Choosing a Traditional Flower Press
Not all flower presses are made equal. There are many that quite simply aren’t fit for purpose - they are flimsy, small and sadly not built to last. Budget flower presses do have their place - they can be a good option for those starting out, particularly for children, to see whether they enjoy it and want to further pursue the activity. However, the chances are that if you buy a cheap flower press, it’s not going to press your flowers well, and as a result you’ll rapidly fall out of love with flower pressing as you won’t be getting the results you hoped for.
There are lots of factors that affect how well your flowers press, but the number one reason why people struggle with flower pressing and encounter issues such as mouldy flowers, uneven pressings and poor colour retention, is down to using poor quality equipment.
Purchasing a good quality flower press is a financial investment, so before you take the plunge it’s worth making sure you are definitely in it for the long haul. Whether you are enjoying flower pressing as a regular hobby or setting up a business, using the best flower press will really help to elevate the beauty of your pressings. Look for a flower press that is a good size (I like to use a press that fits A4 blotting paper), is made from thick and sturdy wood and has six bolts to allow for even pressings. Steel bolts are best - luxury flower presses often come with brass bolts, which do look pretty, but will wear over time - steel is much more durable.
If you are ready to invest in a beautiful flower press that is built to last and can be passed down through generations, I have designed the Meadow and Thyme flower press, using all of my knowledge and experience to create a flower press that is beautiful, practical and reliably produces stunning pressings. It is crafted in the UK by a wonderful small business, and sold in collaboration with the Netherwood Estate (the location of my Traditional Flower Pressing Masterclasses). Made with gorgeous tactile birch plywood, it really is a pleasure to use. I’ve designed it with a little label holder, so that you can keep track of the date you filled your flower press. These are now the only flower presses I use - I’ve tested lots and they are by far the best. The only problem is, flower pressing is addictive, and if you’re like me, you’ll always need just one more flower press!
