Before you start
Flowers and a blank card are extras; the verified contents do not establish them as included. Read the press’s assembly, layering, and care instructions. Collect only plants you can identify safely and have permission to take, choosing pieces that fit within the small press without folding.
At the craft table
The listing recommends ages 5 and up; follow the package guidance and provide adult support as needed. Do not use unidentified, irritating, or poisonous plants, and wash hands after handling collected plants. Keep glue and small plant pieces away from mouths and eyes.
Make it step by step
Choose thin, clean plant pieces
Select a small flower, a few petals, or a thin leaf with no surface moisture. Remove dirt gently and avoid thick, juicy pieces for your first attempt. Keep your arrangement small enough to sit within the press’s working area.
Lay out the press as the manual directs
Open the press and arrange its layers exactly as the use instructions show, using the absorbent paper they specify. Place plant pieces flat with space between them rather than stacking them. Make sure nothing projects outside the pressing area.
Close and press according to the instructions
Secure the press with the method and pressure specified in its manual. Follow its schedule for checking the flowers and replacing paper, if directed. Keep the press in the recommended dry location and allow the full pressing time rather than rushing to decorate.
Check that the plants are fully dry
Open the press carefully at the point the manual directs. Lift a piece gently from its edge without pulling at a fragile petal. Use it only when it is fully dry according to the manual; return damp pieces to the press as instructed.
Plan the card without adhesive
Arrange the dry flowers on the blank card or on scrap paper cut to a similar size. Leave room for a short message and avoid placing fragile petals across the card’s fold. Try one focal flower with a few supporting leaves.
Attach the flowers with a light touch
Follow the supplied glue’s directions and use the brush to apply only a small amount where a plant piece contacts the card. Lower each piece into position and press gently at the supported areas. Use the double-sided tape only where the kit instructions recommend it, avoiding exposed sticky edges.
Dry flat and add a message
Leave the card flat for the adhesive drying time on the label, with the plant arrangement facing up. Do not close or stack it while adhesive is wet. Once it is dry, add your message in the open space and check that the flower edges will not catch when the card is handled.
Make it your own
Already fully pressed flowers let you begin at the card-layout stage.
A single small flower is easier to arrange than a dense bouquet.
Keep pressed plant pieces away from damp hands and use gentle handling.
Common fixes
A pressed flower is still damp.
Return it to the press following the manual’s paper and checking instructions. Do not glue damp plant material to a card.
A petal tears when lifted.
Use the intact portion in a smaller arrangement or choose another piece. Lift slowly at a supported edge and avoid tugging across the petal.
Finish & enjoy
After the adhesive is fully dry, keep the card flat in a dry place out of direct sunlight. Use roomy packaging for gifting so the pressed flowers are protected from rubbing or crushing.
