As you may know, any time that I can incorporate nature + crafting it’s just… *chef’s kiss.* I find that making beautiful resin art using preserved flowers does just that. Picking out flowers from your backyard is an awesome way to let your little ones get involved in this project, too!
Whether you’re interested in creating a beautiful piece of resin jewelry or preserving flowers from a special occasion, resin is a beautiful way to capture the beauty of nature and create lasting keepsakes.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of drying flowers, preparing them, and sealing them in resin to create beautiful, enduring pieces.
Drying the Flowers
Before you can preserve your flowers in resin, they need to be properly dried. There are several methods for drying flowers, but for this project, we’ll focus on two tried and true techniques: air drying and pressing.
Air Drying
1. Select the Flowers: My daughter and I love taking a walk outside to hunt for the perfect flowers for resin jewelry. It’s like a little scavenger hunt. Choose flowers that are not fully bloomed, as they tend to open more as they dry. Hardy flowers like roses, lavender, and baby’s breath work well.
2. Remove Excess Foliage: Strip away any leaves from the stems, as they can take longer to dry and may not preserve well in resin.
3. Bundle and Hang: Gather the flowers into small bundles and secure the stems with a rubber band. Hang them upside down in a dry, dark, and well-ventilated area. This helps maintain their color and shape.
4. Wait: Depending on the flower type and environmental conditions, drying can take anywhere from one to three weeks. Check the flowers periodically to ensure they are drying properly and aren’t developing mold.
Pressing
1. Prepare the Flowers: Choose flat-faced flowers for pressing, such as pansies, daisies, or violets. Trim the stems if necessary.
2. Arrange on Paper: Place the flowers between two sheets of parchment paper. Arrange them carefully, as they will retain this shape once pressed.
3. Press: Put the parchment paper with the flowers in the middle of a heavy book. Add additional weight on top if needed.
4. Wait: Leave the flowers to press for about one to two weeks. Check them periodically to ensure they are completely dry and flat.
Preparing the Flowers for Resin
Once your flowers are dried, it’s time to prepare them for the resin. Proper preparation ensures the flowers look their best and remain preserved.
1. Seal the Flowers: Dried flowers can sometimes react with resin, leading to discoloration. To prevent this, lightly spray the flowers with a clear acrylic sealer. This step is important for maintaining the flower’s color and appearance. There’s nothing worse than putting in all this work only to have your flowers turn brown in the resin in a week!
2. Arrange Your Design: Before mixing your resin, plan your design. Lay out the flowers in the mold to get a sense of how you want the final piece to look. This step is especially important for larger projects where placement is key.
Working with Resin
Resin can be tricky to work with but you can achieve stunning results. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
1. Choose Your Resin: Select a high-quality epoxy resin. Ensure it is clear and UV resistant to prevent yellowing over time.
2. Prepare Your Workspace: Resin can be messy, so cover your work area with plastic or newspaper. Wear gloves, a mask, and work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.
3. If applicable – Mix the Resin: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing the resin and hardener. Typically, you’ll need to mix the two components in a 1:1 ratio. Stir slowly and thoroughly to avoid creating bubbles.
4. Pour the First Layer: Pour a thin layer of resin into the silicone mold. This layer acts as a base and will help position the flowers.
5. Place the Flowers: Carefully place your dried and sealed flowers onto the first layer of resin. Use a toothpick or tweezers to adjust their position if necessary. Ensure the flowers are flat and free of bubbles. If you see bubbles, you can use a toothpick to pop them.
6. Pour the Second Layer: Once the first layer has partially cured (it should be sticky but not fully set), pour another layer of resin over the flowers. This step encases the flowers completely. Pour slowly to minimize bubbles.
7. Remove Bubbles: Use a heat gun or a small torch to remove any bubbles that rise to the surface. Hold the heat source a few inches above the resin and move it back and forth quickly to avoid overheating.
8. Cure: Depending on the type of resin you are using, you will need to cure the resin according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes 24 to 48 hours. Ensure the curing process takes place in a dust-free environment to avoid debris settling on your piece.
Alternatively, if you’re using UV resin, you can now cure the piece using your UV light.
Finishing Touches
After the resin has fully cured, it’s time to add the finishing touches to your piece!
1. Demold: Carefully remove your piece from the mold. If the resin sticks, gently flex the mold or use a mold release spray to help.
2. Sand Edges: If the edges are rough, sand them down using fine-grit sandpaper. Wet sanding can help achieve a smoother finish.
3. Polish: For a professional finish, polish the surface with a resin polish or a bit of car wax. Buff it to a shine with a soft cloth.
4. Display: Your resin-encased flowers are now ready to be displayed!
Tips and Tricks
• Experiment with Different Flowers: Some flowers may retain their color better than others. I have found that certain flowers from my backyard seem to turn brown regardless of what I do to seal them! Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you!
• Use Silica Gel for Drying: For more delicate flowers, consider using silica gel to dry them. This method can preserve the color and shape more effectively.
• Layering: If you’re creating deeper pieces, consider layering your resin and flowers to add depth and dimension.
• Practice Safety: Always work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gear when handling resin.
Preserving dried flowers in resin is a wonderful way to capture the fleeting beauty of nature. With patience and practice, you can create stunning pieces that bring a touch of the outdoors into your home. Enjoy the process and the unique creations you’ll make along the way!