Lee Valley Microwave Flower Presses

Conventional flower presses can take up to 3 weeks to dry flowers. These microwave oven presses will do it in minutes. An impatiens can be pressed and dried in as little as 3 minutes, a black-eyed Susan in 2 minutes. More important, this method preserves colors far better than the slow-drying process.

The presses come with two absorbent pads of natural wool and two sheets of broadcloth that sandwich between two stout kiln-fired terra cotta slabs. The slabs (weighing between 2 lb and 3 lb each) are heavy enough to ensure plants are pressed flat. Microwaving forces moisture out of the plant through the wool and out of the press. The terra cotta slabs moderate the drying process, preventing the problems of over-fast drying.

Available in two sizes. The regular press measures 6-1/2" x 6-1/2" and gives more than 40 sq.in. of pressing area.

The large press, with over 70 sq.in. of pressing area, has almost double the capacity of the smaller version. Measuring 8-3/4" x 8-3/4", it will fit inside any microwave oven with a minimum interior dimension of 10-1/2".

Patented. Made in Canada.

The dried flowers and foliage can be mounted on cards or behind glass. Full instructions are included. Either press makes a great gift.