Make Your Own Flower Press

By The Editors Of Storey Publishing
Published on September 25, 2018
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This hand-built model is a bit larger and heavier than most of those that are commercially available, so you can press a fair number of blossoms at a time.
This hand-built model is a bit larger and heavier than most of those that are commercially available, so you can press a fair number of blossoms at a time.
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A press such as this one is very easy and inexpensive to make, and because it applies even pressure, you will get better results.
A press such as this one is very easy and inexpensive to make, and because it applies even pressure, you will get better results.
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Mark and drill the locations for the four carriage bolts on the two plywood squares A and two wood strips b.
Mark and drill the locations for the four carriage bolts on the two plywood squares A and two wood strips b.
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“The Vegetable Gardener’s Book of Building Projects” by the editors of Storey Publishing is a guide for readers that includes 39 building projects for aiding in planting, growing, preserving and relaxing in gardens at a reasonable cost for beginners and experienced woodworkers.
“The Vegetable Gardener’s Book of Building Projects” by the editors of Storey Publishing is a guide for readers that includes 39 building projects for aiding in planting, growing, preserving and relaxing in gardens at a reasonable cost for beginners and experienced woodworkers.

The Vegetable Gardener’s Book of Building Projects (Storey Publishing, 2010) bythe editors of Storey Publishing is a collection of 39 building projects designed to help transform a modest vegetable garden into a model for comfort and efficiency that is still affordable. Whether you are an experienced builder or just starting out there are projects for every level which lead to functional and attractive end results that will encourage your vegetables to thrive and grow long after the season ends.

You can purchase this book from the Heirloom Gardener store: The Vegetable Gardener’s Book of Building Projects.

It’s certainly simple enough to press a blossom or two by tucking them between the pages of a thick book. But a press such as this one is very easy and inexpensive to make, and because it applies even pressure, you will get better results. Once the flowers are dried, remove them from the press and store them for use in your projects.

Materials

Lumber

  • 3/4″ plywood (two 12″ squares)
  • 1″ ×2″ pine or cedar (two 12″ lengths)

Supplies

  • Four 6″×1/4″ carriage bolts (with rounded heads for flush mounting)
  • Four 1″ flat washers with
  • 1/4″ hole
  • Four 1/4″ wing nuts (with large wings for easy tightening)
  • 1-1/2″ wood screws
  • Tools
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Carpenter’s square
  • Power drill
  • 3/8″ twist drill bit
  • Driver bit to match screws
  • Wood saw
  • Hammer

Constructing the flower press.

  1. Mark and drill the locations for the four carriage bolts on the two plywood squares A and two wood strips b.
  2. Insert the bolts through the holes in the wood strips, and use a hammer to tap the heads until they are flush with the boards.
  3. Place the strips parallel to each other with the thread ends of the bolts up, as shown in fig. 2, and fit the plywood squares in place, threading the bolts through the corner holes.
  4. Slip a washer onto each bolt, and tighten the assembly with the wing nuts.

Using the press.

  1. Cut two or more pieces of corrugated cardboard 8″ square.
  2. Place one piece of cardboard on the bottom plywood square and cover it with a piece of paper towel or other absorbent material.
  3. Lay out your botanical material on the paper towel, cover with another piece of paper towel, followed by a piece of cardboard.
  4. Add as many additional layers of cardboard and paper as you wish, then put the top plywood square in place and use the wing nuts to apply pressure to the layers.
  5. If you’re interested in drying only one or two layers at a time, use shorter carriage bolts.

More from The Vegetable Gardener’s Book of Building Projects:


From The Vegetable Gardener’s Book of Building Projects by the editors of Storey Publishing (Storey Publishing, 2010) Copyright Storey Publishing. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Storey Publishing.

Vegetable Gardener’s Book of Building Projects

Enjoy making your food garden more productive and enjoyable! Included in this book are 39 simple-to-make projects — including cold frames, compost bins, planters, raised beds, potting benches, gates, trellises, storage containers, outdoor furniture and more — will increase your harvest, make your garden chores easier, and turn your garden and yard into an appealing outdoor space for relaxing and enjoying the fruits of your labors. Each project includes step-by-step instructions, detailed illustrations, complete materials and lumber lists, no-nonsense tips, and a four-color photograph of the finished product. Many of the projects are ideal for beginners, and most can be completed in just a few hours. Order from the Heirloom Gardener Store or by calling 800-456-5835.

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