How to Make a DIY Floral-Pressed Decorative Tray

Creating a DIY floral-pressed decorative tray is a simple and fun way to add a touch of nature to your home decor. This project allows you to preserve the beauty of flowers and use them as a functional piece of art. Whether you use it as a serving tray, jewelry holder, or simply a display piece, a floral-pressed tray adds a personalized and vibrant touch to any space. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to make your own floral-pressed decorative tray.

Materials Needed:

• A wooden tray or plain tray of your choice

• Fresh flowers (such as daisies, lavender, roses, or pressed leaves)

• Wax paper

• Heavy books or a flower press

• Scissors

• Mod Podge (or any craft glue)

• Paintbrush

• Clear acrylic sealer spray

• Optional: Glitter, decorative elements, or rhinestones for added embellishment

Step 1: Gather Fresh Flowers

Select the flowers you want to use. The beauty of floral-pressed projects is that you can use a wide variety of flowers, from bold, colorful blooms to delicate, soft petals. Some popular choices include pansies, violets, daisies, or even small wildflowers. You’ll want to pick flowers that are flat and have a simple shape so they are easy to press. Avoid flowers that have thick petals or stems, as they may not press well.

Step 2: Press the Flowers

Once you have your flowers, it’s time to press them to preserve their shape and color. There are a couple of methods to press flowers, but the most common and easiest is using a flower press or heavy books. Here’s how:

1. Lay the flowers on a piece of wax paper, ensuring they are spread out and not overlapping.

2. Carefully fold the wax paper over the flowers.

3. Place the wax paper with flowers between two pieces of parchment paper or blotting paper.

4. Put the flower-filled wax paper under a heavy book (or use a flower press if you have one).

5. Leave the flowers pressed for 1-2 weeks, depending on their thickness. After this time, check to ensure they are fully pressed and dried.

If you don’t have a flower press, the book method will work just fine, just make sure the flowers are placed flat between the paper and there’s sufficient weight applied to flatten them.

Step 3: Prepare the Tray

While the flowers are pressing, prepare your wooden tray. If you’ve purchased a plain wooden tray, you may want to paint or stain it before adding the flowers. This step is optional and depends on your style preferences.

1. Paint the tray in a color that complements the flowers you’ll be using. Neutral colors like white, beige, or light wood are great for showcasing bright florals.

2. Allow the paint or stain to dry completely before proceeding.

Step 4: Arrange the Pressed Flowers

Once your flowers are pressed and your tray is ready, it’s time to arrange the flowers on the tray. The arrangement is up to you; you can choose to create a uniform pattern or a more organic, free-form design. Here’s how to do it:

1. Take your pressed flowers and lay them out on the tray, testing different placements until you’re happy with the design.

2. You can create a border around the edges, scatter flowers randomly, or even form a central floral motif.

3. Feel free to add leaves or additional decorative elements such as small branches or dried petals for a layered effect.

Step 5: Glue the Flowers in Place

Once you’re satisfied with the design, use Mod Podge (or a similar craft glue) to secure the flowers to the tray. Here’s how:

1. Using a paintbrush, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the back of each flower or leaf.

2. Carefully place the flower on the tray, gently pressing down to secure it in place.

3. Repeat this process until all flowers are glued to the tray.

4. Once all flowers are attached, apply a thin coat of Mod Podge over the top of the flowers as well, ensuring that they are sealed and protected. This will help preserve the color and keep the flowers from peeling off over time.

Step 6: Seal the Tray

After the flowers have been glued and the Mod Podge has dried, it’s essential to protect the surface of the tray from wear and tear. Use a clear acrylic sealer spray to coat the entire tray, including the flowers. This will help ensure that the flowers don’t get damaged over time.

1. Lightly spray a coat of the acrylic sealer over the entire tray. Hold the spray can about 6-8 inches away from the surface to avoid excess build-up.

2. Allow the sealer to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Apply an additional coat of acrylic sealer for extra protection.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Once the sealer has dried completely, you can add any extra embellishments or final touches to your tray. You might want to add a touch of glitter around the edges or glue a few rhinestones for a bit of sparkle. Be creative and make the tray as unique as you like!

Step 8: Enjoy Your DIY Floral Tray

Now that your floral-pressed decorative tray is complete, you can use it as a stylish accent piece in your home. It makes a beautiful and functional piece of decor that can hold drinks, jewelry, keys, or serve as a stunning centerpiece. If you plan on using it for serving food or beverages, be sure to place a protective liner under your cups to avoid direct contact with the flowers, as they could become damaged with regular use.

Tips for Maintaining Your Tray:

• Avoid direct sunlight for extended periods to prevent the flowers from fading.

• Keep the tray dry and wipe it with a soft cloth if needed. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning methods.

• If you notice any flowers starting to lift, you can carefully apply a small amount of Mod Podge to reattach them.

Conclusion

Creating a DIY floral-pressed decorative tray is a simple and rewarding craft project that combines creativity with nature. By following these easy steps, you can make a unique, one-of-a-kind piece of home decor that adds a touch of beauty and elegance to your living space. Whether you use it as a tray for your favorite tea set or as a display piece on your coffee table, this floral-pressed tray is sure to be a conversation starter!