How to Make a DIY Floral-Pressed Phone Case

Creating a DIY floral-pressed phone case is a fun and creative way to personalize your phone while adding a touch of nature to it. Pressed flowers are delicate and beautiful, and when they’re incorporated into a custom phone case, they can create a stunning, unique accessory. Below is a simple, step-by-step guide on how to make your own floral-pressed phone case.

Materials You Will Need:

• Clear phone case (make sure it fits your phone model)

• Fresh flowers (small, delicate blooms work best, like daisies, pansies, lavender, or forget-me-nots)

• Parchment paper or a flower press

• Tweezers

• Scissors

• Mod Podge or resin (for sealing)

• Paintbrush (for applying the Mod Podge or resin)

• Baking paper (if you’re using resin for sealing)

• Clear epoxy resin (optional, for a glossy finish)

• A flat surface for drying

• A few small items like cardboard or heavy books to press flowers (if not using a flower press)

Step 1: Pressing the Flowers

The first step is to press the flowers. Fresh flowers are the best for this project as they retain their colors well after being pressed. The pressing process removes moisture, which ensures that your flowers remain intact and last longer.

1. Select Your Flowers: Choose flowers that are flat and have small, thin petals. Avoid thick, bulky flowers as they may not press properly or fit onto the case.

2. Prepare the Flowers: Trim the stems from your flowers to remove any excess that might not fit within the phone case. Gently separate the petals to ensure they lay flat during the pressing.

3. Press the Flowers:

   • Lay a piece of parchment paper or wax paper on a flat surface.

   • Arrange your flowers on the parchment, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not overlapping.

   • Place another piece of parchment paper over the flowers and press them with something heavy, like a book or a flower press. If using a flower press, follow the instructions to clamp the flowers tightly.

   • Leave the flowers pressed for at least 24 to 48 hours. The flowers should be dry and flat once you remove them from the press.

Step 2: Prepare the Phone Case

While the flowers are drying, it’s time to prepare the clear phone case. Clear cases work best because they allow the flowers to be the main focal point.

1. Clean the Case: Use a soft cloth to wipe the phone case clean of dust, fingerprints, and any oils that might interfere with the adhesion of the flowers.

2. Test the Layout: Lay your pressed flowers on the back of the phone case to get an idea of the arrangement. Play with the design until you’re happy with the layout. You can mix and match different flowers to create a variety of patterns, or stick with one type of flower for a minimalist design.

Step 3: Attach the Flowers

Once you have the arrangement set, it’s time to attach the pressed flowers to the case. There are two main options for this step: using Mod Podge or epoxy resin.

Option 1: Using Mod Podge (for a simple finish)

1. Apply Mod Podge: Using a clean paintbrush, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge onto the back of the phone case.

2. Place the Flowers: Carefully place the pressed flowers onto the Mod Podge layer, using tweezers to position them exactly where you want them. Make sure the flowers are well-aligned and not overlapping too much.

3. Seal with Mod Podge: Once the flowers are in place, gently paint a layer of Mod Podge over the flowers and around the edges to ensure they stay attached. Be careful not to smudge the flowers. Allow it to dry completely.

4. Let Dry: Leave the case to dry for at least 24 hours to ensure that the Mod Podge has completely set and the flowers are securely attached.

Option 2: Using Epoxy Resin (for a glossy, durable finish)

1. Prepare the Resin: Follow the instructions on the epoxy resin kit. Typically, you will need to mix the resin with a hardener in a 1:1 ratio.

2. Apply the Resin: Using a paintbrush or spatula, apply a thin layer of resin over the back of the case. Be cautious as resin can get sticky.

3. Place the Flowers: While the resin is still wet, carefully place your pressed flowers onto the surface. Press down gently to ensure they adhere to the resin.

4. Seal with Resin: After positioning the flowers, carefully cover them with a thin layer of resin. You may need to use a toothpick to adjust the flowers while the resin is still wet. Be sure to cover the flowers completely to seal them in the resin.

5. Drying Time: Let the case dry in a dust-free area for 24 to 48 hours. Ensure that the resin cures completely and is glossy. The case will feel hard to the touch when fully cured.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Once your case is dry and the flowers are securely attached, you can add some additional details or finish it off:

1. Edges: You can use a small amount of Mod Podge around the edges to give a clean, polished look. Or if you’re using resin, ensure the edges are smooth for a seamless finish.

2. Final Drying: If using Mod Podge, ensure it is completely dry before handling the case. If you used resin, give it an extra day to cure if needed.

3. Cleaning: Wipe the surface of the case with a microfiber cloth to remove any fingerprints or smudges.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Creation

Now that your DIY floral-pressed phone case is ready, simply slip it onto your phone and enjoy your beautiful, handmade design! The flowers will add a charming, nature-inspired touch, and since each case is unique, it will be a one-of-a-kind accessory.

Tips for Success:

• Use small, delicate flowers as they will press better and fit more easily onto the case.

• Experiment with different flower arrangements and colors to create a custom design that suits your style.

• Avoid overloading the case with too many flowers, as this may make it harder to apply resin or Mod Podge smoothly.

• If using resin, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves, as resin can be sticky and hard to remove from the skin.

Making a floral-pressed phone case is a simple and rewarding craft project that allows you to showcase your creativity and love for nature. Whether you choose Mod Podge for a matte look or resin for a glossy, durable finish, this personalized phone case is sure to be a conversation starter.