How to Make Your Own Flower Impressions on Clay

Pressing flowers in a book allows you to dry them out to keep as a special memento. However, if you really want to make an impression with a special flower, press it into clay instead. Use flower impressions on clay to create a beautiful and lasting craft that stands the test of time.

To create flower impressions on clay, you need a dropcloth or plastic sheet to protect your work area; soft terra-cotta clay; a rolling pin; natural or artificial flowers; and a clay knife. Drape the dropcloth or plastic over your table or work area.

Knead the terra-cotta clay for 10 minutes to remove any air bubbles. Leaving air trapped inside the clay could cause it to crack or burst once you fire it in a kiln. Roll out the clay into a 1/2-inch-thick slab.

Select the flowers you want to press into the clay slab. You can use either fresh flowers from your garden or from a bouquet, or artificial flowers. Place the flowers on top of the clay slab without actually pressing them into the clay, until you feel satisfied with the arrangement. Once you're happy with the flower positions, use the rolling pin to roll over the clay slab, gently pressing down to create an impression of the flowers on the clay. The flowers will stick into the clay. Use the very tip of a clay knife to lift up the flowers and remove them. You can now paint the clay with ceramic paint and fire it in a kiln.

Avoid pressing the flowers too deeply into the clay or you could have trouble removing them. Always keep sharp clay tools and plastic sheeting out of the reach of children.