces that look like this:
Step 4: Assemble your flower press.
The fourth step is to assemble your flower press. You will need to attach the wood pieces together using bolts, nuts, and washers. You will also need to insert some cardboard and paper layers between the wood pieces to create space for your flowers.
To assemble your flower press, follow these steps:
- Place one of the bottom pieces on a flat and dry surface, with the holes facing up.
- Place a washer on each of the holes, and insert a bolt through each of the washers.
- Place a piece of cardboard on top of the bottom piece, aligning the holes.
- Place a sheet of absorbent paper on top of the paper, and a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper on top of the absorbent paper, aligning the holes.
- Repeat the previous step until you have about 10 to 15 layers of cardboard and paper, or as many as you want.
- Place one of the side pieces on top of the cardboard and paper layers, aligning the holes.
- Place a washer on each of the bolts, and screw a nut on each of the bolts, using a screwdriver to tighten them.
- Flip over the whole assembly and repeat the previous steps with the other bottom piece, the other side piece, and the remaining cardboard and paper layers.
- Place the other top piece on top of the cardboard and paper layers, aligning the holes.
- Place a washer on each of the bolts, and screw a nut on each of the bolts, using a screwdriver to tighten them.
- Your flower press is now ready to use. It should look like this:
Step 5: Place your flowers between the cardboard and paper layers.
The fifth step is to place your flowers between the cardboard and paper layers. You can use the same guidelines as the book method to choose and arrange your flowers. You can also use more or fewer layers, depending on the thickness and number of your flowers.
To place your flowers, follow these steps:
- Unscrew the nuts and remove the top piece and the side piece of your flower press.
- Carefully lift the cardboard and paper layers until you reach the layer where you want to place your flowers.
- Gently place your flowers on the parchment paper or wax paper, making sure that they are flat and not folded or curled. You can use tweezers or a toothpick to adjust them if needed. You can also label your flowers with their names, dates, and locations if you want to keep track of them.
- Carefully lower the cardboard and paper layers back on top of your flowers, making sure that they are aligned and that your flowers are not falling out.
- Repeat the previous steps until you have placed all your flowers between the layers.
- Replace the side piece and the top piece of your flower press, aligning the holes.
- Screw the nuts on the bolts and tighten them using a screwdriver.
Step 6: Tighten the bolts and nuts.
The sixth step is to tighten the bolts and nuts of your flower press. You want to apply enough pressure to your flowers to squeeze out the moisture and flatten them. You can use a screwdriver to tighten the nuts, or you can use wing nuts instead of regular nuts for easier adjustment.
To tighten the bolts and nuts, follow these steps:
- Use a screwdriver or your fingers to tighten the nuts on the bolts as much as you can.
- Check the pressure by inserting a piece of paper between the top and bottom pieces of your flower press. If you can pull out the paper easily, you need to tighten the nuts more. If you can’t pull out the paper at all, you need to loosen the nuts a bit.
- Adjust the nuts until you find the right pressure for your flowers. You can also check the pressure by looking at the edges of your flower press. If you see gaps between the wood pieces, you need to tighten the nuts more. If you see the wood pieces bending or cracking, you need to loosen the nuts a bit.
- You can also tighten the nuts gradually over time as your flowers dry and shrink.
Step 7: Check your flowers after a few weeks
The final step is to check your flowers after a few weeks. The drying time will vary depending on the type, size, and moisture content of your flowers. Generally, it will take between two and four weeks for your flowers to be fully pressed and dried. You can check your flowers by carefully opening your flower press and gently lifting the paper layers. Your flowers should be crisp, flat, and colorful. If they are still moist, soft, or dark, you need to leave them for longer.
To check your flowers, follow these steps:
- Unscrew the nuts and remove the top piece and the side piece of your flower press.
- Carefully lift the cardboard and paper layers until you reach the layer where your flowers are.
- Use tweezers or a toothpick to remove your flowers from the paper. You can also use a soft brush to dust off any residue or debris.
- Your flowers are now ready to use for your projects.
How to use your pressed flowers
Now that you have learned how to make a flower press and how to press your flowers, you might be wondering how to use them. Pressed flowers are versatile and can be used for various crafts and decorations. Here are some tips and ideas to inspire you:
- Tips for preserving your pressed flowers
- To keep your pressed flowers from fading, store them in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a box, an envelope, or a book.
- To protect your pressed flowers from dust, moisture, and insects, you can seal them with a clear spray, such as hairspray, acrylic spray, or Mod Podge.
- To prevent your pressed flowers from curling, you can glue them to a paper or cardboard backing or place them between two sheets of glass or plastic.
- Ideas for displaying your pressed flowers
- You can make cards, bookmarks, tags, or labels with your pressed flowers by gluing them to a paper or cardstock base and adding some text or embellishments.
- You can make jewelry, such as earrings, necklaces, or bracelets, with your pressed flowers by embedding them in resin, clay, or metal and attaching them to hooks, chains, or cords.
- You can make art, such as paintings, collages, or mosaics, with your pressed flowers by arranging them on a canvas, a board, or a frame and adding some paint, glue, or grout.
- You can make decorations, such as wreaths, garlands, or ornaments, with your pressed flowers by tying them to a wire, a string, or a hoop and adding some ribbon, beads, or feathers.
Conclusion
Pressing flowers is a wonderful way to preserve the beauty and memory of your favorite blooms. You can make your own flower press using a book or a wooden press, and use your pressed flowers to create stunning crafts and decorations. All you need is some flowers, some paper, some wood, and some creativity. Have fun and enjoy your floral creations!
FAQs
- Q: How long does it take to press flowers?
- A: It depends on the type, size, and moisture content of your flowers, but generally, it takes between two and four weeks for your flowers to be fully pressed and dried.
- Q: What kind of flowers are best for pressing?
- A: The best flowers for pressing are flat and thin, and have a single layer of petals, such as pansies, daisies, violets, and poppies. You should avoid flowers that are too thick, fleshy, or have multiple layers of petals, such as roses, orchids, and lilies.
- Q: How do I prevent my flowers from sticking to the paper or the book?
- You can use parchment paper or wax paper to prevent your flowers from sticking to the paper or the book. You can also use a clear spray, such as hairspray, acrylic spray, or Mod Podge, to seal your flowers before or after pressing them.
- Q: How do I adjust the pressure of my flower press?
- You can adjust the pressure of your flower press by tightening or loosening the nuts on the bolts or by adding or removing weights from the book. You can check the pressure by inserting a piece of paper between the top and bottom pieces of your flower press or by looking at the edges of your flower press.
- Q: How do I use my pressed flowers for my projects?
- You can use your pressed flowers for various projects, such as cards, bookmarks, jewelry, art, and decorations. You can glue them to a paper or cardboard backing, embed them in resin, clay, or metal, or tie them to a wire, string, or hoop. You can also add some text or embellishments to enhance your floral designs.
