DIY Flower Artwork

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A few weeks back, I was browsing Anthropologie and came across this “Cascading Flowers Wall Art.” It was pretty, but not $1000 pretty, so I moved right along.

But then I did a double take and realized that the $1000 price tag was for only one of the pieces in the two piece set. Were these flowers made of pure gold or something? In my mind, they had to be to justify that price.

Partially because I needed art, and partially out of spite of Anthropologie’s ridiculous pricing system, I decided to make my own version. I can make a white box. I can make gold flowers. And guess what, Anthropologie? It won’t cost me anywhere near $2000.

Anthropologie-Inspired DIY Flower Artwork

Materials

• 1/4″ Plywood – I purchased a whole sheet and had it cut down at Home Depot since the scrap wood is useful to me, but you can purchase smaller panels as well.
• (3) 1″ x 2″ Furring Strips
• Polymer Clay– I made about 100 flowers (way more than I needed) out of 1.75 lbs of clay.
• Gold Spray Paint
• Surebonder 9001 High Strength Adhesive
• Caulk
• White Latex Paint
• Wood Glue
• 3/4″ Screws

Part 1: Make Flowers

Step 1: Make Clay Marbles

I started by rolling out four clay balls. These will ultimately form the petals of the flower, and if you wanted to make more intricate flowers, you could totally add more petals and layers to this design. That said, I wanted to make sure I had plenty of flowers, and didn’t want to spend my whole life making them, so I only did four petals per flower.

The clay balls were each slightly smaller than a marble. I did my best to make the pieces even-sized.

Step 2: Press Clay Into Petals

I then used my thumb to press each piece into a petal shape. I’m sure any other finger would work just as well, but fingernails get in way here, and my thumbnail had just recently broke, so…

I’m working on parchment paper, so the clay doesn’t stick to my workspace.

Step 3: Arrange Petals and Add Center

Once I had all four petals, I arranged them neatly. I did my best to stick the ugliest petal on the bottom each time. Then I rolled a small, pea-sized piece of clay, and flattened it in the center of the flower.

Step 4: Repeat Steps 1-3 and Bake Flowers

I listened to podcasts, videochatted with a friend, and watched numerous youtube videos while I worked. It’s a really brainless task, so line up some shows to watch while you work!

Once you have enough flowers to justify turning on the oven, bake the flowers for 20 minutes at 265 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 5: Paint Flowers

I laid the flowers out in my basement, and spray painted both sides of them with gold spray paint. Theoretically, I would have done this outside where there was better ventilation, but it’s winter here, so that’s out. I let the flowers sit at least 24 hours before attaching them to the frame in order to make sure the paint was cured.

Part 2: Make Frame

Step 1: Cut Plywood and Frame to Desired Size

I initially intended to put these over my queen sized bed, so I made them 22″ wide by 32″ tall. The plywood pieces were each cut to these dimensions on my table saw – if you don’t have a table saw, Home Depot and Lowes (but not Menards… step it up, Menards) can both cut the plywood for you.

I cut the frame pieces to span the perimeter of the plywood. These cuts were done on my miter saw, but Home Depot and Lowes can cut these as well.

Step 2: Secure Frame to Plywood

After sanding the furring strips considerably (they were rather rough,) I glued the the frame pieces to the plywood with wood glue. I let them dry for 20 minutes, then flipped the pieces over and added screws from the back for long-term stability.

By doing it this way, I could make sure the frame pieces were aligned properly from the front when I glued them in place. Then when I added the screws after the glue was dry, I knew everything was in the right spot.

Step 3: Caulk Gaps

You might be inclined to skip this step, but don’t! Caulk is really easy to work with, and it makes everything look much more professional. I added caulk at all the joints, and between the frame and the plywood pieces. It makes everything look so much better!

The secret to working with caulk is to use all-purpose, water-soluble caulk. Dip your finger in water, then smooth it in place. 

Step 4: Paint Frame

I used some old white paint I had sitting around that was custom matched to my kitchen cabinets, so if you’re wondering what I color I used, I unfortunately won’t be able to help you.

Step 5: Glue Flowers to Frame

I laid all the flowers out on the frame, then used Surebonder 9001 to glue them in place. 

Then the art was done!

I love how it turned out, although funny story, I don’t actually love them in the place I originally intended to put them. They’re a little too modern for my bedroom, I think, so I may end up switching them out with some art in the living room. We’ll see!

Regardless, I consider this DIY Flower Artwork a win! If you think so too, go ahead and save this post to Pinterest so you can find it again later! And if you’re looking for more art for your home, check out my Farmhouse Sunflower Mirror, which is a really simple project that adds a ton of style to your home!