Ingredients
- 1/2 cup clear-drying school glue (such as Elmer's clear glue)
- 1 smooth plastic sheet (at least 8 inches by 8 inches)
- 6 to 10 small pressed or fully dried flowers and leaves (each no larger than 1 inch across)
- 1 small disposable cup (at least 6 fluid ounces)
- 1 wooden craft stick (about 4 1/2 inches long)
- 2 wooden toothpicks
- 1 small paintbrush (about 1/4 inch wide)
- 1 pencil
- 1 round lid or bowl (about 4 1/2 inches across)
- 1 piece of cotton cord (10 inches long)
- 1 small piece of wax paper (6 inches by 6 inches)
- 1 sheet of plain white paper (8 inches by 8 inches)
- 1 small pair of scissors
- 1 reusable table covering (at least 24 inches by 24 inches)
- 1 pair of disposable nitrile gloves (optional)
- 1 small roll of painter's tape (about 1 inch wide)
Instructions
- Cover the work table with a reusable cloth or opened grocery bag.
- Place the white paper on the table to visualize the shape clearly.
- Set the plastic sheet over the white paper and hold it in place with painter's tape.
- Trace a circle of about 4 1/2 inches across using the round lid.
- Pour 1/2 cup of clear-drying glue into the disposable cup and stir slowly for about 20 seconds.
- Pour the glue inside the traced circle, keeping it about 1/8 inch deep, and guide it with a small paintbrush.
- Arrange the 6 to 10 dried flowers and leaves in the glue while it's still glossy, pressing each piece gently.
- Check for and pop any bubbles around the flower edges using a toothpick.
- Lay the wax paper over the arrangement loosely to protect it from dust.
- Let the first layer dry for 12 to 18 hours until it feels firm.
- Use the remaining glue to add a second thin layer, spreading it from the center outward.
- Place the cotton cord across the top edge while the second layer is wet, embedding ends with a bit of glue.
- Let the finished panel dry flat for another 24 to 30 hours, away from dust and direct heat.
- Once firm, peel the plastic sheet away slowly and trim any glue strings with scissors.
Notes
Work in a well-ventilated area and keep glue away from eyes and mouths. Children ages 8 and up can help with supervision.
