How to Make a DIY Floral-Pressed Serving Tray (1)

Creating a DIY floral-pressed serving tray is a fantastic way to add a personal touch to your home decor. The process combines the beauty of nature with the functionality of a stylish serving tray. Whether you want to gift it or keep it for your home, this project is simple and allows for a lot of creativity. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make your own floral-pressed serving tray.

Materials You’ll Need

1. Wooden Tray Base: You can buy a simple wooden tray or repurpose an old one.

2. Fresh Flowers or Leaves: Choose flowers and leaves that you find aesthetically pleasing. Pressed flowers work best, but you can experiment with different textures and colors.

3. Flower Press: You can use a traditional flower press or DIY your own using heavy books and parchment paper.

4. Mod Podge: A decoupage medium that helps seal and adhere the flowers to the surface.

5. Paint or Stain: Optional, for painting or staining the wooden tray.

6. Paintbrush: To apply the Mod Podge and the paint or stain.

7. Scissors: To trim the flowers to the desired shape and size.

8. Tweezers: Helpful for handling delicate flowers.

9. Clear Acrylic Spray Sealer: To protect your design and give the tray a glossy finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Choose and Prepare Your Flowers

Start by picking fresh flowers and leaves from your garden or florist. Opt for flowers that are not too thick or bulky, as they will press better and lie flatter. Some good options include daisies, violets, lavender, and smaller roses.

Place the flowers between sheets of parchment paper and press them using a flower press. If you don’t have a flower press, you can use heavy books. Simply lay the flowers between two pieces of parchment paper and place them in a book, then stack more books on top to apply pressure. Leave them for 3-4 days or until they are completely dry.

2. Prepare the Wooden Tray

If you’re using an unpainted wooden tray, consider giving it a new look with a coat of paint or stain. You can choose a neutral tone to allow the flowers to pop or a darker hue for a more rustic aesthetic. Apply your desired finish, allowing it to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

3. Arrange the Pressed Flowers

Once your flowers are dried, it’s time to arrange them on your tray. Start by laying them out in different patterns before committing to one arrangement. You can create a border around the edges, form a focal point in the center, or arrange them sporadically across the surface for a more casual, wildflower look.

Use scissors to trim any flowers or leaves to fit the shape of the tray. Tweezers can help place the flowers more precisely, especially for smaller or more delicate petals.

4. Adhere the Flowers

After finalizing the arrangement, it’s time to adhere the flowers to the tray. Using a paintbrush, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the surface of the tray. Carefully place each flower onto the Mod Podge-coated surface, ensuring they are well-positioned. You may need to gently press the flowers down to make sure they stick properly.

Once all the flowers are placed, apply another layer of Mod Podge over the top of them. Be gentle while brushing to avoid disturbing the delicate flowers. This will seal them in place and prevent any lifting over time. Allow this layer to dry completely.

5. Seal and Protect the Design

To ensure that your design lasts and remains beautiful, it’s important to seal the flowers with a clear acrylic spray sealer. This step will help protect the pressed flowers from wear and tear and make the surface more durable. Hold the spray can 6-8 inches away from the tray and apply a light, even coat. Let the sealer dry for a few hours, then apply a second coat if necessary.

6. Finishing Touches

Once the tray is completely dry, check for any spots where the flowers may have lifted or areas where the finish needs a touch-up. If everything looks perfect, give your tray a final cleaning with a soft cloth to remove any dust or excess Mod Podge.

Additional Tips for Personalization

1. Add Glitter or Small Embellishments: You can enhance the floral design with a sprinkle of glitter, small beads, or rhinestones to give the tray a more personalized and sophisticated touch.

2. Incorporate Different Media: Try mixing pressed flowers with other materials, such as fabric or paper cutouts, for a mixed-media effect.

3. Create a Matching Set: Consider making matching coasters or napkin holders using the same flowers and technique for a coordinated look.

Final Thoughts

A DIY floral-pressed serving tray is not only a beautiful and functional project, but it also makes for a thoughtful gift. Whether you decide to keep it for yourself or present it to someone special, this personalized piece will surely stand out. The best part is that you can customize it with your favorite flowers, colors, and arrangements to create a tray that truly represents your style.

Now that you know how to make a floral-pressed serving tray, gather your supplies and start crafting your own stunning, nature-inspired decor!