Beautiful Pressed Flower Lanterns
Pressed flower lanterns take little time to make, and they add such a classic charm to a table or desk. With just a few dried flowers and the glassware of your choice, you can make beautiful decor to enjoy all spring and summer.
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Easy Pressed Flower Lantern Craft
Pressed flowers can quickly upgrade a plain glass jar into trendy cottage decor, and you won’t need any fancy tools for this easy summer craft. If you’ve never used decoupage on glass, this is your sign to start.
These pretty lanterns make great table centerpieces for summer parties or outdoor weddings. If you’re planning a summer wedding, you can also pair them with pressed flower table numbers.
Kids can easily make lanterns as gifts for teachers, family, and friends, and it’s ideal for a budget-friendly craft night with friends. Everyone will be thrilled to walk away with a gorgeous candle holder!
Read on for the full tutorial and tips on where to find pressed flowers. For more fun with Oui yogurt jars, check out these coastal glass jar crafts.
Supplies for this project
- Glass jar (Oui jar, mason jar, or food jar)
- Mod Podge Multi
- Dried flowers or leaves
- Paintbrush
- Tweezers (optional)
- Votive candle or tea light
- Ribbon or twine (optional)
How do I make pressed flowers?
I’m a big fan of pressing flowers at home. It’s a beautiful way to preserve blooms from your backyard garden, and kids love pressing flowers as part of their summer bucket list.
Check out my guide on how to press flowers to learn the basics. You can also make a DIY flower press in minutes if you plan to do more dried flower crafts.
Another great option is microwave flower pressing, which offers the best combination of speed and quality. I have a reader discount for my favorite microwave press below.
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Favorite Flowers to Press
- Daisies
- Violas
- Pansies
- Cosmos
- Calendula
- Queen Anne’s Lace
Where can I buy pressed flowers?
When you’re short on time, you can buy pressed flowers instead. Amazon sells a wide variety of pressed flowers in every color imaginable. You can get sets with variations of a single color or choose from multi-color collections like the ones below.
Etsy also sells dried flower bundles, and you can find a limited variety at local craft stores like Michaels and Hobby Lobby.
Where can I find glassware?
For this project, you can use a mason jar or upcycle a glass jar from the grocery store. I used Oui yogurt jars because they can easily fit a tea light or votive candle. (Plus, the yogurt is delicious.)
Dollar Tree is also a great source of cheap glassware. I’ve used dollar store products for both etching glass and laser engraving glass. You wouldn’t believe the results!
Tip
Use non-tapered glass jars with a smooth surface when applying pressed flowers. Avoid using mason jars with raised designs or ridges.
What type of glue works best for pressed flowers?
When crafting with pressed flowers, acid-free glue works best. For this project, I’m using two formulas of Mod Podge Multi: Matte and Gloss.
For a frosted finish with minimal luster, use the Matte formula. The Gloss formula, on the other hand, has a slightly shiny, more transparent finish. Both techniques look beautiful, in my opinion.
To compare the formulas, see the photo below. The middle candle holder has a gloss finish while the other two have a matte finish.
The Multi Mod Podge formula has a durable, weather-resistant finish for glass, ceramics, wood, metal, canvas, fabric, and terra cotta. You can see another example of this formula in my clay jewelry dish tutorial.
What type of candle should I use?
To complete your lantern, add tea light candles or votive candles. Either wax or battery-operated LED candles will work. Scented candles can also add to the beauty of pressed flower lanterns.
The best part about these mini lanterns is they look just as stunning during the day as they do with the soft glow of candles at night.
Helpful Tips
- Choose flowers with a single layer of petals and small centers for the best results.
- Test your flowers before you begin. Some flowers (like roses) may have too much bulk to lie flat against the jar.
- Use a small paintbrush to add a bit of Mod Podge between layers of petals if they won’t lie flat.
- For visual interest, try mixing single flowers with long-stemmed flowers around the jar.
- Add handles or a wooden lid as a finishing touch if you plan to give pressed flower lanterns as gifts.
Be sure to pin this post for later, and check out my full collection of dried flower crafts for more ideas and inspiration.
Pin it for later
Easy Pressed Flower Lantern
Equipment
- Flower press optional
- Scissors
- Tweezers
Supplies
- 1 glass jar
- 7-10 pressed flowers
- 1 votive candle or tea light candle
- Mod Podge Multi
- ribbon or twine (optional)
Instructions
- If you plan to use an old food jar, remove any labels and wash the jar thoroughly. I recommend using a product like Goo Gone to remove glue residue after peeling away the labels.
- Using a paintbrush, add a thin layer of Mod Podge to the jar.
- Place a flower onto the jar, and gently press it in place. Continue working in small areas adding Mod Podge and flowers until the design is complete. If a stem is too long, you can trim it with scissors.
- Add another layer of Mod Podge around the jar covering both the flowers and any open areas of the jar. This will give a uniform finish to the lantern. Wait for the jar to finish drying 2 hours before applying additional coats.
- Allow the jar to dry for about 20 minutes before handling, and wait 2 hours before applying additional coats of Mod Podge, if desired.
- For an extra embellishment, wrap a piece of ribbon or jute twine around the rim of the jar and tie a bow.
- Place a small candle inside your glass jar, and enjoy the warm glow of your pressed flower lantern.
Hi! Did you use gloss or matte finish mod podge? Thanks!
Hello! I used both gloss and matte finish. The jar with the yellow flowers was gloss, and the other two were matte. I felt like the gloss formula had better color retention over time.
I loved making one of those pressed flower lanterns, however, I’ve been reading that if you use any kind of a candle, the Mod Podge will melt….is that true?
Hi Cathy! Regular Mod Podge would not be heat-resistant, but the Mod Podge Multi formulas I shared in the article (https://amzn.to/3Y00fPd) are heat-resistant because they are designed to be dishwasher-safe. I’d suggest using LED candles to play it safe if you’re unsure about the formula you’re using. Hope that helps! Thanks for the nice rating!
Those are absolutely beautiful. I was thinking of making things like that when I saw one my sister made at her house over the weekend. My only concern is & I hope you have the answer to it…..does the tea light candle when lit melt the Mod Podge?
Thanks, Cathy! The Mod Podge formula I used claims to be dishwasher safe, so I think it can withstand considerable heat. I haven’t noticed any issues, but I also don’t leave the candle burning for long periods of time. Another good alternative is using LED votive candles. Then you don’t have to worry! Hope this helps.
Hi, can I use small plastic jars?
Yes, that should work as well. Enjoy!
These are simply lovely, Crissy! I love the light touch you have with the flowers, and how they are scattered, but still symmetrical. You have a great eye! These DIY pressed flower lanterns would be perfect for a bridal shower or baby shower favor! Pinned!
Thanks so much, Julie! I appreciate your kind words. I love that this craft is simple enough for people of all ages to make. Thanks for stopping by and pinning too!
Gorgeous mementos of spring!!!
Aw, thanks CiCi! They are so easy to make. I hope you try making some this summer!
I LOVE this idea! . . . and so easy! Instructions are an A+++.
Thanks so much, Paula! I’m glad you like it and hope you have fun making some lanterns soon.