It seems to me , that summer nights should be filled with warm breezes and the gentle glow of lanterns. So, why not bring a touch of nature and creativity to your indoor or outdoor decor with DIY pressed flower summer lanterns? These beautiful lanterns, made with smooth glass jars, matte Mod Podge, dried pressed flowers, and fairy lights or candles, are the perfect way to illuminate your summer evenings with a soft glow. Not only are they fun to make, but they also add an elegant, handcrafted touch to your garden, patio, or home.
Materials You'll Need
Dried pressed flowers (you can press your own or purchase pre-pressed flowers)
A brush for applying the glue
Fairy lights or a regular/battery-powered candle
Optional: Ribbon or twine for additional decoration
Steps to Create Your Pressed Flower Lanterns
1. Prepare Your Workspace
Start by laying down some newspaper or a protective covering on your work surface. Gather all your materials so that everything is within reach.
2. Select and Arrange Your Flowers
Choose the dried pressed flowers you want to use. Arrange them on the jar without any adhesive first to get a sense of how you want your design to look. Play around with different arrangements until you find one you love. {Dried Flower Kit} - 1 of these kits, covers approx. two 16-oz jars
3. Apply the Mod Podge
Using the brush, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the area of the jar where you will place your first flower. Do this in sections or the glue will dry before you get to apply your flowers. Be careful not to use too much, as you want a smooth surface for the flowers to adhere to.
4. Place the Flowers
Carefully place the pressed flowers onto the Mod Podge-coated area. Press gently to ensure they stick well. Use tweezers If needed to gently pick up and place flowers. Continue this process, adding more flowers and Mod Podge as needed, until you have covered the desired area of the jar with flowers.
5. Seal the Flowers
Once all the flowers are in place, apply another thin layer of Mod Podge over the top of the flowers to seal them. This will help protect the flowers and keep them in place. Make sure the Mod Podge is applied evenly and smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles with the brush. It's best to go from the flower center, outward.
6. Let It Dry
Allow the jar to dry completely. This might take a few hours, so be patient. You can leave the jar overnight to ensure it is thoroughly dried.
7. Add Your Lights
Once the Mod Podge is dry, place your fairy lights or candle inside the jar. If you are using fairy lights, arrange them so that they spread light evenly throughout the jar. If you are using a candle, make sure it is stable and secure.
8. Add Final Touches
You can tie a ribbon or twine around the neck of the jar. This adds a charming detail and can help to hide any imperfections at the top of the jar.
9. Enjoy Your Lanterns
Now, all that’s left is to find the perfect spot for your beautiful lanterns. Place them on your patio, hang them in your garden, or use them as a centerpiece for a dinner party.
Tips and Tricks
Pressing Your Own Flowers: If you want to press your own flowers, place them between two sheets of parchment paper and put them inside a heavy book. Add more books on top to apply pressure. Leave them for about a week to ensure they are completely dry.
Choosing the Right Flowers: Thin, delicate flowers like pansies, violets, and ferns work best for pressing and adhering to the jars. Avoid using thick, bulky flowers or long stems, as they are harder to stick and may not lay flat.
Layering Mod Podge: For a more durable lantern, you can apply multiple layers of Mod Podge, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next. This creates a stronger seal and protects the flowers better.
Creating DIY pressed flower summer lanterns is a delightful and elegant way to add a personal touch to your summer decor. These lanterns capture the beauty of nature and the creativity of crafting, bringing a warm and inviting glow to any space. Whether you're hosting a garden party, enjoying a quiet evening on the patio, or looking for a charming gift idea, these lanterns are sure to impress. So gather your materials, unleash your creativity, and light up your summer nights with these beautiful, handcrafted lanterns.
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