Images and text by Amy Christie for Design Mom.
I’ve been loving all the plaster dipped flowers across the web. They have such an ethereal and dreamlike look to them. Building on the process, I took it a step further and turned the plaster-ed flowers into votives. Dainty and functional.
Plaster is a fun medium to work in. A liquid become a solid in a few short minutes and you get to decide how to form it. For dipping, the plaster coats the petals, freezing them in creamy white loveliness. With the stamina of the plastic flower, the votives appear fragile but aren’t so.
(If you haven’t noticed, I love working with plaster — as seen in these posts: gold leaf votives, leaf napkin rings, quote votives.)
The coated flowers are still ethereal and dreamlike and now, with the addition of a candle, rather romantic. Gather a few for a shelf in a living room, or on a bedroom mantle.
I think a collection of these would make a gorgeous centerpiece for a dinner party — or even as wedding decor!
Ready to get a little bit messy?
Supplies:
-faux flowers
-plaster
-water
-bucket to mix – best shape is something that is more tall than wide
-wax paper or non-porous surface to lay dipped flowers on
-votive for sizing
-small rubber bands
-metal clippers
-small bit of glue – hot glue works great!
-tint* – optional
*You can tint plaster in a variety of ways, all with differing results. One option is to purchase tints made specifically for plaster, found with a simple internet search. I’ve tried food coloring, liquid watercolors and fabric dye powder. I got some color draining and settling with the food coloring and liquid watercolors. For me, the fabric dye gave the most consistent of color with minimal color spotting.
A word on the faux flowers. Just about any kind will do. Some of the stems I chose were the $1.99 variety, a couple were $6.99. Keep in mind that plaster will weigh down and flatten all but the very stiffest of flowers. I got the best results on flowers with larger, stiffer petals. The softer, ‘fragile’ petals just clumped together in the plaster, creating a blob of plaster.
Prep the flowers. Pull the leaves off the stem and pluck out the center (I even cut down the stem. They are so looooong!). The amount that you remove from the center is up to you. To decide, I used a votive to ‘measure’ adequate space.
Most of the time the center is the part that keeps the flower and its petals together. Once you remove the center, add a little glue to keep the pieces together while dipping.
Once the flowers are ready, prep all the plaster items. Because the window of time for useable plaster is rather short, it’s best to get the water, plaster and optional tints set out with all the prepped flowers and then put it all together. Follow the manufacturer’s directions to mix the plaster.
Note: I found it easier and got better results with plaster that had a titch more water than recommended in the package directions. Not a measurable amount more, just a splash or two. It made the plaster more liquidy and it covered the flower better.
Now for the dipping. Your hands are going to get messy. Immerse the entire head of the flower in the plaster, quickly coating every part. Press the flower in the plaster, turning it often to make sure to get it in the layers, all the way to the center by the stem. Remove the excess plaster by gently but briskly shake the flower head by the stem. Do this inside the dipping container because the plaster will fly everywhere!
After a little shaking, check on the look of flower head. If it needs more plaster in some places or needs a better coat, dip it again. Then shake it. Keep dipping and shaking until you are happy with the look. Again, you will have to move quickly, especially if you are doing more than one flower.
When the flower is finished, pluck or cut the flower head from its stem. Place it with the petals up to get a flat base. I added the votive right then to make sure there was adequate space for it before the flower set. If you find parts not covered in plaster or clumps, use your fingers to either apply or remove plaster.
I used small rubber bands to sculpt the petals on a few flowers.
Allow to fully dry and then add a lit votive candle.
Gorgeous!
P.S. — Like to make things? Click here for lots of fantastic projects.
Lisette Wolter-McKinley
August 27, 2013 at 10:54 amThese are gorgeous and delicate. I am excited to try making them.
mom in mendon
August 27, 2013 at 11:18 amSo pretty!
Nicole M
August 27, 2013 at 12:48 pmI am making these tomorrow. I am going to surprise my client on her wedding day. She will DIE!!!! I am dying!!!! OMG THANK YOU. I’ll post to my blog when done. I put in the tab above…..but just in case rsvpshindig.com/diary THIS IS AWESOMEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!! As DJ Lance says. LOL DYING DYING DYING I can’t wait to do this. I hope they dry fast? It’s been humid….we live in Denver. We’ll see.
Erica
August 27, 2013 at 2:00 pmSo cool! I know I can do this!
simplyonelove.com
Christine from Giftovus
August 27, 2013 at 2:40 pmI really like these! I’m sending this to my cousin, she loves to do things like this.
Chrissy
August 28, 2013 at 9:30 amgorgeous!! definitely giving this a go!
Melissa
August 28, 2013 at 12:04 pmThese are unbelievably gorgeous!!
Katy @ All Sorts of Pretty
August 29, 2013 at 6:44 amAH! These are absolutely stunning. It’s posts like these that make me hate myself as a blogger for not coming up with the idea first (kidding…kind of ;). Seriously, this project is awesome! I am so making these in anticipation of outdoor dinner parties next year at our new house. xoxo!
amy c
September 11, 2013 at 8:13 pmHaha! Thanks Katy. :)
Keggy
August 30, 2013 at 1:20 amLove this. Thank you so much. Just love your blog, though I’m a bit sad now as my only just went off to college in NYC and I’m in Houston, Texas.
Centsational Girl » Blog Archive » BOTB 8.30.13
August 30, 2013 at 7:00 am[…] plastic flowers as plaster coated flower votives with Amy’s project featured at Design […]
Margaret
August 30, 2013 at 3:00 pmYour flowers are very lovely. Are these very delicate once dry?
Thanks for the tutorial.
~Margaret
amy c
September 11, 2013 at 8:15 pmIf they are dropped, the plaster will probably crack and could break off.
Therese
February 27, 2016 at 4:07 amMy plaster just wouldn’t stick to the flowers. I was having a Pinterest fail time. Was it to thick? Did you dunk them then let set then re dunk ? Thanks
Lucy
August 30, 2013 at 6:17 pmThis is so gorge! I L.O.V.E this! I’m going to have to try this and maybe some other materials as well, thank you for sharing.
Love Links | in backyards
August 30, 2013 at 6:57 pm[…] Mom posted a how to for making plaster flower votives, and I’m think I need to try it out. Maybe if they turn out well, they’ll be the […]
Uncle Beefy
September 1, 2013 at 6:24 pmSee, I wish I could tell you I thought these were pretty. But, then, that would be a complete waste of an all-caps **GORGEOUS**! Wedding decor would be amazing! LOVE!
Jeanette
September 2, 2013 at 1:06 amGorgeous! Do you have to coat them with anything to protect them?
amy c
September 11, 2013 at 8:17 pmI’m sure you can coat them with something but you don’t need to.
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September 4, 2013 at 1:49 pm[…] plaster votives are so pretty. Tutorial on Design Mom (by This Heart of […]
laura j
September 4, 2013 at 5:25 pmThese are awesome! I was just going to throw some flowers out but now I think I will do this instead!
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September 7, 2013 at 6:03 am[…] Have you seen the plaster dipped flowers across the web? I, for one, was entranced by them. And then I had to tweak it a little. :) With a little modification, plastic flowers in plaster can become plaster flowers votives. […]
Jen
September 7, 2013 at 8:21 amOh. my. WORD. These? Incredible. I’ve never worked with plaster, but you’ve inspired me to try!
Lagene
September 9, 2013 at 7:38 pmGORGEOUS flower candle voltive holders!
Peggy LaFaye
September 11, 2013 at 7:23 pmCan this be done with real flowers?
amy c
September 11, 2013 at 8:19 pmMaybe but the result won’t be the same. Real flowers don’t have the strength faux flowers do so I wonder if it would just clump them all together. And then the flowers will probably rot. But I don’t know. Give it a try and see how it goes!
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September 18, 2013 at 3:12 pm[…] 6. I used small rubber bands to sculpt the petals on a few flowers.mAllow to fully dry and then add a lit votive candle. Allow to fully dry and then add a lit votive candle. Project found on Design Mom […]
Christine
September 22, 2013 at 12:32 pmI love this idea! I have been looking and looking for wooden appliques to fancy up two bathroom mirrors. They’re crazy expensive and all very common. I think I’m going to try this, but actually lay them out on the mirror to dry (maybe wax paper underneath?) so they’ll fit the curve of the mirror. Oh, my wheels are spinning! :) Thank you!!
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September 22, 2013 at 3:13 pm[…] Here’s a cool (if slightly messy) DIY project I can’t wait to try – plaster flower votives! Despite […]
Ashley Rane Sparks
September 25, 2013 at 9:34 pmI have worked with plaster a few times and found it difficult. I am inspired by the fact that you love it :) I think these are beautiful and may just try the plaster again.
Way to go!
Ashley Rane Sparks
http://www.makeitrane.com
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luz elena diaz quintero
September 26, 2013 at 11:57 amno hay posibilidad para que los que manejamos solo español, tengamos forma de recibir en español, me encanta esta página pero quedo en las mismas y no puedo seguir instrucciones
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October 2, 2013 at 4:36 pm[…] plaster dipped flower votives are so pretty and a great excuse to get a little messy with some […]
Sharon
October 9, 2013 at 8:54 amI tried these and they fell apart, is there something other than water you added to the plaster of Paris?
Sharon
Bianca Rezende
November 13, 2013 at 3:25 pmDid you try with melted paraffin as well ?
Bianca Rezende
November 13, 2013 at 3:29 pmOh my God, imagine with eatable flower dipped into melted chocolate ?! I must try it!!!! I just loved the technique !!! Thanks!!!
Kim Gallant
November 13, 2013 at 8:00 pmWonderful idea! I am going to try poinsettias for Christmas dinner table.
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Anne
November 15, 2013 at 8:40 pmI tried to make these and got “nailed it!” results… As in mine look awful! The dye from the flowers bled through the plaster and I was never able to get the flower covered enough that the fabric didn’t show through. It was at least fun to try something new.
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ashlee
November 19, 2013 at 11:29 pmOOOHHHH I can’t wait to try and make these!
Kristen West
December 12, 2013 at 1:19 pmIs there anyway I could buy these from you?? Ha I attempted to make them myself but just as Anne the color of the flowers bled through the plaster . Or do you have any tips to keep this from happening? I HAVE to use these at my wedding! :)
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Connie
February 14, 2014 at 8:51 amI got hung up on Pinterest and have started a blog of my own to show the projects I’m doing. This one is my next one, wish me luck. I hope you don’t mind but I’m using your main image and your “how to” with links back to your page for now. I will add my own as I start the project myself. I’m so excited, these are so beautiful…I hope I do the image justice…thank you https://cehalles.wordpress.com/2014/02/14/next-project-plaster-paris-flower-votive-holders/
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Gemma
March 2, 2014 at 3:04 amI found your amazing tutorial on Pinterest, I love,love, love these gorgeous votives. I have blogged about them, with a link back to your post. I hope you don’t mind, I just had to share, it is such a simple idea, with amazing results. I can not wait to try these myself.
http://diamondintheflock.wordpress.com/2014/02/03/february-first-hits-and-wham/
Gemma
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Wedding Websites
April 3, 2014 at 4:48 amWow!!!!!!!! Amazing… Information you are sharing.. Thank you
Kristi
April 4, 2014 at 11:51 amThese are stunning, what dye color did you use? I love the subtleness of color, very vintage looking.
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Lisa Romano
May 12, 2014 at 11:01 amIs there anyway I can purchase these?
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Jen Curtis
September 9, 2014 at 10:10 amThese are gorgeous, I’m excited to try them. I’ve had great success with Mod Podge and smaller silk flowers, making pushpins and magnets from them but this looks better for the larger flowers and stronger as well. Great info, thanks!
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September 12, 2014 at 1:29 pm[…] 1. Plaster Flower Votive: Although plaster seems like a stretch for my DIY comfort zone, this tutorial made it look easy (but messy). This DIY craft tutorial was performed by Amy Christie, who is a blogger and mother of two that loves making things – anything. For this DIY, you will need 8-9 supplies, not including some space to plaster. The result is a small votive that could easily be used as a centerpiece for a special occasion or everyday living. […]
Veronica
November 9, 2014 at 7:44 pmI really love this idea! Thanks so much for posting.
Wendy Wood
November 27, 2014 at 10:47 pmYou could also set them in a shallow bowl to make them curve up – or drape face down on an upside down bowl.
Cathy
May 11, 2015 at 4:14 pmHi Wendy,
I was going to ask the question about turning the flower upside down and if that would help keep the petals upright. Your suggestions were great!
The only thing I can see with the shallow bowl is it would have to have a flat bottom or the flower wouldn’t sit straight on a table or wherever.
As for turning upside down, how would you do this? The flower would have to be not touching anything. I was thinking when you make taper candles you hang or tie the wick cord over a pencil or whatever. It pays to talk or “write” things out.
Instead of shortening the stems of the flowers keep a decent length of stem and when ready to hang wrap the stem around the pencil or whatever. Again, we’d have to make sure the plastic cup of the tealight would still fit. AND, again again, need to have the bottom of the flower flat and hanging it upside down wouldn’t work for that.
Well, darn, talked myself out of that pretty quickly. Maybe your idea of the bowl is the best thought.
Thanks for sharing.
Lacey
November 29, 2014 at 12:19 pmI saw a project on Sabrina Soto’s show on HGTV where she used paper tape to put plaster flowers on a chandelier and then spray painted the whole thing. I could never find a tutorial for that, so this is awesome!
Heidi
January 4, 2015 at 4:14 pmWhat do you mean by ‘I used small rubber bands to sculpt the petals on a few flowers’???
Kathleen
January 5, 2015 at 10:02 amOh wow! Those candle holders are so pretty! I think I have to try this once, too :)
Thanks for inspiration!
Wallace
February 12, 2015 at 2:22 amVeery energetic article, I liked that a lot. Will thedre be a part 2?
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Milena
April 9, 2015 at 3:45 amYour candle holders are gorgeous and very delicate!
I tried to follow your tutorial at home. I could say, that I like my result, but just wanted to check whether you have cracks on your candle holders? I left the flower to dry about 3 hours. But when I took it, I saw some cracks, as well as some very small parts of the plaster fell into my hands.
I followed the manufacturer’s directions to mix the plaster. I also followed all the steps to prepare the candle holders.
There is also one small problem: I bought a white plaster and the flower I used was also white. But the color of the candle turned pastel-yellow. What do you think of the color? Why it turned a little bit pastel-yellow?
Thank you very much beforehand for your reply!
Regards,
Milena
60 Floral Projects
April 10, 2015 at 6:01 am[…] Plaster Flower Votives […]
Ellabelle
May 8, 2015 at 8:59 pmyou inspired me to make my own wreaths using these gorgeous flowers! Let me know what you think :)
https://www.etsy.com/listing/196193740/front-door-wreath-to-impress-your-guests?ref=pr_shop
Cathy
May 11, 2015 at 4:24 pmThese are so pretty! One of the other commenters commented they looked vintage-y and she’s right.
I’ve seen liquid porcelain in Michaels. Have you tried it?
What about putting even more water in and dipping more than once? Not really sure that would make a difference.
Just something to think about: most tealights are a standard size (not always but mostly always). Once you’ve finished the dipping you could put the plastic cup in right away and then can keep changing out the tealight without disturbing the petals. Give it a little wiggle room, though, as the cups can get old looking and you might want to change them out at some stage.
Can’t wait to see more of your experimenting.
All the best,
Cathy
Clarissa Traub
May 13, 2015 at 7:41 pmI’m planning on making these for my wedding! What dye did you use for these? Pink? Tan?
Sarah O'Neill
May 26, 2015 at 11:24 amIs the plaster safe to be used around an open flame?
Joyce Dour
July 24, 2015 at 8:20 amThese sare amazing…what color did you use for these…really stunning!!!
Kathleen
July 27, 2015 at 12:42 pmThis is such a great looking project! I tried it this day together with my mom. We had five flowers, but only two daisys went well. The other three were unfortunately a total mess. With how many flowers did you start and how many went well?
I think I’ll try it one day again but for today it’s enough ;)
Yours Kathleen
Vickie
October 1, 2015 at 7:24 pmLOVE this!! I would love to make these for Christmas gifts for my friends at my office! I have an idea to tint the plaster…if it works, I’ll let you know!
Vickie
Surf, pin, create
Vickie
October 1, 2015 at 7:25 pmPS
We live in a house we call our Treehouse too (in Auburn, Alabama)
Allison
October 14, 2015 at 5:51 amI LOVE this idea for my wedding – I also want to have flowers floating in water in tall vases – do you think the plaster would come off if I also put them in water?
Drupal Websites
October 30, 2015 at 3:52 amIncredibly it done – I’m in love!
Melissa
February 9, 2016 at 3:14 pmThis project was a total fail. I’m so bummed. I could not get the flowers covered with the plaster so the silk flowers ended up being very visible. Also, the plaster was drying and crumbling as I was trying to shape the center with a tealight. What a waste of time, money and materials :(
ig
February 19, 2016 at 12:15 amIt’s actually a great and useful piece of information. I’m happy that you shared this useful info with
us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
Cat
February 28, 2016 at 5:10 pmI made these this afternoon and they turned out lovely! I did a trial to see how they would come out — so happy with the results. Thinking about spray painting some of them gold to match the décor for my wedding. Thank you for the idea and the tutorial!
Michelle
March 18, 2016 at 9:39 amLike to learn more plaster of Paris ideas
Michelle
March 18, 2016 at 9:41 amLove it
JESSICA
April 10, 2016 at 1:54 amHello~
I really love the ideas and I tried to make one today!
But turned out its really hard to achieve such a smooth effect!
And the plaster of paris turn into solid very quickly!
I wonder how is the rescale of water and plaster should be to achieve your effect?
Thank you and keep sharing your wonderful crafting idea!:)
Haley
June 2, 2016 at 3:57 pmWhat size flowers heads work best to fit the tea light in the middle? I’d like to give these a try. What size flowers has everyone used?
K.J.
June 19, 2016 at 1:18 pmThese are gorgeous, as are your photos! I am so excited to have a chance to try these, but must get more flowers first! Am I right in thinking that these were done with silk/fabric flowers? I know there are very few plastic flowers available now, but would plastic be a good material to use even if found? (Perhaps they cannot be “manipulated” enough to shape … even though you said stiff petals are better?!?)
Thanks for sharing these beautiful creations!
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February 27, 2017 at 2:18 amWhen do you use the color? Do you mix the powder dye into the plaster?
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June 15, 2017 at 10:19 amJust love the Flowers! can’t wait to try it out…
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Betty J. Clouse
June 24, 2017 at 12:50 pmNot sure what you guys mean by “using rubber bands to sculpt the petals” Am anxious to try this. My niece thinks it would be too heavy to work with. Any comments?
Kathi
July 16, 2017 at 10:17 pmWhat happens when the candle burns down?