Flower Press Instructions
Thank you for choosing a handcrafted flower press from The Timber & Botanical Co.
Whether you’re preserving flowers from your garden, a wedding bouquet, a favorite hiking trail, or another special moment, we hope your flower press helps you create keepsakes you’ll treasure for years to come.
Getting Started
1. Choose Fresh Flowers
For the best results:
- Pick flowers on a dry day after the morning dew has evaporated.
- Select blooms that are fresh and free from damage.
- Remove excess stems or thick centers if necessary.
- The fresher the flower, the better the final result.
2. Arrange Your Flowers
Open your flower press and carefully place flowers between the blotting paper layers.
For best results:
- Lay flowers as flat as possible.
- Avoid overlapping petals.
- Leave a little space between flowers.
- Position them exactly how you’d like them to appear when dried.
3. Tighten the Press
Reassemble the press and tighten each wing nut evenly until the boards are firm and secure.
After 2–3 days, check the press and give each wing nut another small turn. As the flowers lose moisture, the stack compresses slightly, and maintaining even pressure helps produce beautifully flat flowers.
4. Be Patient
Store your flower press in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight.
Typical drying times:
- Most flowers: 2–4 weeks
- Thicker flowers: 4–6 weeks
Humidity, flower thickness, and moisture content will all affect drying time.
Caring for Your Flower Press
Your flower press is handcrafted from natural wood and is designed to last for years with proper care.
To keep it looking its best:
- Store indoors in a dry location.
- Wipe clean with a dry or lightly damp cloth.
- Add additional bees-wax to preserve wood
- Do not soak or submerge in water.
- Natural variations in wood grain and seasonal expansion or contraction are normal and add to the character of your flower press.
Blotting Paper Care
Your flower press includes reusable absorbent blotting paper.
Replace the paper when it becomes:
- Torn
- Excessively stained
- Wrinkled
- No longer absorbs moisture effectively
If you’re pressing especially thick or moisture-rich flowers, replacing damp blotting paper after the first few days can help reduce the chance of mold and improve drying.
Replacement Blotting Paper
Need more blotting paper?
We offer replacement packs cut specifically to fit your flower press.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I press leaves?
Absolutely! Leaves, ferns, grasses, herbs, and many other botanicals press beautifully.
Why did my flower turn brown?
Flowers that contain a lot of moisture or are pressed too late after picking are more likely to discolor. Fresh flowers generally produce the best color.
Can I reuse the blotting paper?
Yes, but not forever. Blotting paper is designed to be reused many times before replacement is needed. It depends on the moisture in your flowers, damage done to the paper when removing flowers etc.
How do I know when my flowers are finished?
Flowers should feel completely dry and papery with no coolness or moisture remaining.
Thank you
Every flower tells a story.
Thank you for supporting our small family business.
We hope your flower press helps preserve life’s beautiful moments for years to come.
The Timber & Botanical Co.
“Preserving nature. Preserving memories.”