Dry blotting boards are something I use very often when pressing flowers.
Usually, people dry them using an oven or a microwave, which works well for many setups.
Recently, I started trying another option — using just a cardboard box and a hair dryer , and it turned out to be quite practical, so I wanted to share it here for reference.
Watch the full video:
The setup
The setup is very simple:
- An empty cardboard box
- Several blotting boards, placed upright and slightly staggered
- A hair dryer set to hot air
I leave a small opening at the top of the box for airflow.
The hair dryer rests at the opening , no need to hold it by hand.
How it works
I run the hair dryer for about 3 minutes, then pause it to avoid overheating.
During the pause, I close the box so the warm air inside continues to circulate and dry the boards gently.
This cycle can be repeated depending on humidity and board thickness.
In most cases, the blotting boards are fully dry within 6–12 minutes.
Why I like this method
This is not meant to replace ovens or microwaves , it’s simply another option.
For me, there are a few small advantages:
- It feels low-risk, with less concern about overheating or scorching
- Multiple boards can be dried at once, with more even airflow
- The size of the boards doesn’t really matter
- Some people prefer keeping craft materials separate from food appliances, and this setup feels more comfortable in that sense
Final note
This is just a method I’ve been using lately in my studio.
Everyone has their own workflow, tools, and space , feel free to adapt or ignore it based on what works best for you.
If you’re interested, I share more pressed flower DIYs on my website —including materials, handmade gifts, and tutorials.
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