If you're like me, you have an odd obsession with candles. There is nothing you love more than creating a warm and cozy atmosphere in your home. The sight of a soft, flickering flame sends you into complete relaxation. The aromas of clean, fresh scents evoke your sense of smell, transforming your home into a tranquil space of serenity. And most importantly, a vessel that compliments your home aesthetic is a must-have.
For me, this has always been Anthropologie's Capri Blue Volcano. The fresh tones make it not too fruity, making it a scent that I love and a scent that is clean enough for my husband, too. Don't get me wrong, I've always loved the silver and ivory, but when Anthropologie released their black vessel, it was love at first sight.
But a new level of love was born when I discovered I could do a quick and easy DIY on this iconic candle. Here's precisely how I updated my candle, and I'm hoping you'll get inspired to update some of yours, too.
I know, I know. She's beautiful. I thought putting pressed flowers on a candle would be a good idea, but COME ON. I am obsessed. TBH, it was initially intended to be a gift, but once I saw this, it was mine—end of discussion. But don't worry, I 100% gifted another one. I highly recommend the old buy-one-get-one-for-yourself.
This DIY is so easy that you will have to stop yourself from adding pressed flowers to ALL of your candles. It becomes an issue. Let's get to it.
Here is Everything You Will Need:
+The Anthropologie Capri Blue Volcano Candle - if you're unfamiliar with it, you have many choices in vessels to match your home aesthetic. There is the tried-and-true OG - blue, white, pink, silver, gold, grey, black, and an assortment of mercury and gold-flaked vessels. The matte version will be the easiest to apply, but once I saw the gold-flaked one, I knew I had to try it with muted shades of nude and pink flowers.
+A Flower Press - Pressing flowers is quite therapeutic and a sustainable craft I have fallen in love with. I use my pressed flowers for crafts like these, resin art, gifts, frames, art, and everything in between.
This Flower Press has everything you need to start pressing flowers and an extensive complimentary Flower Pressing Handbook that gives beginners literally everything they need to understand the ins and outs of this craft.
+Pressed Flowers - Hey, I get it. If you're like, "Who has time to make their own pressed flowers?" I've got you. If flower pressing isn't your thing or you want pressed flowers stat, have no fear, you can purchase pressed flowers already made.
I love these because you can choose from multi-colored, yellow, red, purple, blue, and green and get 100 pieces. No matter which vessel you're choosing, there's a color palette for you.
+Mod Podge in Matte - This is one of my all-time favorite craft glues. It acts as a glue, a sealer, and a finish, and I use it for so many of my pressed flower crafts.
It's also great for doing crafts with my kiddos, and I love this travel-friendly size. This is how you will apply the flowers to your vessel and seal them to preserve them.
+Paintbrush - Any bristle works; foam brushes work well too.
+I like to plan out where I'm going to place my pressed flowers prior to applying them. (At least for me, this prevents any unexpected overcrowding, empty spaces, or unnecessary stress). :)
+Using your paintbrush, apply a small amount of Mod Podge onto the vessel where you plan to place your pressed flower.
+Using your fingers (or tweezers), very carefully pick up the pressed flower and place it onto the glued area.
+Gently apply pressure to the pressed flower to help it lay down flat.
+Continue this process for all of your pressed flowers. (Hot tip: Bulky flowers or ones with large stems will be hard to adhere to the candle; it's best to stick to smaller flowers if you're a beginner).
+After all your pressed flowers have been glued down, go back over each pressed flower with a small coat of Mod Podge to seal it.
+Now, this last step is based on preference - you can apply a finishing coat of Mod Podge to the entire vessel to help conceal any trace of the glue. As you can see in the video, I had not done this. I went back and fixed it because I wanted a more seamless finish (like the main photo above). It is totally up to you, though.
+Allow it fully to dry for about 20-30 minutes; she is ready to go!
+You can also add pressed flowers to the lid (I actually LOVE this idea on candles that have texture because the lids are matte).
Some things to note:
+Do NOT throw out your vessels when they burn out. I repeat, do not throw them out. They can be upcycled! Here's how you can repurpose and get the most out of your Anthropologie vessels:
A Candle Vessel - Place a little bit of water into the bottom of the used vessel and stick it in the freezer overnight. The wax freezes and peels off the sides of the jar. You can then add a tea light to the vessel, or if you're savvy, you can melt other leftover wax and create a new candle with a wick.
A Plant - I love this idea on a mantle, bookshelf, or kitchen. Succulents, tulips, herbs, or any small flower or plant will bring this back to life.
Beauty Supplies - This would be a great container for makeup brushes, cotton swabs, or cotton balls in a guest bathroom.
Office Supplies - I've put pens, pencils, and markers in one of my old vessels.
A Sweet Valentine's Day Gift
I love these vessels with pink or red pressed flowers as a sweet gift for someone special on Valentine's Day. If you're throwing a Galentine's night-in, how cute would it be to set up a pressed flower candle craft station alongside a Rosé and Mimosa Bar and a pink and red grazing table? Please, steal this idea, you'll thank me later.
I hope this has inspired you to bring a touch of nature into your homes and your gifting! Hit the subscribe button to get notified of more pressed flower craft ideas. I'd love to meet you!
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