How to make a flower press

Here's how to make your own flower press at home

Flowers on a book

This handy guide to making your own flower press is perfect for flower-lovers who want to preserve their hard work in the garden for that little bit longer. Pressing flowers is the perfect way to keep flowers from special bouquets, and this easy how-to guide will show you how to make your own press.

Purple wildflower
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You Will Need

  • Thin ply wood
  • A drill
  • Bolts
  • Blotting paper
  • Card
  • Wingnuts

Step 1

Prepare your ply wood. If you’re cutting a large piece, cut two stout but thin pieces that measure around 20×30 cm. Stack one on top of the other.

Step 2

Drill holes large enough for bolts in the four corners. Stack both pieces when you do this so that the holes are aligned.

Step 3

When you’re ready to press flowers, place a layer of cardboard and a layer of blotting paper on the bottom of the press. Then, you can add flowers, leaving enough space around them to dry properly. Cover with a layer of blotting paper, then card. You can add many layers of flowers, blotting paper and card in one go.

Step 4

When finished, carefully fit the top piece of the press over the bolts and use wingnuts to tighten it. Store in a dry place in the house. Leave for some time – up to four weeks is recommended.

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How to make a flower press
You can layer as many different types of flower as you like in your flower press – simply separate them with blotting paper and cardboard