GARDEN Art DIY: How to Make Pickle Dish Garden Flowers

How to Make Pickle Dish Garden Flowers

Making garden art flowers from repurposed dishes is quite popular right now. These pickle dish flowers are simply a smaller version and quite fast and easy to make.

Gather up some old pickle dishes (or other serving plates), glass craft paints, and a few other supplies, and you've got yourself some adorable, decorative flowers.

I'll show you which supplies you'll need and how to make them.

You'll want dishes that are fairly lightweight so the flower is not too heavy on the stem.

Pickle dishes or other small glass serving dishes for the flower petals.
You'll want clear glass if you're going to paint them like I did.
You could also use colored glass for a neat effect.
Ballpoint pen cap (for the stem holder).
Make sure it fits over the tip of the shish kebab skewer.
Leaves (optional). You could use synthetic, decorative plant leaves, metal wire, or small cutlery items including forks and spoons.
Craft paints suitable for glass surfaces.
I use Martha Stewart® Crafts Glass Paint and Folk Art® Enamels for glass and ceramics.
Adhesive: I use GE Silicone II silicone sealant (clear, waterproof, made for gutters and flashing) for all of my outdoor garden art projects.
Some crafters also use E6000.
Clean, protected work surface, soapy water for brushes, rag.

Decide how you want to arrange the flowers. I use one clear plate for the flower petals and a little vase (or sherry glass or salt shaker) for the center stamen. You can always change your mind before you glue them together.

If it helps, browse images of actual flowers to get ideas for colors and design.

Before assembling them, you will paint the separate pieces.

I use GE II Silicone sealant in a caulking gun. It also comes in squeeze tubes. Check the date on the container to make sure the product is fresh. Old sealant is runny and won't dry properly or form a bond.

Apply the glue (sealant) to the bottom of the vase and press firmly onto the clear plate. Hold in place for a minute. Carefully remove any excess (I use an old butter knife).

Read the directions on the sealant for required drying time.