We love these little DIY floral lanterns from Sherrie Sanville, otherwise known as @morel_momma on Instagram. She inhabits 120 acres of enchanted woodland in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and forages year-round, transforming her treasures into mushroom and floral flat-lays, sweet fairy abodes, and the occasional fairy lantern like the ones you see here, made from pressed flowers, recycled jars, some Mod Podge, and candles! Below she shares a few of her secrets.
- All flowers are grown in my raised-bed gardens or gathered in the meadows on my property. Wherever you get your flowers, make sure they’re moisture-free before you press them.(I pick mine later in the day to avoid the morning dew.)
- I press the flowers between the pages of an old hardcover book that I’ve found at a thrift shop or a tag sale. I usually leave the flowers in the book two to four weeks before using them.
- Any smooth jar will work for making lanterns. I look for unique shapes and sizes while thrifting, or I recycle jars from foods that I’ve purchased. Just make sure the jars are clean and any labels have been removed.
- Choose pressed flowers that will adhere to the jars well. My favorites are pansies, nasturtiums, rose petals, and Queen Anne’s lace.
- Using a small paint brush, apply a thin coat of Mod Podge to the outside of the jars, wherever you’d like to place the pressed flowers. You can use matte or gloss Mod Podge; I prefer matte.
- Apply the flowers to the jars, making designs or patterns. Be creative! There are no rules when making these lanterns—colorful, monochromatic, anything goes.
- Then brush another coat of Mod Podge over the flowers. I usually apply one more final coat to give the jars an even, opaque look. Let your jars dry overnight.
- Finally, use any type of votive or tea light candle to illuminate your lanterns and enjoy!