Making pressed flower bookmarks with kids.

Pressed flower bookmarks are a super simple craft that can be adapted for just about any age group. It is a fun way to get kids outside too. One of the easiest ways to make a pressed flower bookmark is by using contact paper. It’s ridiculously simple which makes it perfect for younger children. For older children who enjoy crafts, I highly suggest making resin bookmarks! I will first explain how to make the contact paper ones and then will go over how to adjust for resin.

Supplies:

Contact paper, Scissors, Ribbon, Hole punch, Flowers, Heavy Book

How to make pressed flower bookmarks

Gather and prepare supplies

Gather plant materials from your yard or go on a nature walk to collect items. You are looking for items that are not too thick. We typically look for fallen flowers and greens on the ground. Larger flowers can be directed to use, which is, of course, a fun educational activity in its own, right? Now, you need to press and dry the flowers for about a week before starting your craft. To do this, place flowers in between craft paper inside of a large, heavy book or a purchased flower press. Add a blank piece of paper on both sides of the plant material if using a large book so the pages won’t be stained. If you are not in an area where you can find fresh flowers and greens or need an accessible way to get things to you, you can order these online. It is very important to press and dry your naturally sourced items because otherwise, they will wilt and mold inside the bookmark later on if you don’t. 

Cut the shape

Cut the bookmark shape from the contact paper (or have your child do it). You need two pieces: one piece for the bottom and one for the top. Be sure to make it larger than you want it to be in the end. Initially, I tried folding it in half, but it worked better with cutting two pieces. 

Decorate

Peel the paper off of one of the cut contact paper strips and let your child get to decorating! The contact paper is sticky, so all they have to do is place their dried flowers and plant materials where they want them to be. Encourage them to avoid the edges; otherwise, the contact paper may not properly stick together.

Press together

When your little artist is finished, remove the paper backing from the other contact paper and place it sticky-side down onto the decorated piece. Press firmly and slide your hand up and down to remove any air bubbles and ensure the seal. Then, trim the excess sides using scissors to make sure it is uniform. There you have it! A super simple pressed plant bookmark! It is recommended to leave the bookmark in the middle of a heavy book overnight. These make great personal gifts! 

Optional steps and alternative methods

Optional steps: Punch a hole in the top using the hole puncher if you wanted to be fancy you could use a fun-shaped hole punch. Loop a string through the hole and tie the ends. You could also add a tassel or trinket to the end.

As an alternative to using contact paper, using a lamination machine would allow your creations to last longer but you would need to use a small amount of clear glue to get the plant material to stick to the lamination sheet.

Creating a resin bookmark with kids

We love creating resin bookmarks. My daughter has even started selling them at neighborhood fairs. You need an epoxy kit, this one is great, and it actually comes with a few dried flowers. You will also need a silicone bookmark mold. The kit will have detailed instructions on how to prepare it, but basically, you mix two liquids together and pour them into a mold. I recommend doing this near an open window or outdoors so kids aren’t breathing resin fumes. For dried plant material, you want to first pour a very thin layer into the mold. Then, carefully add whatever you are putting into the bookmark. Now, pour the rest of the epoxy resin into the mold. We use a heat gun to try to get out any bubbles. Leave the mold for 24 hours, and then you can remove the bookmark. Be gentle with it for the following 48 hours while it fully cures.

Looking for more activities to do at home with kids? Check out these STEM activities for toddlers!

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