A month or so back there was an article about how to press flowers. Remember that one? In that article I promised the examples of how to use the beautiful spring flowers you preserved and here it is.
Pressed Flowers make a great Mother's Day gift! They can be decoupaged onto sturdy paper to make a card or framed artwork, they can be decoupaged directly onto glass in a frame, and they can be put onto a nice box giving it an instant upgrade.
Supplies Needed:
- Pressed Flowers/leaves - store bought or home pressed
- Wide paint brush
- Decoupage medium (Modge Podge is a common brand and is at dollar stores sometimes, Michaels, always).
- If you don't have official decoupage medium, take school glue and add a small amount of water so it is just fluid enough to "paint" with.
- Base item such as a nice box, empty picture frame, or sturdy piece of paper you can then use for a card or put in a frame. The item can be brand new or something you already have at home, just make sure it's clean and has a flat surface. You can get fairly creative with what you will decoupage. Even the smooth back of a hairbrush could look really pretty with small flowers decoupaged on and that would make a beautiful gift.
- Covered work space
- Toothpick
- Crayons and paper you can use to write a message and add in as a decoration, optional.
- Other small flat trim such as ribbon, optional.
Instructions:
- Using crayons (not markers!) write a special message or draw a picture. In the example photos below, the pink heart is made with crayon on pink paper. This step is optional.
- Plan the layout of your items - flowers, leaves, trims, paper message... They need to lay flat and they can not hang out over the edge.
- With your paintbrush, put a thin layer of decoupage medium on the surface you will be decorating. Cover the entire surface.
- Carefully place your items on the glue. Go only one layer at a time. If items will overlap, put on only the item that will be in the back in this step. Use the toothpick to adjust the placement of your items and to pick out any little bits that break off and look messy.
- Paint a thin layer of decoupage medium over these first items to seal them in place. Work gently so the brush does not move anything and make sure to re-cover the entire surface.
- If you have a second layer of items you want to add, then now is the time to place them on the surface. In the example you will see that the plants were put on as a first step and then the ribbon was added as a second layer. Once the second layer of items are in place, then re cover the whole surface again to seal it in. Use the toothpick again as needed to get little bits out of the glue so it's perfect looking.
- If this is an item like a box that will be handled regularly, then after about 10 minutes apply another layer of the decoupage medium. If it will be in a frame then there is no need for an additional layer.
- You are Almost Done! Wash the brush with soap and water before it dries out and damages the brush. Let the item dry for about 30 minutes and the whiteness will turn clear and it will be ready to give as a gift, making someone very happy.
If you like the idea of a handmade gift but want to make something else, consider the Kids Class WHAM is offering on Sat., May 10th. Class participants will make a pretty flower project they can give as a gift to Mom or Grandma. Here are the details.
Not everyone has the time or interest in making a Handmade Gift. If that is you, I scouted out some sources giving a range of great gift suggestions that can be purchased. Or, better yet, do both making the decorated box and putting the purchased gift inside!
Good Housekeeping
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/mothers-day/g511/mothers-day-gifts-2025/
Oprah
https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/g40645733/best-gifts-for-her/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_bg_opr_d_bm_comm_org_us_g40645733&msclkid=c19a16dcec6418de493b7ed30f75d22f
CNN
https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/gifts/editors-picks-mothers-day-gifts-2025
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/b/mothers-day-gifts/_/N-1pes
