Ingredients
- 1 sheet of clear plastic, 8 inches by 10 inches
- 4 fluid ounces of clear-drying school glue or decoupage glue
- 3 to 5 pressed flowers, each about 1/2 inch to 2 inches wide
- 2 to 3 pressed leaves, each about 1 inch to 2 inches long
- 1 small bottle of white or pale craft paint, 2 fluid ounces, optional
- 1 small detail paintbrush, about 1/4 inch wide
- 1 small flat paintbrush, about 1/2 inch wide
- 1 disposable foam plate or 2 tablespoons of glue in a small dish for working
- 1 piece of wax paper, at least 8 inches by 10 inches
- 1 wooden skewer or toothpick, 1 each
- 1 pair of small scissors, 1 each
- 1 single-hole punch, 1 each
- 12 inches of cotton cord or narrow ribbon, 1 piece
- 4 pieces of painter's tape, each about 2 inches long
- 1 pair of disposable nitrile or vinyl gloves, 1 pair, optional
- 1 clean ruler, 12 inches long
Instructions
- Cover the table with wax paper and tape it at the corners.
- Measure and mark a 5 inch by 7 inch rectangle on the clear plastic and cut it out.
- Choose 3 to 5 pressed flowers and 2 to 3 leaves and arrange them on the plastic without glue, leaving at least 1/2 inch of open space around the edges.
- Pour about 2 tablespoons of clear-drying glue onto the disposable plate.
- Use the 1/2 inch brush to spread a thin coat of glue over the plastic, working from the middle toward the edges.
- Lift each flower and place it onto the wet glue, then smooth the petals outward with the clean brush.
- Brush a second thin layer of glue over the flowers and leaves, ensuring not to use thick glue.
- Look for bubbles and lifted corners, using the skewer to open bubbles and smooth areas.
- Let the first layer dry for 6 to 8 hours.
- Brush on a second thin coat of glue, covering the flowers and the open border.
- Let the finished panel dry for at least another 8 hours, then leave it undisturbed for 24 hours.
- Trim any uneven plastic edges with scissors.
- Punch a hole about 1/2 inch below the top edge, thread the cord through it, and tie a double knot.
Notes
Make sure each layer of glue dries thoroughly before applying the next coat to prevent cloudiness and to firmly secure the petals.
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
