The Art of Design Through DIY Plant and Flower Presses

“The objective of this project was for students to design and build a functional device that presses/dries plants or flowers using simple wooden framing, dowel joints, and fasteners,” said Mr. Link. “As a MakerSpace design class, the students were given the opportunity to be both creative and hands-on as they used the chop saw for the first time.”

To begin, the students gathered the materials and tools needed for the project which included 1” x 3” pine stock for the framed pieces, sand paper, hardwood dowels, wood glue, bolts and wing nuts, and cardboard for the inner layers along with saws, drill presses, dowel jig, and hammers. Mr. Link emphasized to the students to follow proper safety precautions when operating the chop saw and use eye and ear protection.

For the construction phase, the students measured and marked the pine stock for the frames using the dowel jig for more accurate marking of the holes that will keep the frames together. Once the holes were drilled, the round dowels were inserted and scored before using glue for the wood joints if necessary. The students then carefully drilled holes into the two frames for the bolts for aid in the correct alignment, sanded the surface, and stacked the cardboard layers in between the two pieces. The final phase was to insert the bolts and secure it with washers and wing nuts. Students were encouraged to test that the press tightened evenly and that pressure could be applied properly. Once the press was deemed working, it was time to press leaves and petals from a selection of plants and flowers.

For the final assessment, students provided a short write-up about what they learned and how their designs could have been improved. Other submitted documentation included sketches, measurements, and design notes along with three clear photos of the finished press. The most important element was the completed, working plant/flower press.

Mr. Link noted that the class will be working on more hands-on projects throughout the year with the goal of students learning key design elements, taking initiative in their creative designs, and following a project from start to finish.