How to Use a Flower Press with Kids
By Orange Tree Toys | Published: 2026-10-30
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use a flower press with kids in a few simple steps. This guide covers gathering flowers, pressing them, and creating nature crafts together.
Quick answer
Using a flower press with kids is a simple nature craft: gather flat flowers, arrange them in the press, tighten the screws, and wait 3-4 weeks for beautifully preserved results.
Why press flowers with kids?
Flower pressing is a screen-free activity that teaches patience and observation. Kids learn to select flowers at their peak, arrange them carefully, and wait for the transformation. It also creates keepsakes for cards, bookmarks, or wall art.
The Orange Tree Toys Flower Press is made from FSC-certified wood, so it's a durable, eco-friendly choice for repeated use. Its metal screws allow tight pressing, and the layers of card make it easy to separate different flowers.
Step-by-step flower pressing guide
- Gather fresh, flat flowers: Pick flowers on a dry day, ideally in the morning after dew has evaporated. Choose blooms that are not too thick—daisies, pansies, and ferns work well. Avoid fleshy stems or thick petals. Check for bugs or dirt before pressing; a quick shake or gentle brush is enough.
- Arrange flowers on the press card: Open the press and place one layer of card on the bottom. Arrange flowers face-down or face-up, spaced apart so they don't overlap. Close the card layer on top, then add the next card and flowers. Don't stack flowers directly on top of each other—they will stick and tear when dry.
- Tighten the screws evenly: Once all layers are assembled, place the top wooden board and tighten each metal screw a little at a time, alternating corners. Apply firm, even pressure—tight enough that the board doesn't wobble, but not so tight that you crack the wood. Check the screws after 24 hours; flowers shrink as they dry, so you may need to tighten them again.
- Wait 3-4 weeks before opening: Store the press in a dry, warm place away from direct sunlight. Resist the urge to peek—opening early lets in moisture and ruins the drying process. After 3-4 weeks, carefully lift the card to reveal pressed flowers. If flowers feel damp or bendable, close the press and wait another week. They should be papery and brittle when ready.
- Craft with your pressed flowers: Use tweezers to handle the dry flowers—they are fragile. Glue them onto cards, bookmarks, or frames. Seal with a thin layer of clear glue or mod podge to protect them from dust. Store leftover pressed flowers in a dry, dark envelope to keep colors from fading.
Product details
- Flower Press: The press includes layers of card for separating flowers and metal screws on each corner for tight pressing. The card layers keep delicate petals from sticking together, and the screws let you adjust pressure as the flowers dry, ensuring even results.
Flower Press
