20 Dec 2023

Make a Beautiful Winter Lantern With Pressed Flowers to Celebrate the Winter Solstice

TagsDIY, pressed flowers, winter lantern, winter solstice

Some celebrate the winter solstice with light—–bonfires or candles are perfect. And others celebrate with ripe fruits to acknowledge the sweetness of the season. A nice winter solstice ritual is to write down on a piece of paper something from the year that you are letting go of, and on another paper, something you are seeding for the year ahead. Burn the first in a bonfire, and plant the second to set your intentions (just tucking it around the base of a house plant works, too).

Today, we are sharing a winter solstice project inspired by our summer workshop, Flower Pressing for Herbalists. This project is perfect for those dark winter nights. Add some beautiful glow and magical ambiance to your winter solstice ritual by creating your very own pressed flower lantern. You can use it as a centerpiece, a decorative accent, or a night light. These flower lanterns add a touch of whimsy and nature to any space.

glass bowl of craft glue

jar with flowers pressed on with craft glue

Winter Lantern With Pressed Flowers

Ingredients

Pressed flowers
Glass jar or lantern
Mod Podge or clear-drying craft glue
Sponge brush or paintbrush
Battery-operated tea light or solar fairy lights

Directions

Step 1: Prepare your pressed flowers – Make sure your pressed flowers are completely dry and flat. If they are not already pressed, you can press them by placing them between two sheets of absorbent paper (such as blotting paper or tissue paper), and then placeing heavy books on top. Leave them pressed for a few days until they are fully dried. Or, even better, use our handy and oh-so-beautiful flower press found in our Goods Shop!
Step 2: Prepare your glass jar or lantern – Clean the glass jar or lantern thoroughly to remove any dust or dirt. Ensure that the glass is dry before proceeding.
Step 3: Apply Mod Podge or craft glue – Using a brush, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge or craft glue to a small section of the glass jar or lantern. Avoid applying too much glue as it may cause the flowers to become discolored or opaque.
Step 4: Arrange pressed flowers – Carefully place your pressed flowers onto the glued section of the glass jar or lantern. Gently press them down to ensure they adhere to the glue. You can arrange the flowers in any pattern or design you prefer.
Step 5: Continue gluing and arranging – Apply another thin layer of Mod Podge or craft glue to the next section of the glass jar or lantern. Again, be careful not to apply too much glue. Continue adding pressed flowers and pressing them down until the entire surface is covered or until you achieve your desired design.
Step 6: Seal the flowers – Once all the pressed flowers are in place, apply a final thin layer of Mod Podge or craft glue over the entire surface of the glass jar or lantern. This will seal the flowers and protect them from moisture. Allow the glue to dry completely before moving on to the next step. This step takes the longest. The Mod Podge will dry clear in about 4 hours.
Step 7: Add a light source – Place a battery-operated tea light or fairy lights inside the glass jar or lantern. The light will shine through the pressed flowers, creating a beautiful and ethereal glow.

pressed flower winter lanterns with lights inside

In Closing,

The longest night of the year just got a little brighter! As we celebrate the winter solstice and embrace the stillness that this season brings, let us take a moment to reflect in this liminal space. Wishing you a season filled with love and light, and may the warmth of the lanterns spark a cozy winter season!

For more pressed flower inspiration, see:

How to Make Pressed Flower Lanterns to Celebrate the Summer Solstice