A fun and easy way to be creative

Use pressed flowers to decorate vases, ceramic tiles, clear ornaments, candles or picture frames. Create a special handmade gift for a loved one or preserve special-occasion flowers.

Items You Will Need

  • Fresh flowers or leaves
  • Large book (a telephone book works well)
  • Weight (heavy object, such as a brick or book)
  • Parchment paper
  • Tweezers
  • Mod Podge
  • Soft paint brush
  • Item to decorate

Directions

  • Identify the flowers or leaves that you want to use for your project. Flowers with sentimental value, such as those from a wedding or other special occasion, are a great option. Flowers with natural flat “faces,” such as pansies, are easier to press than thicker flowers like roses. If selecting flowers from your garden, be sure to choose those that have recently bloomed as freshness is key for pressed flowers. It’s best to cut flowers after the morning dew has evaporated. You must dry them out quickly to prevent browning.
  • Place the flowers between sheets of parchment paper, then place in a large book. Keep in mind the pages of the book may wrinkle as moisture is absorbed from the flowers.
  • Use a heavy object to weigh down the book containing your flowers.
  • Allow the flowers to dry in the book for 10 days or more.
  • Gently remove the dried flowers from the parchment paper using tweezers. They will be very fragile so be careful!
  • Once you have your pressed flowers, dip a paintbrush into a little bit of Mod Podge, and lightly coat the flowers.
  • Arrange the flowers on your vase, ceramic tile, ornament, picture frame or candle, and let them dry for approximately five to 10 minutes.
  • Coat the flowers again with Mod Podge to make sure they’re sealed.
  • Allow to fully dry.
  • Enjoy your new creation!