Pressed Flower Mirror

For a fresh spin on vintage summer decor, make this pressed flower mirror and brighten up your home.

Materials:

• STYROFOAM™ Brand Products:
  • Sheet, 1" x 12" x 12" (larger sheet can be cut to size)
• 6-3/4" square mirror
• Textured paper, 15" square; 1-1/2" x 12" strip
• Pressed flowers: assorted pansies, 12; blue violas, seven; fern leaves, one page.
• Ribbon: 7/8" x 30" white satin; 1" x 24" yellow sheer
• Matte finish decoupage medium
• Tweezers
• Serrated knife
• Straight pins
• T-square
• Old candle
• Low temperature glue gun and glue sticks
• Paintbrush, soft bristle
• Roller (optional)

Steps:

1. Wax knife blade with an old candle. Cut 6" square from center of foam sheet, leaving a 3" wide frame on all sides.
    
2. Spread decoupage medium over entire front surface of frame. Center and apply 15" square of textured paper to frame, smoothing with hands or rubber roller; do not fold excess paper over sides. Place book or other flat, heavy object on frame while it dries.
    
3. Make 45 degree cuts at corners and fold excess paper over sides; glue to back of frame. Trim excess paper. If needed, pin edges in place till dry.
    
4. In center of frame, cut a slit along two opposite edges of frame opening, and another slit centered and perpendicular to edge slits. Fold paper to back along two uncut edges; glue to back. Cut two 1-1/2" x 6" paper strips; glue in place along uncovered edges. Let dry.
    
5. Using tweezers, gently arrange pressed flowers on front of frame (refer to photo). Working on one small area at a time, remove flowers and apply decoupage medium. Return flowers to frame, overlapping as desired. Brushing in one direction only, gently apply additional decoupage medium over flowers. Repeat till frame is covered. Let dry. Apply final coat of decoupage medium.
    
6. Glue mirror to back of frame. (Optional: Cover back of frame with additional sheet of textured paper or cardstock.)
    
7. Tie bow from sheer ribbon; glue to frame front.
    
8. For hanger, fold satin ribbon in half. Knot ends and glue to upper corner of frame.

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