plant and leaf press | Aug. 19, 2020

Here’s my very easy, use what you have, big plant press..

We had a long hardwood board which used to be part of a shelf (the notch on each end has no purpose here). I sawed it in half to make the sturdy “bread” of the plant press sandwich. I am using cardboard presentation board for the layers that sandwich the leaves, cut from 2 large boards that were the perfect width to fit between the wood boards when cut in half. So nice when that happens. I place the leaves between the cardboard.

I do the actual pressing in the garage. The temperature and humidity are consistent in there right now and that’s also where the heavy and hard to move cement blocks are located. I use 3 blocks. I place a towel between block and top board just because it seems wrong to scratch up a nicely finished board. Who knows what we might need to build with it someday .

I made this press to prepare leaves for sun printing on fabric so I am not being very fussy or particular about the results, I just want them flattened. I think the addition of nice pressing papers would get more refined results with this same press set-up. It is fun. Please note: these are plants and leaves grown and gathered on my private property.