Blooming Beauty: Capturing Whole Flowers in Resin

Have you ever wished to capture the beauty of a flower in its full, three-dimensional glory? Look no further than the captivating world of working with whole flowers in resin! This mesmerising art form allows you to preserve the bold colours, delicate details, and natural elegance of flowers, transforming them into stunning and long-lasting pieces.

We'll discuss the steps to preserve the delicate flowers and share some tips to help you make better decisions. At last, we will leave you some ways to avoid common blunders that often happen when you work with flowers and resin. If you wish to work with this medium under professional guidance, we recommend joining a resin art workshop. 

What Types of Flowers Can You Use in Craft Resin?

When it comes to working with whole flowers in craft resin, choosing the right flower is critical. Here are some types of flowers that tend to work well due to their durability, colour, and size:

• Baby's Breath: These tiny, delicate flowers add a whimsical touch to resin castings. Their small size makes them perfect for smaller moulds and jewellery pieces.
• Hydrangeas: The small, tightly packed flowers of hydrangeas create a beautiful three-dimensional effect when cast in resin. Choose those that have been dried flat for best results.
• Forget-Me-Nots: These charming little flowers boast vibrant blue hues that hold their well when preserved in resin.
• Roses: A classic choice, roses come in various colours and sizes to suit your project. Opt for roses with sturdier petals, as some rose varieties can be delicate.

Apart from these, you can also see other flowers like pansies, lavender, strawflowers, etc. With a little trial and error, you're sure to find the perfect combination to add a touch of floral to your art creations.

How to Preserve Flowers in Resin?

The beauty of flowers can be captured forever with the resin casting. Here's a step-by-step guide to transforming your favourite petals into stunning art:

Step 1: Drying Your Flowers

Dehydrated flowers are essential to avoid cloudiness or rotting in the resin. Here are two methods:

Silica Gel Desiccant

• Gather Your Supplies: Dried flowers, silica gel desiccant, airtight container.
• Arrange the Flowers: Gently place your flowers in an airtight container.
• Bury the Flowers: Completely cover the flowers with silica gel beads.
• Wait and Check: Leave the container sealed for 1-2 days. Check on the flowers periodically.
• Touch Test: The flowers are ready when they feel papery, dry and crisp.

Air Drying

• Select Suitable Flowers: This method works best for flat flowers like baby's breath.
• Prepare a Drying Space: Find a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area.
• Hang the Flowers: Tie some thread around the stems and hang them upside down.
• Patience is Key: Leave the flowers drying for a few weeks until completely dry.

Step 2: Prepare Your Resin and Mould

• Gather Your Supplies: Resin, resin mixing cups, stir sticks, gloves, safety glasses, and mould (silicone is recommended).
• Choose Your Mould: Select one deep enough to accommodate your flower arrangement.
• Plan Your Placement: Decide on the layout of your flowers in the mould.

Step 3: Casting the Flowers in Resin

• Protect Yourself: Wear gloves and safety glasses while working with resin.
• Mix the Resin: Carefully follow the instructions for mixing parts A and B of the resin in proper proportions.
• Pour the First Layer: Pour a thin layer of the mixture into the mould. This creates a base for your flowers.
• Flower Placement: Using tweezers, carefully position your dried flowers in the first layer of resin according to your plan.
• Layer By Layer: Once the flowers are arranged, slowly pour additional resin to cover them completely. Use a stir stick to remove any air bubbles that may form gently.
• Curing Time: Allow the resin to cure completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. This can take from 24 to 72 hours.

Step 4: Demolding and Finishing Touches (Optional)

• Gently Remove: Once cured, carefully remove the cast resin piece from the mould.
• Trimming (Optional): You can use sandpaper or a craft knife to trim any uneven edges on the finished piece.
• Polish (Optional): For an extra shine, use a polishing compound designed explicitly for resin.

Tips for Working With Whole Flowers in Craft Resin

• Durability is Key: Opt for flowers with robust petals that won't wilt or crumble in the resin. Roses with thicker petals, hydrangeas (dried flat), and strawflowers are good choices.
• Size Matters: Consider the size of your mould when choosing flowers. Delicate baby's breath is perfect for smaller pieces, while larger flowers like sunflowers might overwhelm a shallow mould.
• Preheat Your Resin: Warming the resin slightly before pouring helps it flow more easily around the flowers and reduces air bubbles.
• Alcohol Ink for Subtle Colour: Want to add a touch of colour without overpowering the flowers? A tiny drop of alcohol ink can be swirled into the resin for a subtle effect.
• Leaf Inclusions: Include dried leaves or greenery alongside your flowers for a more natural aesthetic.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Working With Flowers in Resin

• Moisture Mishap: Ensure your flowers are dehydrated before casting. Any lingering moisture will cloud your resin and potentially cause the flowers to rot.
• Underestimating Flower Power: Not all flowers are suitable for resin casting. Avoid delicate petals that might crumble, and opt for varieties with sturdier petals like roses or strawflowers.
• Resin Rush: Patience is vital. Don't rush the mixing process. Mix your resin parts thoroughly according to the manufacturer's instructions to avoid an uneven cure or cloudy finish.
• Bubble Trouble: Air bubbles trapped in the resin ruin your project. Use techniques like pouring in layers, gently tapping the mould, or even using a pressure pot (for experienced crafters) to minimise air bubbles.
• Flower Burnout: Resin cures with an exothermic reaction, meaning it generates heat. Using too much resin at once, especially in deep moulds, can cause the resin to overheat and potentially damage your flowers.
• Colour Confusion: Not all flowers react well to resin. Experiment with a test flower dipped in resin to see if the colour bleeds or changes significantly before using it in your main project.
• Improper Mould Choice: Not all moulds are created equal. Choose a mould made from a material compatible with resin, like silicone, and ensure it's deep enough to accommodate your flower arrangement.
• Underestimating Depth: When working with multiple flower layers, consider the mould depth. Overcrowding flowers can lead to air bubbles and difficulty achieving a clear, even cast.

Conclusion

Working with whole flowers in resin is a creative and rewarding way to add a touch of nature to your DIY projects. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this blog, you can create stunning resin creations that showcase the beauty of flowers uniquely and artistically. So, why not give it a try and see the magic of whole flowers come to life in your resin crafts? To know more about this medium and its techniques, visit Arts Shala right away. Contact Us for information.