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

Making a DIY floral-pressed wooden tray is a fun and creative project that combines nature with craftsmanship. The beauty of this project lies in the ability to customize the tray using your favorite flowers and design elements, creating a unique piece of functional art. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a stunning floral-pressed wooden tray.

Materials Needed:

• Wooden tray (store-bought or handmade)

• Fresh flowers (roses, lavender, daisies, or any flowers of your choice)

• Parchment paper

• Heavy books or a flower press

• Mod Podge (or any other decoupage medium)

• Paintbrush

• Craft glue or wood adhesive

• Clear acrylic sealer

• Scissors

• Tweezers (optional)

• Sandpaper (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Flowers

Start by selecting the flowers you want to press. Fresh, vibrant flowers with flat petals work best for pressing. Consider the colors and types of flowers that will complement the wood of your tray. For this example, a mix of pressed daisies, lavender, and small roses can create a beautiful and calming look.

• Trim the stems of your flowers, leaving just enough to handle them.

• Lay the flowers flat between two pieces of parchment paper.

• Press the flowers by placing them inside a flower press or between the pages of heavy books. The pressing time may vary based on the type of flowers but usually takes between 5-7 days. Make sure they are completely dry and flattened before proceeding.

Step 2: Prepare the Wooden Tray

If you’ve purchased a wooden tray, you may want to lightly sand it to smooth out any rough edges and prepare the surface for the flowers and the decoupage medium. Use sandpaper for this step.

If you’re working with a raw wooden tray, you can leave it unfinished for a more rustic look or apply a wood stain to enhance the grain. Ensure that the wood is completely dry if you choose to stain or seal it before adding the flowers.

Step 3: Arrange the Pressed Flowers

Once your flowers are dried and flattened, you can start planning the design. Lay the pressed flowers on the tray in a pattern you like. This could be a symmetrical design, a random scatter, or even a frame around the edges of the tray.

• Use tweezers for delicate flowers to carefully arrange them in the desired position.

• Once you are happy with the arrangement, lightly glue each flower in place with craft glue. Make sure not to use too much glue as it could seep out around the flowers. Allow the glue to dry before moving to the next step.

Step 4: Apply Mod Podge

To ensure the flowers stay intact and secure, it’s essential to seal them with Mod Podge (or a similar decoupage medium). This will also give your tray a glossy finish.

• Using a paintbrush, carefully apply a thin layer of Mod Podge over the flowers. Be sure to cover the entire area of the flowers and the surrounding wood.

• Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying a second coat. This helps seal the flowers and the tray, making it more durable.

• You may apply 2-3 coats of Mod Podge, depending on the desired finish. Make sure each layer is dry before proceeding to the next one.

Step 5: Sealing the Tray

Once the Mod Podge has dried, you should seal the tray with a clear acrylic sealer to protect the flowers and wood. This step helps prevent any moisture from damaging the pressed flowers and gives the tray a more polished look.

• Spray or brush on a thin layer of clear acrylic sealer over the entire tray.

• Let the sealer dry completely, and if needed, apply a second coat.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Now that the tray is fully sealed, take a moment to inspect the entire piece. You may want to add decorative elements such as small beads, borders, or even handle embellishments.

• If your tray has handles, you can either paint them to match the floral design or add a metallic finish for a more elegant look.

• If you wish, you can add small wooden feet or felt pads to the bottom of the tray to prevent scratches when placed on surfaces.

Step 7: Enjoy Your DIY Floral-Pressed Wooden Tray

After the tray is fully dried and sealed, it is ready to use! The finished tray can serve as a functional piece for serving drinks, as a decorative centerpiece, or as a unique gift for someone special.

Tips and Ideas for Customization:

• Add Personal Touches: For a more personalized design, try using pressed flowers from your own garden or flowers that hold sentimental value.

• Use Different Flowers: Experiment with different types of flowers, such as wildflowers or succulents, for a more natural or bohemian look.

• Use Stencils or Paint: In addition to pressed flowers, you can use stencils or freehand paint designs around the flowers for added artistry.

• Incorporate Resin: For extra durability, you can pour a thin layer of resin over the entire tray instead of using Mod Podge.

Creating a DIY floral-pressed wooden tray allows you to blend your love of nature with your creative spirit. It’s an enjoyable project that results in a beautiful, one-of-a-kind piece you can display or use in your home.