Ingredients
- 1 clear glass jar or straight-sided votive holder, 3 to 4 inches tall and about 3 inches wide
- 6 to 10 pressed flowers and small leaves, each between 1/2 inch and 1 1/2 inches wide
- 2 fluid ounces of water-based, matte or satin decoupage medium, such as Mod Podge
- 1 small white or soft natural-bristle paintbrush, 1/2 inch wide
- 1 detail paintbrush, 1/8 inch wide
- 1 pair of blunt-tip tweezers, about 4 inches long
- 1 wooden toothpick, 1
- 1 small sheet of plain white paper, about 8 1/2 by 11 inches
- 1 lint-free cloth, about 12 inches square
- 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol, 70 percent, for cleaning the glass
- 1 small dish, about 3 inches wide, for the decoupage medium
- 1 disposable table covering, at least 24 by 36 inches
- 1 pair of nitrile or household cleaning gloves, optional
- 1 battery-operated LED tea light, 1
Instructions
- Prepare the glass. Put on your gloves if you use them, then wash the jar with warm water and dish soap. Dry it completely.
- Remove lingering oil. Dampen the lint-free cloth with the rubbing alcohol and wipe the outside of the jar. Let it air-dry.
- Plan the arrangement. Lay the flowers on the plain paper and make a loose pattern before adding any medium.
- Handle the flowers gently. Pick up each piece with the blunt-tip tweezers, holding it near the center.
- Brush on a thin base layer. Pour about 1 teaspoon of decoupage medium into the small dish. Use the 1/2-inch brush to apply a thin patch slightly larger than the first flower.
- Place and smooth the flower. Set the flower onto the wet patch with the tweezers. Touch the center lightly with the toothpick, then smooth outward with the detail brush.
- Build the pattern in small sections. Repeat the base layer and placement process for all flowers and leaves.
- Let the first coat settle. Wait 20 minutes before adding more medium over the flowers.
- Add the protective coat. Use the detail brush to spread a very thin layer over each flower.
- Fix small mistakes without panic. If a flower shifts, lift it carefully with the toothpick while the medium is still wet.
- Finish the rim and base carefully. Wipe away any medium that reaches the top rim or bottom edge with a barely damp cloth.
- Dry, inspect, and clean up. Leave the holder undisturbed for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, until the finish feels clear and dry.
Notes
Use battery-operated LED tea lights only due to fire safety concerns. Keep materials out of reach of small children.
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
