DLTK's Crafts for Kids
DIY Wood Slice Coasters with Pressed Flowers and Leaves: A Kid-Friendly Craft Project
Bring a touch of nature to your home decor with these DIY wood slice coasters featuring pressed flowers and leaves. This easy, kid-friendly craft project is a great way to spend quality time with your children and create beautiful, functional pieces for your home. Plus, these coasters make thoughtful, handmade gifts for friends and family. In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the process of making these gorgeous coasters, from selecting the right materials to sealing the finished product. Let's dive in!
Materials:
- Small logs or branches (3-4 inches in diameter)
- A hand saw or miter saw
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Pressed flowers and leaves
- Mod Podge or other clear craft glue
- Foam brush or paintbrush
- Clear acrylic sealer (spray or brush-on)
- Cork or felt pads (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Gather and Prepare the Wood Slices
First, you'll need to gather some small logs or branches, ideally with a diameter of 3-4 inches. Hardwood species like oak, maple, or walnut are best for durability, but softer woods like pine can also work if properly sealed. Make sure the wood is dry and free of rot or insects.
Alternative: If you don't have logs or you find sawing too overwhelming, you can purchase simple wooden coasters and use those instead!
Using a hand saw or miter saw, carefully cut the logs into 1/2-inch-thick rounds. This step should be performed by an adult or under close adult supervision, as it involves using sharp tools. If you prefer, you can also purchase pre-cut wood slices from a craft store or online.
Next, sand the top and bottom surfaces of the wood slices with medium-grit sandpaper to remove any rough spots or splinters. Follow up with fine-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish. Wipe the wood slices with a damp cloth to remove any dust.
Step 2: Press Flowers and Leaves
You can also use items like ferns! Select a variety of flowers and leaves that you'd like to use for your coasters. Thin, flat flowers and leaves work best for this project. Arrange the flowers and leaves between sheets of wax paper or parchment paper and place them inside a heavy book or flower press for 7-10 days.
Step 3: Arrange and Glue the Pressed Flowers and Leaves
Once your flowers and leaves are pressed and dried, it's time to arrange them on your wood slices. Encourage your child to get creative and design their own unique coaster patterns.
When you're happy with the arrangement, use a foam brush or paintbrush to apply a thin layer of Mod Podge or clear craft glue on the wood slice. Carefully lay the pressed flowers and leaves onto the glue, making sure they're flat and free of wrinkles. Let the glue dry for about 15 minutes.
Step 4: Seal the Coasters
Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge over the entire top surface of the coaster, including the flowers and leaves. Be sure to cover the edges as well. Allow the Mod Podge to dry for 1-2 hours before applying a second coat. This will seal and protect your coasters.
For added durability, finish your coasters with a clear acrylic sealer. This can be a spray-on or brush-on sealer, depending on your preference. Allow the sealer to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 5: Add a Protective Bottom (Optional, but recommended)
If desired, you can add cork or felt pads to the bottom of your coasters to prevent scratches on your furniture. Simply cut the cork or felt to size and attach it with a thin layer of glue.
Congratulations! You've created a set of beautiful, one-of-a-kind wood slice coasters with pressed flowers and leaves. These coasters not only make a stylish addition to your home but also serve as a fun and engaging craft project for kids. Encourage your children to explore their creativity and learn valuable crafting skills while creating something both functional and beautiful.
Remember, these coasters make great gifts for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or housewarming parties. Plus, you can easily customize them by using different types of flowers, leaves, and wood species. The possibilities are endless, so don't be afraid to experiment and try new combinations.
Happy crafting, and enjoy your new, nature-inspired wood slice coasters!
Leanne
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