Pressed flowers are a beautiful and natural way to add some personality and charm to everyday items, and a pressed flower phone case is the perfect DIY project for nature lovers and those seeking a unique phone accessory. Whether you want to showcase your favorite flowers or create a custom design, this project will guide you through the process.
This article provides a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make a pressed flower phone case. From selecting the flowers to arranging them on the case, we’ll cover everything you need to know for a successful project.
Why Create a Pressed Flower Phone Case?
Creating a pressed flower phone case is a creative and rewarding way to preserve the beauty of nature while adding a personal touch to your phone. Pressed flowers are not only visually appealing but also bring a piece of nature into your daily life. Whether you’re a gardener or someone who loves the outdoors, a pressed flower phone case is a beautiful way to display your love for nature.
Pressed flower phone cases also make great gifts, allowing you to customize the design to fit the recipient’s style. Plus, making one yourself can be a fun and therapeutic experience.
Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin, make sure you have the following materials:
Basic Supplies:
Clear phone case: Ensure it fits your phone model and provides a flat surface for the flowers.
Pressed flowers: Choose flowers that have been dried and flattened. You can use flowers you pick yourself or purchase pre-pressed flowers from craft stores.
Tweezers: To handle the delicate flowers without damaging them.
Craft glue or resin: For attaching the flowers to the phone case. Resin gives a more durable finish, while glue is easier for beginners.
Scissors: For trimming flowers and adjusting their shapes.
Protective sheet or parchment paper: To protect your work surface from glue or resin.
Optional: Clear sealant spray: To ensure the flowers stay in place over time.
Having all the necessary supplies on hand will ensure a smooth crafting process.
Selecting and Preparing the Flowers
The first step in making your pressed flower phone case is selecting the flowers you want to use. You can choose flowers based on your favorite colors, shapes, or the seasons.
Choosing the Right Flowers
Flat flowers: Flowers that have flat petals, such as pansies, violets, daisies, and lavender, work best for pressing.
Tiny flowers: Small flowers like forget-me-nots or baby’s breath can be used to create intricate designs.
Color variety: Choose a mix of colors to add contrast to your design. Bright, bold flowers will stand out on the clear case, while pastel flowers offer a subtle, elegant look.
Preparing the Flowers
If you’re using flowers you’ve picked, ensure that they are fresh and free from any moisture or insects.
Place them between two pieces of parchment paper and press them under heavy books or a flower press for a few days until they are fully dry.
If you’re using pre-pressed flowers, make sure they are completely flat and dry before you begin. This helps to ensure that the flowers won’t wrinkle or deteriorate when applied to the phone case.
Arranging the Flowers on the Case
Once your flowers are ready, the next step is arranging them on the phone case. Take your time during this step, as it will determine the final look of your phone case.
Testing the Layout
Lay the flowers out on the phone case before gluing them. Play around with the arrangement, ensuring that the flowers are spaced evenly and creating the design you want.
Consider different flower placements. You might want to center a large flower, or scatter several small flowers across the case. You can even create a pattern or theme, like a botanical border or a flower bouquet.
Using Tweezers for Precision
Use tweezers to handle the flowers gently, especially for small and delicate petals.
Trim any excess stems with scissors to ensure the flowers fit well on the case. You want to avoid covering too much of the phone case with flowers, as it can make it difficult to use the buttons or camera.
Creating a Balanced Look
If you’re using multiple types of flowers, aim for a balanced look by mixing larger flowers with smaller ones. A random, free-flowing design often looks best, but you can also create a more structured pattern depending on your style.
Remember to leave some clear spaces between the flowers to allow the natural beauty of the pressed flowers to stand out.
Gluing or Resin Application
Once you’re happy with the flower arrangement, it’s time to glue or apply resin. Both methods can work, but resin will provide a stronger and more durable finish, while glue is an easier option for beginners.
Using Craft Glue
Apply a thin layer of craft glue to the back of each flower using a small paintbrush or a toothpick. Be sure to only use a tiny amount to prevent any excess glue from spilling over the edges.
Press the flowers gently onto the phone case. Hold each flower in place for a few seconds to ensure it sticks properly.
Allow the glue to dry completely before moving on to the next step. This will ensure that the flowers stay in place as you work.
Using Resin for a Durable Finish
If you want a more durable and long-lasting result, consider using resin. Resin will give your phone case a glossy, professional-looking finish and will ensure the flowers are securely sealed.
Mix the resin according to the instructions on the package. Pour a small amount onto the center of the phone case.
Carefully arrange the pressed flowers onto the resin. You may need to gently push them into place to ensure they don’t float.
Once the flowers are in place, carefully pour more resin over them until the flowers are fully covered. Be sure to fill in any gaps, but avoid overfilling.
Allow the resin to cure according to the instructions on the package, which usually takes 24-48 hours.
Finishing Touches
After the flowers are secured to the phone case and the glue or resin has dried, you can add some final touches to complete your pressed flower phone case.
Trimming Excess Flowers
If any flowers or leaves extend beyond the edge of the phone case, use scissors to trim them for a neat, professional finish.
Be careful not to trim too much of the flower, as this can cause the design to lose its visual appeal.
Applying a Clear Sealant (Optional)
For extra durability, consider applying a light coat of clear sealant spray to the entire surface of the phone case. This will provide an added layer of protection, ensuring that the flowers stay in place for a longer time.
Letting the Phone Case Dry
If you’ve used resin, make sure that the case is completely cured and dry before using it. This ensures the flowers remain firmly in place and prevents any smudging.
Conclusion
Once your pressed flower phone case is fully dried and ready to go, you can proudly display your creation! Whether you’re giving it as a gift or keeping it for yourself, a pressed flower phone case is a unique and personal accessory that captures the beauty of nature.
By following these simple steps, you can transform ordinary flowers into a functional and stylish piece of art that you carry with you every day. Enjoy the process, and let your creativity bloom!
