Pressed Flower Lanterns

Bring some of the beauty of spring indoors with these gorgeous and easy Pressed Flower Lanterns!

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How to Make Pressed Flower Lanterns

This is a fun craft that only requires a few supplies. It’s easy for crafters of all ages, and the finished project is a gorgeous piece of home decor. These are perfect for any space, including dorm rooms, craft studios, and mantels, and they make great party decorations too!

Image contains two pressed flower lanterns.

Materials

clear glass jar (mine were 12 oz)
pressed flowers (you can press your own or order a beautiful variety)
Mod Podge (I used Satin finish) or Tombow MONO Aqua Liquid Glue
paintbrush
twine
tweezers (optional)
fairy lights (mine are warm white)

Instructions

Choose the particular flowers and/or leaves you’d like to use for your jar.

You’ll also want to decide if you’re going to create an all-over design, or just cover the lower part of the jar. As you can see, it creates two different effects!

Image contains two mason jars covered with assorted colors and styles of small pressed flowers.

Starting on one section of your jar, use a paintbrush to apply a thin coat of decoupage formula to the jar, then place your flowers on top.

I recommend using tweezers to pick up and place the flowers, because they’re very delicate. Continue working your way around the jar until all of the flowers are adhered where you want them.

Image contains Amy’s hand holding a paintbrush and applying decoupage formula to a clear jar covered in pressed flowers. A second floral jar sits nearby on a white table top.

Apply a coat of decoupage formula on top of the flowers.

Use your paintbrush and work very carefully, remembering that the petals are fragile. Don’t worry, though; if a petal does happen to fall off, you can usually glue it back in place.

Image contains Amy’s hand holding a jar covered with assorted pressed flowers and leaves against a white background.

Let your jar dry completely before moving on to the final steps. When you can touch it without getting sticky, you’re ready to move on.

Add twine.

Wrap a piece of twine around the top of the jar several times, then tie a bow on whichever side you’d like to use as the front of the lantern. You could also substitute colored ribbon for the twine.

Image contains Amy’s hand tying a twine bow around the top of a clear jar covered in pressed flowers. A roll of twine sits nearby on a white table.

Add fairy lights.

Place a string of lights inside the jar. Or, if you prefer, you could add a real or battery-operated candle instead.

Image contains two pressed flower lanterns on a white background.

These pressed flower lanterns are just as pretty in a dark or a bright room!

Image contains two lit pressed flower lanterns in a dark room.

Crafting Tips

Each jar you create will be totally unique because of the flowers and design you choose to use. Try using all kinds of color and style combinations and have fun seeing all the different looks you can create!
Change the look of the finished project by using different colored fairy lights.
Add some sparkle to your project by using Mod Podge Glitter formula or sprinkling a bit of loose glitter on top of the jar while it’s still wet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size jar should I use?

Mine are 12 oz, but you can use whatever size you like! Larger jars may take two strands of fairy lights to get the same effect.

Where can I find a mason jar that’s smooth all the way around?

Mine are from Amazon. You can also find them at Michaels or other craft stores.

Image contains two lit pressed flower lanterns on a white table.

More Spring Crafts

If you enjoyed creating these Pressed Flower Lanterns, take a look at these other spring-themed projects!