DIY Foraged Leaf Art Coasters

foraged leaves in drinks and placed on DIY leaf art coasters

My family and I live in Arizona, and during the summer months, it’s too hot to go outside. We recently had a bout of cool weather, and we jumped at the opportunity to head to the mountains to do a little foraging! My daughter loves to play outside and explore nature. After gathering wildflowers, pinecones, and twigs, I knew I wanted to find a way to use some of what we collected in our home. And then the idea for these foraged leaf art coasters just popped into my head! They took about thirty minutes to put together, and I love looking at them and thinking about the fun we had in the woods that day. Here’s how to make your own! 

Nature walk with kids

First, you’ll need to gather up some wildflowers and leaves. Look for plants with colorful petals and unique patterns and shapes! 

Nature walk with kids foraged leaves from a nature walk with kids foraging for leaves on a nature walk with kids foraged leaves from a nature walk

We came home and quickly put our finds in vases with water to keep everything alive and colorful while I gathered supplies.  

supplies to make foraged leaf art coasters

Supplies:

  • assorted leaves and petals
  • Mod-Podge (glossy or matte!)
  • slate coasters
  • paintbrush

Instructions:

painting a coaster with mod podge to prepare it for foraged leaves

Step 1: Paint a layer of Mod-Podge on each coaster. You want it to be kind of thick so that each petal and leaf can stick in it and stay put.

placing foraged leaves and petals in glue on coasters

Step 2: Sprinkle each coaster with the petals. If they’re not completely flat, use a toothpick to push the edges down.

placing foraged leaves and petals in glue on coasters

Step 3: Repeat on every coaster and allow the Mod-Podge to set for at least 30 minutes.

Painting a final layer of glue to seal the leaves to the coaster

Step 4: Once the bottom layer of Mod-Podge has dried, gently paint another layer over the top of the petals and leaves to seal everything.

DIY foraged leaf art coasters

Step 5: Let the Mod Podge cure for 24 hours (to be safe!), and then enjoy!  

foraged leaves in drinks and placed on DIY leaf art coasters 

These make excellent gifts for grandparents, and you can even let the kids help you make them!

 foraged leaves in drinks and placed on DIY leaf art coasters

Serve up some kid-friendly (or mom-friendly—wink, wink) beverages, and toss a flower or two on the top. Place the drinks on the coasters, and admire your new floral set!

More DIY Coasters:

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