Easy DIY Pressed Flower Bookmark
We have avid readers in our house, so I’ve become obsessed with bookmarks lately. Making a pressed flower bookmark takes only a few minutes, and the result is so dreamy and beautiful. I think it’s the perfect handmade gift for any book lover.
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How to Make a Pressed Flower Bookmark
Sure, you can save your spot in a book with a random scrap of paper, ripped from some bill that came in the mail today. But how much better would it be to have one of these beauties?
This is “part two” of a pressed flower bookmark series. (Like I said, I’m a bit obsessed.)
In the first tutorial, I used stickers that resemble mason jars to create pressed flower bookmarks (extra kid-friendly). Today I’m onto the more traditional bookmark style.
I plan to use both types of DIY bookmarks as stocking stuffers. This project is one of the easiest crafts I’ve done with dried flowers, and there are many things I’ve tried, from pressed flower lanterns to pressed flower wall art.
Check out my collection of pressed flower crafts for more project ideas!
Where do I find pressed flowers?
Pressing flowers is a craft in and of itself, and it’s so rewarding. If you’d like to learn about the best methods for beginners, start with my tutorial on how to press flowers.
There are four main approaches to pressing flowers:
- Book press method using heavy books and placing parchment paper between the pages.
- Microwave method using a Microfleur flower press. (Save 10% with the code FIRSTDAYOFHOME.)
- Wooden flower press with blotting paper and cardboard.
- Household iron method using parchment paper (my least favorite method).
For those short on time, you can buy one of the pressed flower bundles below. The quality of these bundles does not disappoint. Many include a pair of tweezers, which come in handy when placing delicate flowers.
Bookmark Supplies
- Pressed flowers or pressed leaves
- Acrylic bookmarks
- Tassels
- Mod Podge Matte or Mod Podge Multi
- Paintbrush
Note: I specifically chose the acrylic bookmarks above because they have an extra wide opening, giving you the option to use either a tassel or ribbon.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Apply a base coat of Mod Podge
Before you begin, remove the protective film on one side of the bookmark.
It helps to arrange flowers beforehand to preview the design and make sure it fits. Then, using a paintbrush, cover the entire side of the bookmark with a thin layer of Mod Podge.
Step 2: Press flowers onto the bookmark
If your flowers are pre-arranged, simply press the sticky side of the bookmark down to “pick up” the flowers. Then use your fingertips to press all petals and stems into the glue.
Otherwise, you can place the flowers individually, making sure the “good side” is facing the glue. If you decide to layer your flowers, add a dab of Mod Podge in between layers.
Step 3: Seal the bookmark with a top coat of Mod Podge
After 20-30 minutes, once the glue has completely dried, apply a top coat of Mod Podge. This serves as a sealer to prevent the flowers from lifting.
If you’d like to add more shimmer, you can also use Mod Podge Extreme Glitter or Mod Podge Sparkle for the top coat.
Laminating Alternative
If you own a laminating machine, you can also create pressed flower bookmarks with laminate sheets or laminated pouches. Then use scissors to trim the bookmarks to size before adding a single hole punch for a tassel. This is a great option for a classroom setting.
Step 4: Peel away the remaining liner
Once the top coat of Mod Podge has dried, peel away the remaining layer of protective film.
Step 5: Add a tassel
I love this bundle of tassels which includes every color of the rainbow. If there’s a craft needing tassels, I’m adding it to my list because I have lots of tassels left over.
For my pressed flower bookmarks, I decided to go with a monochromatic color theme and matching tassel. You can always mix and match colors and experiment to see which scheme you like best.
Let me know which color combination you like best, and feel free to tag me on Instagram
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I am confused. Are there two pieces to the bookmark an you layer the flowers between them?
Hi Janice. Thanks for reaching out. I’ll try to clarify that a bit more in the instructions. In the meantime, here’s a video clip that I’ve queued up where I walk through this whole tutorial. I think it will help demonstrate it better. https://youtu.be/9ya6LJ65UnU?si=tMGwElIRoFgmQUEW&t=369 Let me know if you still have questions after watching this. -Crissy
I’m very confused by this. I bought the bookmarks you recommended on Amazon. I peeled Off one side of the protective coating, Apply a layer of Modge podge, Then I pressed my dried flowers into it. Are the flowers supposed to be exposed? How do they not get damaged? And then you say to peel off the other protective coating. Do you mean the one on the other side of the bookmark?
Hi Joan! Sorry for the confusion. Here’s a quick summary: 1) Remove the protective layer on one side of the bookmark. 2) Apply Mod Podge on that same side. 3) Place the flowers FACE DOWN on the Mod Podge. (They will show through on the other side once the Mod Podge dries. 4) After the Mod Podge dries, add a top coat of Mod Podge to protect the exposed back of the flowers. 5) After everything is dry, you can remove the protective film on the other side of the bookmark. I only leave that film on to keep it from getting scratched while I’m working, but you could remove both layers of film at the same time if you prefer. I hope this helps! I’ll go back and clarify the part about removing the other protective layer. Thanks for the feedback. -Crissy