Pressed Flower Bookmarks
This pressed flower bookmark DIY turns fresh blooms into unique, handmade bookmarks—perfect as gifts or for adding natural charm to your reading routine.
Equipment
- Lighter
- Paint Brushes and Sponges
- Mod Podge Matte
- Tweezers
Ingredients
- cardstock 8.5 x 11 inches
- hand crafted paper
- pressed flowers
- water
- ribbon and twine
Instructions
- Cut the cardstock into strips measuring approximately 2½ inches x 6½ inches. Set aside.
- Fold the hand-crafted paper in half, to make two sections, measuring 2 inches x 6 inches. Each hand-crafted paper will make 2 bookmarks.
- Instead of cutting the paper with scissors, we are going to tear it along the middle to create a look that is similar to the edges. To do this, open the paper back up and fold it back on the same edge that you just made.
- Repeat this step a few times to weaken the paper. With your finger, you can brush a little bit of water along the edge to help soften the edge. Be careful to not get the paper too wet. A little water works perfectly.
- When it is ready to tear, slowly tear along the middle seam.
- For an optional, rustic feel, you can *carefully* use a lighter along the edges to create a unique look. Have a little water handy because this paper is very fibrous and the flame can quickly spread further than you would think! USE CAUTION.
- On one side of the hand-crafted paper, brush a thin layer of Mod Podge.
- Press the side with glue on the cardstock bookmark, right in the middle. You should have even spacing all around the white, hand-crafted paper.
- Allow the Mod Podge to dry. If you notice that the bookmark tries to curl a little while drying, gently bend it in the opposite direction. You can also place it under a heavy book to encourage it to lay flat.
- Once dry, brush a thin layer of Mod Podge on the top of the hand-crafted paper where you would like to place the pressed flowers.
- Use tweezers to help grab and place the pressed flowers. They are tiny and delicate!
- Allow the Mod Podge to dry, and then dab a thin layer of Mod Podge on top of the pressed flowers using a sponge. The Mod Podge will dry clear!
- Once the top layer of Mod Podge is dry, use a hole punch to punch a hole through the top of your bookmark, leaving about ¾ inch headspace.
- Tie a ribbon through the hole, and carefully heat treat the ends of the ribbon with a lighter by brushing the flame quickly by the cut edges. This will keep the ends from fraying. Enjoy your new handmade bookmark!
Notes
Pressing flowers properly: To prevent mold and discoloration, use a heavy book or a flower press and let the flowers dry completely for 1 to 2 weeks.
Handle delicate flowers with care: Use tweezers to position your flowers on the bookmark, as they’re fragile and can break easily. Tweezers give you more precision and keep oils from your fingers off the flowers.
Apply Mod Podge in thin, even layers: For best results, use a sponge brush to apply a thin layer of Mod Podge both under and over the flowers. This helps create a smooth, clear finish without streaks or bubbles.
Smooth out any bubbles immediately: After applying Mod Podge, smooth them out with your brush or finger before they dry. Bubbles can distort the flowers and affect the overall look.
Let each layer of Mod Podge dry fully: Allow each layer to dry completely to prevent cloudiness. This also keeps flowers from shifting and gives a polished finish.
Handle delicate flowers with care: Use tweezers to position your flowers on the bookmark, as they’re fragile and can break easily. Tweezers give you more precision and keep oils from your fingers off the flowers.
Apply Mod Podge in thin, even layers: For best results, use a sponge brush to apply a thin layer of Mod Podge both under and over the flowers. This helps create a smooth, clear finish without streaks or bubbles.
Smooth out any bubbles immediately: After applying Mod Podge, smooth them out with your brush or finger before they dry. Bubbles can distort the flowers and affect the overall look.
Let each layer of Mod Podge dry fully: Allow each layer to dry completely to prevent cloudiness. This also keeps flowers from shifting and gives a polished finish.
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