To make a flower press, gather cardboard, blotting paper, and a few heavy objects. Cut the cardboard and blotting paper into equal-sized pieces, layer them, and place flowers or leaves inside.
Add weight and leave it for several days. This will preserve flowers and leaves for use in crafts or art projects. Making a flower press is an easy and affordable way to capture and preserve the beauty of nature. Pressed flowers make great additions to scrapbooks, cards, or even framed art pieces.
Not only is it a great way to recycle materials, but it is also a fun activity to do with kids. With a few simple steps, anyone can make their own flower press and enjoy the beauty of nature for years to come.
Credit: feltmagnet.com
Materials Needed
Crafting a flower press can be an easy diy project that provides a fun and creative activity for both adults and children. Before you start, it’s important to gather all the materials needed.
List Of Necessary Materials:
- Plywood or cardboard
- Blotting paper or coffee filters
- Cardboard sheets
- Screws
- Wing nuts
- Washers
- Drill
- Sandpaper
- Scissors
Where To Buy Materials:
These materials are widely available at most hardware stores, craft stores or online marketplaces such as amazon or etsy.
Alternative Materials:
If you don’t have access to the above materials, or if you want to try a more cost-effective approach, here are some alternates to try:
- Instead of plywood, use two hardcover books of the same size.
- Use printer paper instead of blotting paper or coffee filters. You can also use tissue paper or newspaper.
- If you don’t have cardboard sheets, you can use thin cardboard boxes such as cereal or cracker boxes.
When selecting alternative materials, make sure they have enough rigidity to withstand pressure from the wingnuts during pressing.
Now that you have your materials ready, you’re one step closer to creating your own personalized flower press. With just a few basic steps, you can create a flower press that will allow you to preserve your favorite blooms all year round.
Happy crafting!
Steps For Making A Flower Press
Are you tired of paying a fortune for store-bought flower presses? Looking to make your own? We’ve got you covered! We will guide you through the process of making your own flower press step-by-step. By the end of the post, you’ll have a beautiful and functional press that is perfect for preserving your favorite flowers.
Let’s get started!
Step-By-Step Guide For Creating A Flower Press
Making your own flower press is not only cost-effective but also a fun project.
- Start by gathering all the supplies you’ll need.
- Two wooden boards (unpainted) measuring 9″ x 12″ and 1/2″ thick
- Four wing nuts
- Eight washers
- 12 pieces of blotting paper or other absorbent paper cut to size (9″ x 12″)
- 6-8 pieces of cardboard (9″ x 12″)
- A drill and drill bits
- Sandpaper
- A ruler
- A pencil
- Some decorative paper or fabric (optional)
- Glue (optional)
- Sand the edges of the wooden boards to make them smooth.
- Drill four holes in each of the wooden boards. The holes should be evenly spaced on both sides of the boards. The distance between the holes should be 2 inches from the edge.
- Place the two boards on top of each other, making sure the holes are lined up perfectly.
- Take four wing nuts and eight washers and thread them through the holes of the boards. Tighten the nuts until they are snug, but not too tight.
- Cut the blotting paper/absorbent paper into twelve pieces, each measuring 9″ x 12″.
- Cut the cardboard into six to eight pieces, each measuring 9″ x 12″.
- Take two pieces of cardboard and two pieces of blotting paper. Place them between the wooden boards, making sure they are evenly spaced.
- Repeat step eight until all the cardboard and blotting papers are used up. Make sure that all the layers are evenly spaced.
- Tighten the wing nuts securely to compress the papers.
- Let the flower press rest for a few days, allowing the papers to absorb any moisture, until the flowers are ready for preservation.
- Once the flowers are ready, remove the wingnuts and carefully remove the flowers, making sure to handle them gently.
- You can add a decorative touch to your flower press by covering the wooden boards with decorative paper or fabric using glue. Make sure to let it dry completely before use.
Tips For Safety And Efficiency
Before you start making your press, it’s essential to keep these tips in mind:
- Always wear protective gear when using a power drill.
- Use caution when handling sharp objects like the drill bits.
- Make sure to cut the papers and cardboard carefully to avoid any accidents.
- Store your flower press in a dry and cool place to avoid any moisture buildup.
- Change the papers regularly to prevent mold growth on your pressed flowers.
Creating your flower press isn’t a complicated process, and now you have a simple guide to help you get started. You can now make your own flower press at home, saving money and allowing you to preserve your favorite flowers.
Happy crafting!
How To Press Flowers With Your Flower Press
Pressing flowers is a delightful hobby and an excellent way to preserve the beauty of a flower forever.
The Process Of Pressing Flowers
Pressing flowers involves two essential steps: preparation and pressing.
- Preparation
- Collect fresh flowers early in the day when they are at their best.
- Remove any leaves and stems, and gently wipe them down to remove any dirt or debris.
- Cut the stems of flowers to approximately two inches.
- Arrange the flowers into one layer on a piece of paper, with enough space between them to avoid overlapping.
- Pressing
- Insert the flower between the layers of blotting paper or tissue paper and place it between the pages of a flower press.
- Tighten the straps of the press to apply even and slight pressure on the flowers.
- Leave the press undisturbed, preferably in a warm, dry area, and let it sit for about two to four weeks.
How To Select The Right Flowers For Pressing
Some flowers are not suitable for pressing, for example, flowers with thick petals like roses or those with a high moisture content.
- Look for flowers with thinner petals, such as pansies, daisies, or violets.
- Select the flowers that are not too young or too old and have no wrinkles or fading.
- Choose flowers that have a lower moisture content, such as lavender, which press well.
Types Of Flowers That Are Good For Pressing
Flowers that press well have a lower moisture content and thinner petals.
- Pansies
- Daisies
- Violets
- Lavender
- Camellia
- Cosmos
- Buttercups
- Four o’clocks
- Larkspur
Tips For Achieving The Best Results
Follow these tips to get the best results when pressing flowers.
- Begin the pressing process as soon as possible after picking your flowers.
- Always use good quality paper or absorbent materials like blotting paper or tissue paper.
- Avoid overlapping the petals when arranging the flowers.
- Label the paper or page in the press with the flower name and date of pressing so you can remember them easily later.
- Check your flowers after a few days to make sure they are pressing correctly, adjust if needed.
- Store your dried flowers in an airtight container away from direct sunlight.
Using these simple guidelines and tips, you can quickly learn how to press flowers and create lovely keepsakes that will last a lifetime. Get your flower press ready and start pressin’!
Ideas For Using Pressed Flowers
Pressed flowers are delicate and beautiful pieces of nature that can be used in numerous ways to decorate your home, create personalized gifts or even for crafting.
Creative Ways To Use Pressed Flowers
- Create stunning art pieces – the vibrant colors and textures of pressed flowers make them ideal for creating unique art pieces. You can select a large canvas, a wooden frame or a glass shadow box to arrange your pressed flowers creatively. Whether you choose to create a floral design or a fragile flower pattern, make sure to press your flowers flat to the surface.
- Bookmarks – never lose your page again with a bookmark made from pressed flowers. You can use clear contact paper to cover the flowers and create a sturdy bookmark, or choose a natural look with a paper one.
- Handmade cards – create a unique and personalized card by adding pressed flowers to it. You can incorporate them into a design or make your own, perhaps using paper from the flowers’ original locale. Add a message and you have a beautiful and thoughtful gift.
Decorating With Pressed Flowers
Pressed flowers can add character and color to any room in your house.
- Frame them – you can frame your pressed flowers and use them as wall art or place them on shelves. It creates a high-end touch to any room.
- Decorate your table – add some charm to your dining experience by including pressed flowers on your table decor. You can use small vases, tealight holders, or a unique centerpiece to show off the beauty of your pressed flowers.
- Pressed flower candles – create a warm ambiance with pressed floral candles. You can make them yourself by adding your favorite pressed flowers to plain soy wax candles, creating a unique and fragrant decoration.
Creating Unique Gifts With Pressed Flowers
Pressed flowers can make thoughtful and memorable gifts for any occasion.
- Coasters – choose a set of blank coasters and decorate them with your favorite pressed flowers, placing underneath glass to make them durable.
- Scented sachets – add a burst of fragrance to your drawers or closet with scented sachets. Place a small bag filled with dried flowers with your favourite fragrance such as lavender or chamomile, and sew or glue into place.
- Personalized journal – create a beautiful and personalized journal with pressed flowers. You can create a pattern alongside the cover or add flowers throughout to give it a botanical look.
Pressed flowers can be used in so many creative and unique ways. The possibilities are endless, and it’s a great way to showcase the beauty of nature. Use these ideas to get started and let your imagination run wild!
Conclusion
After reading this post, making a flower press should no longer seem like rocket science. It is actually a fun activity to do with your kids, friends, or even by yourself. All you need is some basic tools readily available in your household.
Remember to choose fresh flowers of your choice and arrange them neatly in between absorbent paper, ensuring to press them delicately. Once all the flowers are in place, they should be left to dry out in a warm and dry area.
As mentioned earlier, a flower press is an affordable and easy-to-make tool that can help you explore your creative side by making personalized cards, artwork, or small decorative items. You don’t have to be an expert to get started, so why not try making a flower press today and enjoy the magic of preserving your favorite blossoms?
