Pressed Flower Coasters

Make your fresh-cut flowers last with acrylic coasters.

Photography by Brian Francis

Inspiration abounds this month as the colors of nature come to life. It’s the perfect time to invite friends over and capture the beauty of the outdoors with May’s Unwind & Design project, pressed-flower coasters. All you need are fresh blooms from your garden (or ask guests to bring their favorites), a few supplies from Lowe’s, and friends to join the fun.

Good to Know

The day before your Unwind & Design guests arrive, place the flowers between the pages of a hardbound book to help them stay flat in the coasters. Use Mom’s favorite flowers to create a colorful Mother’s Day gift.

Step-by-Step

Wearing gloves and safety glasses, cut the 8- x 10-inch acrylic sheets into four 31∕2-inch squares. To cut the sheets, use a framing square as a guide and score several times with a utility knife. Fold the sheets slowly at the score line. You also can ask a Lowe’s employee to cut the pieces for you.
Sand the edges of the squares using a metal file until smooth. Remove the stems from the flowers and leaves. (Flat leaves or thin blooms will work best.)
Using a glue gun, apply a small dot of glue on the underside of the petals and leaves, and then attach them to the first square.
Apply a small dot of glue to each corner of the first square. Place the second square on top, and press the corners to secure.
Final

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