How to Make a DIY Floral-Pressed Glass Coaster

Creating a DIY floral-pressed glass coaster is a simple and beautiful craft project that can add a personal touch to your home decor. Pressed flower designs can capture the natural beauty of the outdoors and turn them into functional art pieces. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make your own floral-pressed glass coasters:

Materials Needed:

• Clear glass coasters or glass tiles (4×4 inch works well)

• Fresh flowers (small, flat flowers like daisies, violets, and pansies work best)

• Parchment paper

• Heavy books or a flower press

• Mod Podge or resin (for sealing)

• Paintbrush

• Scissors

• Tweezers (optional)

• Clear adhesive or super glue

• Gloves (optional)

Step 1: Gather Your Flowers

Start by collecting fresh flowers from your garden or a local florist. It’s essential to pick flowers that are flat and small so they can be pressed easily without losing their shape. Flowers like daisies, violets, and pansies are perfect, but you can experiment with any type you like. Ensure the flowers are clean and free of excess water.

Step 2: Press the Flowers

To preserve the flowers, you’ll need to press them. You can use a flower press, a heavy book, or a dedicated flower-pressing kit. Here’s how to do it with a book:

1. Lay your flowers flat on a piece of parchment paper.

2. Carefully place another sheet of parchment paper over the flowers to avoid direct contact with the book.

3. Put the flowers between two pages of the book, ensuring that they are not overlapping.

4. Close the book and place additional heavy books or weights on top to press the flowers. Leave them in a dry, cool area for 1-2 weeks.

After the flowers are pressed and dry, carefully remove them from the paper. They should feel papery and brittle to the touch.

Step 3: Cut and Arrange the Flowers

Using scissors, carefully trim the flowers to fit within the size of your glass coaster. Arrange the flowers creatively, ensuring they will fit well inside the glass. You can layer flowers, create a single flower design, or scatter smaller flowers for a more natural look. Tweezers can help you with delicate flower placement.

Step 4: Prepare the Glass Coaster

Ensure that your glass coaster or tile is clean and free of any dust or grease. Use a soft cloth to wipe down the surface. If you’re using clear glass coasters, ensure they are completely transparent to highlight the pressed flowers beautifully.

Step 5: Apply the Mod Podge or Resin

Once your design is ready, you’ll need to use a sealing medium to keep the flowers in place. Mod Podge is an easy-to-use, water-based adhesive, while resin will give a glossy finish and a more durable result. Here’s how to use both options:

Using Mod Podge:

1. Use a paintbrush to apply a thin layer of Mod Podge onto the glass coaster.

2. Gently place your pressed flowers onto the adhesive, arranging them according to your design.

3. Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge over the top of the flowers, carefully covering them completely. Be gentle to avoid displacing the flowers.

4. Allow the Mod Podge to dry for a few hours, then apply another layer of Mod Podge for extra protection. Repeat the process until the flowers are sealed completely and there’s a smooth, glossy finish.

Using Resin:

1. Follow the instructions on your resin package to mix the resin and hardener in equal parts.

2. Pour a thin layer of resin onto the glass coaster.

3. Carefully place your pressed flowers onto the resin layer.

4. Use a toothpick or small tool to adjust the flowers, if needed.

5. Pour another layer of resin over the flowers, ensuring they are completely covered.

6. Allow the resin to cure as per the instructions, typically 24-48 hours, until it’s fully set.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Once your coaster is dry, check for any rough edges or uneven surfaces. If you used Mod Podge, you might need to lightly sand the edges if the finish feels too uneven. With resin, you might need to sand down any imperfections or smooth out the surface for a flawless finish.

For an added touch, you can apply felt pads or adhesive cork to the bottom of the coaster to protect furniture from scratches. Use a small square of felt or cork and glue it to the bottom of the glass coaster.

Step 7: Enjoy Your Floral-Pressed Glass Coasters

Once everything is set and dry, your floral-pressed glass coasters are ready to use! These coasters make excellent gifts, especially for special occasions like birthdays, weddings, or housewarming parties. They also provide a lovely, natural touch to your coffee table or dining room.

Tips and Variations:

• Use Dried Flowers: If fresh flowers aren’t available, you can also use dried flowers. Dried flowers might retain more color and texture, so they can add a different aesthetic to your coasters.

• Create a Matching Set: Try making a set of four matching coasters with different flower arrangements to create a cohesive look.

• Add Personal Touches: If you want to personalize the coasters, you can include small initials, quotes, or other decorative elements using fine-tip markers or stickers before applying the final resin or Mod Podge layer.

This DIY project is a great way to bring the beauty of nature into your home and enjoy the creativity that comes with pressing flowers and crafting personalized coasters. The combination of natural flowers and glossy glass creates a stunning and functional piece of art.