If you’ve ever received a bouquet that made your heart flutter—or picked fresh blooms from your garden that you wished would last forever—this blog post is just for you. Amy Howard shares how to preserve those special memories by turning real flowers into elegant sculptural wall art using a simple flower casting technique.
Whether it’s a wedding bouquet, funeral flowers, or a gift from a loved one, this project is a heartfelt way to preserve blooms and transform them into timeless décor or meaningful gifts.
Why You’ll Love This Project
Amy describes this project as one of her favorites—not only for its beauty but for its emotional depth. With a bit of modeling clay, ceramic cast powder, and milk paint, you’ll create delicate raised impressions of real leaves and flowers that can be framed or displayed on an acrylic stand. Best of all, it’s beginner-friendly and opens the door to creating art with intention.
“This is one of the most enjoyable projects you’ll ever do,” Amy says. “And when you give it to people, knowing that it was from flowers given with love—it’s just so satisfying.”
What You’ll Need
To get started, gather these essential materials:
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Modeling clay (not air-dry clay)
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Rolling pin
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Fresh flowers or leaves (hardy ones like monkey grass blooms or kale work well)
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Ceramic Cast Powder (formerly Eco Powder)
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Warm water
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Milk Paint (Amy used “Central Park” for her glaze)
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Paper towel or artist brush
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Acrylic display stand or floating frame
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Plastic containers or disposable cups for mixing
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Botanical Flower Casting
1. Create Your Clay Canvas
Roll out a slab of modeling clay about ¼–½" thick. This becomes the base for pressing in your botanical elements. Avoid soft, thin flowers—opt for structured ones like monkey grass blooms or leafy kale to get crisp impressions.
2. Design Your Composition
Lay your flowers and leaves into the clay to create a bouquet-inspired composition. Be intentional with your layout so it feels cohesive and full.
3. Press and Remove
Use a rolling pin to gently press the flowers into the clay. Then, carefully remove each piece to leave behind a detailed imprint. Pick out any debris using tweezers.
4. Build Your Mold Walls
Use strips of modeling clay to build walls around the edges of your clay base to contain the ceramic cast pour. Smooth the corners and press edges to prevent leaks.
5. Mix and Pour Ceramic Cast
In a disposable container, mix warm water with Ceramic Cast powder to a sour cream-like consistency. Stir for 3 minutes. Then, slowly pour the mixture over your relief until it’s about 1" thick. Let it cure for 1.5 to 2 hours.
6. Demold and Finish
Once fully hardened, peel away the mold to reveal your relief. You can leave it as-is for a classic look, or go a step further with a milk paint wash.
7. Apply a Decorative Glaze
Mix 3 parts warm water to 1 part milk paint for a light glaze. Brush it gently over your piece to highlight the textures. For added drama, let it dry and go back over the raised parts with a contrasting color.
Display Ideas & Meaningful Moments
These casts can be floated in frames, displayed on acrylic stands, or even used in nursery décor, wedding gifts, or memorial keepsakes. Imagine capturing the memory of your wedding bouquet or your grandmother’s garden in art that lasts a lifetime.
“Let’s be intentional about friendship and memory-making,” Amy says. “Call up a friend, gather your flowers, and create something beautiful together.”
Don’t Miss Our Weekly Tutorials
Be sure to tune in every Friday at 12PM CST on Amy Howard at Home’s Facebook and YouTube channels for more inspiring DIY projects. And if you haven’t already, listen to Amy’s podcast for heartfelt conversations on creativity, business, and faith.
Mary Sotolongo Sotolongo
Love this. So sweet