Capture the colors of early spring in a collage of pressed leaves and flowers. This simple and versatile project can be done individually or as a family. Discover what colors are in your own backyard!

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Gather your supplies:

• Freshly picked leaves and flowers
• A flower press or a heavy book with scrap paper
• Heavy-weight, light-colored paper
• Decoupage glue (such as Mod Podge) or slightly watered-down white glue
• Paint brush
• Optional: pencil for drawing out design

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Step 1:

If using a heavy book to press your plants, insert two pieces of scrap paper between pages and arrange your plant material between them with space around each plant/leaf. Fill as many pages as needed to press all of your collected plants. Close the book and stack it beneath other books or a heavy object so the material is pressed tightly. Allow it to press for at least four days.

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Step 2:

If desired, while your plants are being pressed draw or trace a design lightly in pencil to guide the placement of your plant material.

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Step 3:

After your plants have been pressed, gently remove them from the book and begin to lay them out on your paper until you find a composition you like.

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Step 4:

Working with one leaf or flower at a time, begin to apply your glue using a brush to the paper where that piece will go.

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Step 5:

Press the plant onto the glue and gently apply more glue to the top of the plant with your paintbrush to seal it in place. The glue may appear white at this stage, but it will dry clear.

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Step 6:

Add additional plant pieces to your design! Continue applying glue to your paper, placing the plants on top and coating with another layer of glue until you are happy with your finished design.

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Step 7:

When you are finished, allow your glue to fully dry, and enjoy your one-of-a-kind floral collage! Happy spring!