Pressed Flower Rocks

This tutorial will teach you how to apply pressed flowers to rocks! It's not as difficult as it sounds and is more forgiving than you might expect!

I like to hide my creations as part of a "kindness rocks" group, but these would also make nice gifts and whatnot. So without further ado, let's get started.

Step 1: Press Some Flowers!

To start with, you're going to need some pressed flowers. I used pansies and violas since they're nice and flat, but you could use any kind of flower that can be pressed flat.

Get a phone book and lay the flowers flat between the pages, then carefully close the book (making sure the flowers don't fold over) and put it on a level surface to dry. I added another book or two on top to give it a little extra weight.

In about a week your flowers will be ready to go!

Step 2: Gather Supplies

You're going to need your pressed flowers from step 1, some mod podge, a paint brush, and some smooth rocks that are about the size of your flowers. If the rocks are dirty, give them a quick wash and pat dry.

You're also going to need some Triple Thick Glaze or other clear sealer.

Step 3: Test Fit Flowers

Before even touching the glue, make sure you know how your flowers are going to line up on the rocks. Pressed flowers are a bit delicate and don't really take well to being peeled off once they're glued on.

Step 4: Glue Flowers to Rock

Take the flowers off your rock for now, then use your paint brush to add a layer of mod podge to the rock. I usually just coat the whole front of the rock instead of guessing where the flower will be exactly.

Then you gently place your flower on top of the wet mod podge layer. You can see in the second picture that I put WAY too much mod podge on that rock, but that's okay! It still came out nicely in the end.

Step 5: Add Mod Podge on Top

While everything's still wet, dab mod podge liberally over the flowers. If you try to brush on too little mod podge at this step, the flowers tend to bunch up. Once you have the whole thing covered, use light brush strokes to gently sweep away the excess mod podge (see second image).

If the flowers do bunch up, never fear! Let the mod podge sit for a few seconds to soften the flower, then gently brush the petals back where you want them. Use gentle strokes so you don't damage the flower.

If you have a large, layered flower (like pansies), you may want to add some mod podge in between the layers of petals. I've done it both ways, with and without the extra mod podge.

Step 6: Let Dry, Then Another Layer of Mod Podge

Let your mod podge dry completely (this shouldn't take too long). Then you'll want to add another layer of Mod Podge, making sure it's really smooth on top.

Note: If you're especially impatient, a hair dryer set on low and held at least 6 inches from the project can speed things along, but be careful not to scorch your project.

Step 7: Clear Coat

Make sure your project is COMPLETELY dry before proceeding!

In this step you'll add a layer of sealer to protect your project. I used Triple Thick Glaze (see picture). This layer of sealer really brings out the color in the flowers, plus it helps protect them from the elements.

Put the rock on a sheet of tin foil (or something that can catch overspray). Spray sealer onto the rock in sweeping motions, making sure to cover the whole front of the rock without going over the same place twice. If you miss a small spot, it's better to catch it with the second coat than have too much sealer running off and pooling underneath.

Allow it to dry, then add a second coat of sealer. If you want to seal the back of the rock too, make sure to wait at least 24 hours for the front of the rock to completely dry so the flower doesn't stick to the foil. (Learned that one the hard way!)

Step 8: Enjoy!

Thanks for reading! If you make these, I'd love to see pictures of your creations!