Plant Press

This is a fun idea for anyone trying out a decorative project or learning about the flora in the area.  It is a plant press.  The one shown here is one we found at our local Deseret Industries, (DI).   The DI is similar to a thrift shop, or salvation army.  (People donate items that are cleaned up and re-sold to new customers.  The benefit is that useful items find new homes and jobs can be obtained for those who are struggling.)

The design is simple enough.  Two rectangle pieces of wood, with holes drilled in each of the four corners.  Bolts and wing nuts connect each matching pair of holes between the two boards.  And then finally paper squares that fit between the two boards.  The papers separate the flowers and absorb the extra moisture while the flowers dry.  ( We've used non-gloss card stock, to wax paper folded into 4's)

This was one adventure worth of flowers.  All grow in my state, some are local to where I live, some have to be hunted for in rural areas.  By identifying them, we will be more prepared for emergencies in the wilderness.

Once the flowers are pressed and dried they can be removed from the papers and glued into a book, or framed or, whatever you happen to want to use the pressed flowers for. 

In a book, the flowers can be glued in, identified and labeled.  A description can be added along with any other information you may find useful.  This is a great way to get kids involved with learning what the world around them has to offer. 

To make this more personalized, add hand written notes, photographs of the fresh flower or plant, and any other decorations that will either make your pages more personal or informational or both.  This page has plenty of space left to add other information about this flower.  Seeds, roots, different colors all can be added to enhance these pages.

You can choose a pre-made book, or create pages to bind later into a book.  Whatever is easiest, most comfortable, or looks the best for you.  Don't worry about space.  If you are diligent in your pursuit of creating your books, you will have many books by the time you decide your done.  If your looking for just something for fun or decoration you may only need a part of a book. 
(Also makes great, decorative additions to journal or diary entries.)