Pressed Flower Lanterns
Duration: 45-60 minutes
Difficulty Level: Difficult
This was one of the residents' favorite activities that we have done so far! Everyone was waiting for me when I arrived and was eager to see what I brought with me this week. As I continue to lead therapeutic horticulture activities, I can tell when certain projects we do are enjoyed more than others, and this one was a hit! The residents kept repeating how much they loved their lanterns and the joy that it brought them.
Understanding Why
Unlike last week, this activity used real flowers that the residents were able to handle and use. I found this activity in the Therapeutic Horticulture Activity Database where it stated that this activity strengthens fine motor skills, increases pride & self esteem, and increases peer interactions (Girdham, 2025). The product that results from this activity is beautiful and sustainable for the residents, while also providing a multitude of benefits during completion.
Step By Step Process
Pre-activity preparation
Leading up to this activity, I thrifted all of the glass jars and containers. This allowed for a variation of shapes and sizes that the residents could choose from! I also made sure to make a simple example so that they would understand the process of making the lanterns. When I arrived I placed all of the pressed flowers onto small paper plates so that they would be accessed easier. I know from a past activity, that they can be hard to get to in the packages that they come in.
Explain the activity
I passed around my example for the residents to see and explained how to use Mod Podge, as well as the best types of pressed flowers to use.
Choose a jar
I set out all of the jars/containers in the middle of the table for residents to choose from. I encouraged some participants to use the containers with flat sides as that tends to be easier than the jars/containers with rounded sides.
Use Mod Podge to adhere the flowers to the container/jar
For this activity, we used something called Mod Podge. It looks like glue at first, but dries clear. In order to get the pressed flowers and leaves to stay on the jars, I instructed the residents to start with a tiny dot of Mod Podge on the spot where they'd like their flower to go. Then they place their flower onto the Mod Podge'd spot. Using a paint brush, they then gently painted over the flower with the Mod Podge. They repeated this until they were satisfied with their lantern!
Tie a string around the top
This step did not apply to all as some of the containers did not have a place to tie a string due to the shape. For those that could, I provided several different colors of string to choose from. Then they wrapped the string around the top and tied a bow!
Place a candle/tea light inside
For these residents, I provided tea lights that they could turn on a place inside of their lanterns.
Key Benefits of this Activity
Cognition: This activity required sustained focus and attention on keeping the flowers in place while applying the Mod Podge. Additionally, the residents had to wait for the Mod Podge to dry. This requires patience and perseverance, which are both valuable skills that can be used in all areas of life (Azenera, 2024). A study by Huss et al. (2025), stated that when combining art and flowers, the components can activate cognitive engagement. This study also stated that the symmetry of observing a flower shape may stimulate the brain enough to keep one alert and calm (Huss et al., 2025).
Physical/Physiological: Working with, and viewing flowers has also been connected with lower blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse which indicates physiological relaxation (Huss et al., 2025). While the residents look over the options of pressed flowers to add to their lanterns and handle them as they complete the activity, they are receiving the relaxing benefits of working with flowers! Pressed flowers are very delicate and can be difficult to handle, so this activity also directly targets the use of fine motor skills.
Psychological/Emotional: When individuals work with and observe flowers, there is an immediate effect on one's happiness (Haviland-Jones, 2024). Older adults that receive flowers have reported a positive mood directly after interacting with flowers and creates a long-term impact on emotional reactions and mood (Haviland Jones, 2018).
Social: Flowers often bring about memories and completing this type of activity in a social setting allows for conversations and connecting (Robertson, 2025). During this activity I also was able to observe the residents assisting each other with different steps of the activity. They love to talk to one another, but even more so, they love to lend a helping hand!
Resident comments:
"Oh that's lovely! I like that a lot."
"We can use this if the power goes out!"
"It looks so beautiful with the light inside."
Conclusion
The residents really enjoyed this activity and I highly suggest trying this out! I plan on making one for myself with the extra material that I have! It was so fun to see everyone get creative and talk about their favorite flowers during our time together.
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