Woodworking for Gardeners: Make a Handmade Flower Press

Gardening is a labor of love for many, and the resulting blooms and greenery can bring immense joy. As gardeners, we nurture our plants through every season, eagerly awaiting the vibrant colors that bring our outdoor spaces to life. But when the blooming season draws to a close or when an unexpected burst of beauty captivates our hearts, finding a way to preserve those precious flowers becomes a priority. One of the most rewarding ways to preserve these beautiful specimens is through a handmade flower press.

What is a Flower Press?

A flower press is a simple yet effective tool used for flattening and preserving flowers and foliage. By applying pressure and using heat, you can turn fresh blooms into stunning works of art. These pressed flowers can then be used for a variety of purposes, including decorative art, greeting cards, scrapbooking, or even framing to create personalized gifts or décor for your home.

The Benefits of Making Your Own Flower Press

While you may find many commercial flower presses available for purchase, creating your own offers numerous advantages:

1. Customization: When you build your flower press, you can choose the size, materials, and design that best fits your gardening aesthetic.
2. Cost-effective: Making your own press can often be more affordable than purchasing one, especially if you have some spare wood and materials around.
3. Learning Experience: Building a flower press allows you to gain hands-on woodworking skills, deepening your connection with your craft.
4. Satisfaction: There’s a unique joy in using something you’ve made yourself. Each time you gather flowers, you’ll appreciate the work behind your creation.

Materials Needed for Making a Flower Press

Before diving into the building process, let’s discuss the materials you’ll need. Most of these materials can be sourced easily and typically at a low cost.

Essential Materials:

• Plywood or MDF: For the base and top boards. Choose a thickness of about 0.5 to 1 inch for stability.
• Wood screws or bolts: To hold the press together and apply pressure.
• Cardstock or absorbent paper: To serve as pressing surfaces between the flowers. You can use blotting paper, cardboard, or even old phone books.
• A drill: To create holes for screws or bolts.
• A saw: For cutting the wood to your desired size.
• Sandpaper: To smooth out any rough edges on the wood.
• Clamp (optional): For additional pressure if preferred.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Flower Press

Now, let’s get started on crafting your handmade flower press. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a beautiful and functional flower press in no time!

Step 1: Design Your Flower Press

Begin by designing your flower press. The typical size is around 10×12 inches, but feel free to adjust according to your preference. Sketch out your design, ensuring both the top and bottom boards are the same size.

Step 2: Cut the Wood

Using your saw, cut two pieces of plywood or MDF to the size you’ve chosen for your flower press. Aim for clean, straight cuts for a polished look.

Step 3: Smooth the Edges

Once you’ve cut your wood, take the sandpaper and smooth out the edges of both pieces. This step is crucial to prevent any splinters when handling your flower press.

Step 4: Create Holes for Pressure Adjustment

Using a drill, mark and drill evenly spaced holes along one side of each board. These holes will accommodate your screws or bolts that will apply pressure to the flowers. Space them about 1-2 inches apart to distribute the pressure evenly.

Step 5: Assemble the Flower Press

Lay one board flat on a surface. Place a piece of absorbent paper on top of this board. Arrange your fresh flowers on the paper, taking care to avoid overlap. Cover the flowers with another piece of absorbent paper, then place the second board on top.

Align the holes in the boards for screws or bolts, and insert them. Tighten until the boards press firmly against the flowers.

Step 6: Apply Additional Pressure (if necessary)

If you want to add extra pressure, consider clamping the flower press down using a woodworking clamp. This isn’t mandatory but can improve the pressing quality, especially with thicker blooms.

Step 7: Let Your Flowers Dry

Place your flower press in a cool, dry location, away from direct sunlight. This will enhance the drying process and preserve the colors of your flowers. Depending on the water content of the flowers, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for them to fully dry and flatten. Check back periodically to see how they are doing.

Step 8: Use and Enjoy

Once your flowers are completely dried and pressed, you can use them as you wish! Create beautiful cards, picture frames, bookmarks, or even decorative art. The possibilities are endless, and you’ll love showcasing the vibrant hues and delicate shapes of your pressed flowers.

Choosing the Right Flowers for Pressing

Not all flowers press well, and knowing which ones will yield the best results is essential for a successful flower pressing experience. Here are some tips:

Best Flowers to Press:

1. Daisies: Their flat blossoms make them ideal for pressing.
2. Pansies: These blooms retain their colors remarkably well.
3. Violets: Small and delicate, they compact nicely.
4. Roses: Although thicker, petals pressed separately look stunning.
5. Lavender: Not only does it press well, but it also retains its lovely scent.
6. Buttercups: Their vibrant yellow adds splashes of color to your creations.

Tips for Flower Preparation:

• Pick Flowers at Their Peak: Press flowers when they are fresh and free from dew. Early in the morning or late in the afternoon after the sun has dried them off works best.
• Exclude Any Damage: Try to select blooms without blemishes or discoloration to ensure a refined final product.
• Remove Excess Leaves: For a neater look, trim leaves and stems to focus on the flower itself.

Creative Uses for Pressed Flowers

Once you’ve mastered the art of pressing flowers, it’s time to explore how to use these creations. Here are some creative ideas to turn your pressed flowers into beautiful gifts or personal keepsakes:

1. Greeting Cards

Handmade greeting cards featuring pressed flowers make heartfelt gifts. Add a personal touch by writing a note or message alongside the flowers.

2. Framed Art

Create a beautiful piece of wall art by framing your pressed flowers. Arrange them in a stunning design and add a background color to make them pop.

3. Bookmarks

Attach pressed flowers to bookmarks to create a unique reading accessory. Laminate them for durability, ensuring their beauty lasts for many readings.

4. Souvenirs

If you’ve pressed flowers from a special event or location, they can serve as memorable souvenirs. Create a scrapbook page or a small shadow box dedicated to your adventures.

5. Decorative Jars

Fill glass jars with layers of pressed flowers for lovely home décor. You can also mix different colors and types for a beautiful, colorful look.

6. Gift Wrapping

Use pressed flowers to decorate gift wrapping. Adding these delicate details can turn an ordinary gift into a stunning presentation.

7. Artwork for Home or Gifting

Pair your pressed flowers with painting or canvas art. Use them in mixed media projects for a unique blend of natural and artistic elements.

Maintaining Your Pressed Flowers

To ensure that your pressed flowers remain vibrant and do not degrade over time, consider the following maintenance tips:

1. Store Properly: Keep your pressed flowers in a dark and dry place, away from sunlight, to minimize fading.
2. Avoid Humidity: Excess moisture can cause your flowers to deteriorate. Keep them in a controlled environment.
3. Display Wisely: If framing, consider using UV-filtering glass to protect them from fading.

Conclusion

Crafting a handmade flower press is a fulfilling woodworking project that allows you to appreciate the beauty of nature in new ways. By learning how to properly press flowers, you can create lasting memories of your gardening triumphs. Whether for your own enjoyment or as gifts for loved ones, pressed flowers can breathe life into art and home décor.

So gather your materials, unleash your creativity, and start making your very own flower press today! Each pressed flower will tell a unique story of the seasons, a beautiful reminder of the fleeting blooms in your garden. Happy gardening and happy pressing!