Microwave flower pressing is now popular and industry standard. Instructions on the way to construct a basic press.

Microwave Flower Press

Microwave pressing is now popular and industry standard for professional pressers and means that hundreds of varieties that elusively turned brown when pressed in books or traditional presses, now keep a stunningly wonderful subtlety of hue and are very easy to preserve.

Here is the way to construct a basic press:

You will need: two pieces of hardboard or tough fibreboard about eight inches by eight inches (20cm x 20cm), five or six rubber/elastic bands about ¼ inch (six mm) wide and six pieces of blotting/absorbent paper cut to 8 x 8 (20 x 20).

Lay a piece of hardboard down and cover with three sheets of blotting/absorbent paper. Place a layer of prepared flowers on the paper and cover with the other three sheets. Put the second piece of hardboard on top and fasten with the rubber/elastic bands with two or three along each side. Then place the package in a microwave on medium heat for a couple of minutes. Allow the contents to cool and then check to see if the flowers are dry - if not then replace in the microwave for a further minute and then leave to cool - check again. Keep repeating this until you are satisfied that the flowers are completely dry.

It takes a little experimentation to feel at home with your microwave and see what results you get - eventually after you have experimented for a while, you will know that your particular machine may work better on a higher temperature for a shorter time, or a lower temperature for several bursts.