Pressed Flower II -- Fun with Kids

Photo: fdarling fotos, Fran Darling

It doesn’t matter what activities adults choose to do with young children. It only matters that adults do them often and have fun and talk together.  Pressed (dried) flower projects are good choices in late summer.

  These glass luminary candles with pressed flowers are beautiful gifts.

Materials Needed:

  You’ll need glass votive candle holders, thin clear tissue or facial tissue, white glue thinned with a little water, small pressed flowers or leaves.

  Coat the outside of the glass with the glue and water mixture and cover with tissue.

Arrange pressed materials on the tissue covered votive and brush on another coat of glue. Cover the entire outside with another tissue and glue to hold the flower or leaf in place.

  Coat with 3 or 4 more layers of glue to seal it making sure you let it dry between coats. You can use a few coats of spray on acrylic sealer or other sealer that dries clear. The glass will have a frosted look. Dry thoroughly. When the candle is lit, the light shines through the pressed materials for a beautiful effect.  Young children can substitute tea lights lit by a battery for safety.

Frames, notes, and Bookmarks

 Framed pressed flowers make very delicate pictures that do not fade. Children can use watercolors to paint wavy lines and swirls on paper. Spatter some water on the paper or run through a dripping water faucet to blend the paint.  They can be used for thank you notes when dried and ironed on low.

Photo: fdarling fotos, Fran Darling

  While the paper is drying, children can choose some small dried flowers, dried ferns and burning bush leaves. Apply a few dots of white glue on the back of the foliage.  Wipe off any excess glue that may seep around it. Then place a heavy book on top and let dry overnight. Insert the picture in a small frame when dry.

  Pressed flower cards and bookmarks are made the same way. Use card stock paper so the paper will not flop around from the weight of the dried material. Place a heavy book on top and dry overnight.

  Search children’s poetry books for a few poetic lines or make up your own.

Use colored markers to make designs around the flowers or add a short quote or note. You can then write your message on the card and send it to someone special, or you keep it for future use to be given for occasion. Pressed flowers can also be used to decorate gift packages, rock paperweights, and magnets. Notes will not go through the mail because they are lumpy. Place inside a gift box.

More Ideas and Activities...

See the authors’ book “Learning Through the Seasons” at area bookstores and grandparentsteachtoo.org. For more help to prepare young children for success in school see the authors’ web site: www.grandparentsteachtoo.org.

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