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I’ve discovered a new hobby that’s got me completely hooked—and it’s as simple and lovely as can be: flower pressing. I picked up a little wooden flower press kit (a Rhykoka one, nothing fancy) that came with everything I needed—some paper, cardboard, a few tools, and a wooden frame with screws. That’s all it took to open up a whole new way of enjoying the wild beauty in my own yard.
I didn’t go out searching for rare blooms or picture-perfect petals. I just wandered through my yard and gathered what caught my eye. Mostly weeds, if I’m being honest – the kind of plants most people probably overlook. But weeds or not, they’re all treasures to me—azaleas, weigela, viburnum, fleabane, purple dead nettle, native columbine, false shamrock, even a few delicate dogwood blossoms. And one cheerful little yellow flower, I think, is a buttercup.
The flower pressing process is simple, slow, and so satisfying. I placed each flower gently between the layers of blotting paper and cardboard, arranged them just right (or tried to), then tightened the screws on the press and waited. A whole week! It felt like forever.
But opening that press after seven days? Pure joy. Like unwrapping a gift from nature. Some flowers kept their shape beautifully. Others shrank or darkened, turning into something a little different—but still beautiful. The fleabane turned out especially delicate and lovely, and that viburnum? A stunner. Even the mysterious yellow flower dried into a bright little surprise.
I bought some clear, jar-shaped plastic bookmarks online to turn my pressed flowers into something useful (and justify that I’m already thinking of pressing more). I slide the flowers inside, seal them up, and just like that—I’ve got nature-made bookmarks that make me smile whenever I open a book. They’d make sweet little gifts, too, if I can bear to part with them.
I’m having so much fun with my new hobby that I purchased a small laminator and some more traditional-style bookmark blanks that should be here this week.
I’ve learned that flower pressing is such a peaceful hobby – a quiet, creative way to bring the outdoors in and enjoy the beauty of the Smokies—even if it’s just the weeds by the porch. It’s also the perfect way to blend two things I love: crafts and nature. Who knew something so old-fashioned could feel so rewarding?
Every flower is a miracle, a sacred memory bursting into bloom. – Shannon L. Alder
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