DIY pressed flower tray

Materials:

• Microfleur flower press (or traditional flower press)
• Unfinished wood tray (available at Target or craft stores)
• Glass cut to fit inside tray (can be cut at most hardware stores)
• Matte finish Mod Podge
• White paint (latex or acrylic)
• Chip brush
• Small paint brush
• Scissors
• Roses

1. Paint tray: Using chip brush, paint wood tray with a couple of coats of white paint and set aside to dry.

2. Press flowers: Carefully pull petals from roses, working with one rose at a time to avoid wilting. Press in the microwave using the Microfleur flower press, following their instructions. If using a traditional flower press (or heavy books), the flowers will need to be pressed 3 weeks before using. Keep petals sorted by color.

3. Plan design: Plan the overall design by arranging the petals on the tray and then remove them before glueing. This will help you determine whether you have enough of each color or need to alter the design. Petals will be glued starting in the center of the design and radiating out.

4. Glue petals: Working in sections, brush Mod Podge onto tray and place petals. After glueing a few petals, brush Mod Podge on top and around the edges. Cover petals completely- the Mod Podge will dry clear.

5. Continue attaching petals: Continue glueing and coating petals until the tray is covered. Petals can be cut to fit where they meet the edge of the tray. If desired, glue a small pressed flower to the center of the design.

6. Coat finished design: Brush a top coat of Mod Podge over all of the petals. Allow to dry overnight before placing glass on top.

project by Jessica Pezalla of Bramble Workshop  |  Styling by Brittany Jepsen  |  photography by Anna Killian