How to Make a DIY Floral-Pressed Picture Frame

Creating a DIY floral-pressed picture frame is a fun and creative way to preserve beautiful flowers and add a personal touch to your home decor. The process combines the art of flower pressing with the functionality of a picture frame. Here’s how you can make one:

Materials Needed:

• Fresh flowers (dried or pressed flowers work best)

• Picture frame (wooden or plastic)

• Clear adhesive (mod podge or glue)

• Tweezers

• Scissors

• Wax paper

• Heavy books (for pressing)

• Parchment paper

• Ruler

• Pencil

Step 1: Gather and Press the Flowers

Start by selecting fresh flowers that you want to press. Look for flat, delicate flowers like daisies, violets, and pansies, as these work well in frames. Once you have your flowers, follow these steps to press them:

1. Prepare the flowers: Trim the flowers to the size you want for your frame. Remove any excess leaves or stems.

2. Press the flowers: Place the flowers between two sheets of wax paper. Arrange the flowers flat to avoid any wrinkles or curling. Once the flowers are arranged, sandwich the wax paper between two sheets of parchment paper for added protection.

3. Use heavy books: Put the parchment-wrapped flowers between heavy books. Leave them for about a week to fully press the flowers. The longer you leave them, the flatter and more delicate they will become.

Step 2: Prepare the Picture Frame

While waiting for your flowers to press, you can prepare the picture frame:

1. Choose a frame: Select a frame with a glass front, as it will allow you to place the pressed flowers under the glass. Ensure that the frame is clean and ready for use. You can use a wooden, plastic, or metal frame, depending on your preference.

2. Remove the backing: Take the back of the frame off, leaving just the glass in place. Clean the glass thoroughly, as any smudges or dust can be noticeable when the frame is finished.

Step 3: Arrange the Pressed Flowers

Once your flowers are dried and flattened, it’s time to arrange them inside the frame. Here’s how:

1. Plan the design: Lay out your pressed flowers on a flat surface in front of you to plan your design. You can opt for a simple design, like a few flowers clustered together, or create a more intricate pattern with different shapes.

2. Start placing flowers: Once you have your design, begin placing the pressed flowers onto the glass of the frame. You can use tweezers for more precision when positioning the flowers.

3. Secure the flowers: Once you are happy with the arrangement, use a clear adhesive, such as Mod Podge, to gently attach the flowers to the glass. Apply a thin coat of glue to the back of each flower and press it onto the glass. Be careful not to use too much adhesive, as it may show through the flowers.

Step 4: Add Extra Decoration (Optional)

To add more personalization to your frame, you can include some additional decorations, such as:

• Dried leaves or petals: Complement the flowers by adding small leaves or petals for a more natural look.

• Gold leaf accents: You can apply thin sheets of gold leaf around the flowers for a touch of elegance.

• Quotes or small embellishments: If you want a more unique touch, consider adding a short quote or a small decorative element, like ribbons or lace, to the frame.

Step 5: Assemble the Frame

Once the flowers are secured and any additional decorations are in place, let the glue dry completely before proceeding. Once dry, carefully place the glass back into the frame and secure the backing.

1. Secure the frame: Make sure everything is properly in place. If necessary, adjust the flowers or backing to ensure the frame sits correctly.

2. Display your creation: Once everything is secured, your floral-pressed picture frame is ready to be displayed. Place a photograph or art piece behind the glass, and you’re all set to enjoy your unique, nature-inspired artwork.

Tips for Success:

• Use tweezers: Pressed flowers can be delicate, and using tweezers helps prevent them from getting damaged when handling them.

• Keep flowers flat: The flatter the flower, the better it will look once placed in the frame. Choose flowers that naturally have a flat structure for best results.

• Experiment with colors and sizes: Use a variety of flower colors and sizes to create a more dynamic, visually appealing frame.

• Preserve your creation: To ensure your pressed flowers stay vibrant, keep the frame out of direct sunlight. Excessive sun exposure can cause the flowers to fade over time.

Conclusion

Making a DIY floral-pressed picture frame is a simple yet rewarding craft project that adds a personalized touch to any space. Whether you’re creating a gift for someone special or just enhancing your home decor, the pressed flowers in your frame will bring a natural and artistic element to your surroundings.