Pressed Flower Pendant Tutorial

Supplies: Pressed flowers (Nature’s Pressed)
Decoupage Medium (Modge Podge) – Michaels, Joann Fabrics, Wal-mart
Wire 20 gauge – Michaels, Joann Fabrics
Jeweler’s or needle nose pliers – Michaels, Joann Fabrics, Wal-mart
Polymer clay (Scupley or Premo) – Michaels, Joann Fabrics
Pasta Machine or Acrylic Roller – Michaels, Joann Fabrics
Clay cutters or cookie cutters (Wilton) – Michaels, Joann Fabrics
Brush for Glue
Foam Tape
Two-part Epoxy Resin (Envirotex Lite) – Michaels, Joann Fabrics
Necklace or Ear Wires for Earrings – Michaels, Joann Fabrics, Wal-mart
Jump Rings – Michaels, Joann Fabrics, Wal-mart
Toothpick

1. Dry flowers. The way I do it is with a Microfleur flower press. I bought mine off of ebay.

2. I select flowers and then put them in the press following manufacturer’s guidelines and microwave for 30 seconds. There are other ways to press flowers or you can buy them already pressed.

3. You will need to make wire loops out of wire for hanging the pendant or attaching ear wires. I use pliers to do this. Make a couple of bends in the wire so that it does not pull out of the polymer clay.

4. Condition the polymer clay by kneading it until soft. Roll the clay through a pasta machine on the thickest setting or roll to 1/8” thick using an acrylic rolling pin and playing cards stacked on each side of it. Cut out the shape with a cookie cutter and push the wire loop into the top of the clay.

5. Bake the shapes according to manufacturer’s suggested time. I put mine on a ceramic tile. Let shapes cool.

6. Brush a LIGHT layer on Modge Podge on the clay circle. Carefully place flowers on the baked clay. Let dry.

7. Gently brush the flowers with another layer of Modge Podge. Let the glue dry.

8. Cover a flat surface with aluminum foil. Set the shapes on foam tape to keep them suspended and level. Mix epoxy according to manufacturer’s instructions. IMPORTANT: read the manufacturer’s instructions they are very vital to your success. Apply a small amount on the center of the piece, using a toothpick to wipe excess and coat the surface and edges. Let the piece dry undisturbed for 24 hours.

9. Use a jump ring to attach the pendant to the necklace of your choice. Or you can make earrings and attach ear wires to jump rings and then to the clay.