How to Make Festive Pressed-Flower Coasters

Flowers and foliage are long-time favourites when it comes to decorating, and for good reason. Whether you're greeting guests with a lively wreath on the front door or sprinkling touches of botanical home decor from room to room, there's no quicker way to spruce up a space than with the addition of a few eye-catching blooms. Beautifully pairing form and function, these pressed-flower coasters bring the trend to the tabletop, preserving the perennials of the season while protecting your surfaces from unsightly spills and scratches. This easy-to-make project is the perfect addition to your entertaining arsenal—and can even serve double duty in a pinch for a Christmas host gift. Gather up your favourite leaves and flowers, and let’s get started.

At a glance

Time: 1 hour (plus drying time)

Difficulty: Beginner

You will need:

• 10cm round silicone moulds (coaster size)
• Silicone mould release spray
• Assorted pressed leaves and flowers
• Plastic cups
• Clear epoxy resin and hardener
• Wood craft sticks
• A small pin or needle
• Self-adhesive clear rubber dots (optional)

Step 1: Prepare your materials

In a well-ventilated area, pretreat the silicone mould with a thin coat of release spray. While the spray dries, select an assortment of pressed leaves and flowers that you’ll use for your coasters. You'll likely end up using between eight and 15 pieces (or more) per coaster, depending on their size.

Step 2: Mix the epoxy resin

In two separate clean plastic cups, pour equal amounts of resin and hardener.

Combine the resin and hardener, stirring with a wooden craft stick until completely mixed. Tap the cup gently against a tabletop to help release any air bubbles.

Step 3: Add resin mixture to the mould

Pour a thin layer of the resin mixture into the bottom of the pretreated silicone mould.

Step 4: Add pressed leaves and flowers

Gently place the pressed leaves and flowers inside the mould on top of the thin resin layer in your desired arrangement. Tip: Be sure to place the flowers with the desired top side facing down, since the bottom of the mould will become the top of your coaster once it's removed.

Step 5: Top off the mould

When you’ve finished adding flowers and leaves, pour a second layer of resin over your arrangement. If the flowers shift, use a pin or craft stick to gently guide them back to their intended position.

Use a pin or needle to pop any large air bubbles that may have formed while you were adding the resin.

Repeat the process for any additional moulds. Then, set your soon-to-be coasters aside to cure for at least 24 hours. Tip: Double check your resin instructions for specifics on curing time.

Step 6: Remove coaster from the mould

Once the resin has cured, carefully remove the coaster from the mould. If you’d like, press three or four clear rubber dots on the bottom to prevent your coaster from scratching or sliding on surfaces. Then, simply set the table and enjoy!

Projects, styling, and photography by Hannah Bridge, Brigette Muller, and Jessica Ulrich.

Article written by Jessica Ulrich for Etsy