Essential Materials and Tools for the Project

Gathering the right materials is the first crucial step to ensure a smooth and successful crafting experience. Having everything on hand before you begin will make the process more enjoyable and efficient. While the core items are simple, each plays a specific role in the creation and preservation of your floral drawer pulls.

1. 🔨 Drawer Pull Bases

The foundation of your project. You can use new, unfinished wooden knobs or pulls, or upcycle old metal or ceramic ones. Wood is highly recommended for beginners as it provides a porous surface for the hot glue to bond securely. Ensure the base has a flat, smooth area large enough to accommodate your pressed flower design.

2. 🌼 Fresh Flowers and Foliage

Select flowers with naturally flat faces and relatively thin petals, such as pansies, violas, daisies, forget-me-nots, small ferns, or baby's breath. Avoid very thick, succulent, or overly moist blooms as they do not press or adhere well. The best flowers are picked on a dry day, free from morning dew or rain.

3. 🛠️ Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks

A standard hot glue gun is sufficient. For more control and to avoid potential heat damage to delicate flowers, a low-temperature gun is ideal. Have plenty of clear, transparent glue sticks on hand. The quality of the glue matters—opt for a brand known for clarity and strength to act as both adhesive and a protective dome.

4. 📚 Flower Press or Heavy Books

To properly dry and flatten your botanicals. A dedicated flower press with absorbent paper is best for optimal results and faster drying time. Alternatively, you can use heavy textbooks lined with parchment or blotting paper. The pressing process typically takes 1-3 weeks.

5. 🧪 Clear-Drying Craft Sealant (Optional but Recommended)

While the hot glue provides a protective layer, a final spray or brush-on sealant (like a clear acrylic spray or mod podge) over the entire pull adds an extra level of durability, UV protection, and a unified finish. It helps prevent yellowing of the glue over time and seals the edges completely.

6. 📏 Miscellaneous Tools

Tweezers for handling delicate pressed flowers, scissors, a small paintbrush for applying optional sealant, rubbing alcohol and a cloth for cleaning the pull base, and a pencil for lightly sketching your design layout.