Plant press: dry flowers & leaves for craft projects in this simple plant press - construction guidelines; includes related article on using a plant press

Flower & Garden Magazine, August-Sept, 1993

Dried, pressed flowers and leaves have been used for centuries to preserve the beauty of summer's floral abundance. Whether used in an artistic project for adults or as a learning experience for children, this plant press makes the process easy.

Begin by cutting two squares of plywood or hardboard to the dimensions shown in the technical drawing. Drill holes as indicated in all four corners of both squares.

With a pencil, draw parallel lines extending from the four holes in the top square and two of the holes in the bottom square. Use a saber saw or handsaw to cut along the lines, creating notches. These notches will simplify the disassembly of the press by allowing the carriage bolts to slip out easily.

Sand lightly to smooth any rough edges. Finish, if desired, with paint or stain.

Cut the blotter paper and cardboard into 10-inch squares. Cut diagonally across the corners to leave room for the carriage bolts. You will need two squares of blotter paper for every layer of flowers you intend to press. and cardboard or several thicknesses of newspaper to separate the layers. Assemble the press using the carriage bolts, washers and wing nuts.

This plan can be adapted to build a press of a different shape or size; for example, a long, rectangular press for drying fern fronds.

         MATERIALS
No.   Material
2     1/2" plywood or tempered
      hardboard (Masonite), 10" x 10"
4     1/4-20 x4" carriage bolts with
      wing nuts and flat washers
     blotted paper
     corrugated cardboard or
     newspaper