Flower Resin Art: How to Make Resin Flower Art
Flower resin art has become incredibly popular as a flexible and captivating craft. By preserving dried flowers in resin, artists can make stunning artwork that beautifully showcases the beauty of nature. This unique combination of flowers and creativity has captured the attention of many art lovers.
To start your resin flower art journey, it's important to use high-quality craft supplies. Investing in good materials ensures that your projects turn out well and look great. From epoxy resin to moulds and drying agents, choosing the right supplies makes a big difference in the final result of your resin flower art.
If you want to learn more about this fascinating craft, consider taking an online resin art course or workshop for expert guidance and step-by-step instructions on how to create amazing resin flower art pieces. Now, let's explore the world of flower resin art and find out how you can make your beautiful creations!
How to Preserve Flowers for Resin Art?
Preserving flowers for resin art is a crucial step that directly impacts the outcome of your artwork. Two primary techniques are commonly used for drying and preserving flowers, including pressing and using silica gel. Pressing flowers involves carefully placing them between absorbent papers within the pages of a heavy book. At the same time, the silica gel method allows for faster drying by burying the flowers in the gel.
Pressing Flowers
It is a traditional method that involves carefully arranging the flower between absorbent papers and placing them within the pages of a heavy book. Here’s a simple guide to pressing flowers for resin art:
- Select fresh flowers with vibrant colours.
- Lay the flowers flat on absorbent paper such as parchment or blotting paper.
- Place another layer of absorbent paper on top of the flowers.
- Carefully close the book and add weight on top to press the flowers evenly.
- Leave the flowers undisturbed for 7–10 days until they are thoroughly dry.
Silica Gel Method
Using silica gel offers a quicker alternative for drying flowers while retaining their natural shape and colour. Here's an exploration of the silica gel method and how it can be applied in resin creations:
- Fill a container with a layer of silica gel.
- Trim excess stems from the fresh flowers and gently place them into the silica gel.
- Gently sift additional silica gel over and around the flowers to ensure they are completely covered.
- Seal the container with an airtight lid and allow it to sit undisturbed for several days until the flowers are fully dried.
Creating Stunning Resin Flower Art Pieces
Epoxy resin is the perfect material for bringing flower art to life in resin creations. When working with epoxy resin, it's important to follow the right techniques for mixing the resin and hardener to achieve a smooth finish without any air bubbles. Here's a detailed guide on how to bring this artistic vision to life:
- Prepare Your Workspace: Set up your workspace with all necessary materials, including dried flowers, epoxy resin, silicone coaster moulds, mixing cups, and tweezers.
- Pouring the Resin: Carefully pour a small amount of resin into the bottom of the mould. This first layer will be the base for your floral arrangement.
- Adding Dried Flowers: Use tweezers and toothpicks to delicately place the dried flowers onto the first layer of resin. Consider creating layers with different flowers to add depth and dimension to your artwork.
- Creating Layers: After placing the flowers, pour additional resin over them, ensuring that they are fully covered and secured in place. You can repeat this process to add more layers of flowers and resin for a captivating effect.
- Topping Up the Mold: Once all desired layers are complete, top up the mould with the remaining resin to achieve a smooth and level surface.
- Attaching Hardware for Display: After allowing the resin to be set for a brief period, attach hardware such as eye pins or jump rings using an electric drill and pliers. This allows you to easily display your resin wall hanging once it's fully cured.
Finishing Touches and Caring for Your Flower Resin Art
When it comes to creating resin flower art, the finishing touches are just as important as the initial steps. In this section, we will explore the crucial aspects of curing, sanding, and sealing your resin artwork to achieve a polished and professional finish.
Sufficient Curing Time
After pouring the resin and adding the dried flowers to your artwork, it's essential to wait and allow sufficient curing time before handling the piece. Curing time can be different depending on the brand of resin used, but a general rule is to wait at least 24 hours for the resin to fully cure. Rushing this process can result in unwanted fingerprints or smudges on your artwork.
Techniques for Safe Unmoulding
Once the resin has cured, it's time to release your artwork from the mould. To safely unmould your resin art piece, follow these steps:
- Gently flex the sides of the mould to loosen the cured resin.
- Carefully peel back the edges of the mould, working your way around until the entire piece is free.
- If needed, use a small amount of heat from a heat gun or hairdryer to warm the mould slightly and aid in releasing stubborn areas.
Proper Sanding for a Polished Finish
To achieve a polished and smooth finish, it is essential to do proper sanding on your resin artwork. Here are some tips for proper sanding:
- Begin with a coarse-grit sandpaper (around 220-320 grit) and gently sand any rough edges or imperfections.
- Gradually move up to finer-grit sandpaper (400-600 grit) for a smoother surface.
- Wet sanding can also be done using water and high-grit sandpaper (800-2000 grit) for an even more refined finish.
- After sanding, wipe away the dust or residue with a clean cloth.
Conclusion
Flower resin art is a captivating craft that allows for a blend of artistic expression and botanical elements. By preserving dried flowers in resin, you can create stunning art pieces that capture the beauty of nature uniquely and artistically. The mesmerising effect of resin flower art lies in the way it preserves the natural colours and textures of the flowers. Whether you choose to make wall hangings, jewellery, or keychains, the possibilities are endless.
If you're interested in exploring this craft further, Contact Us on Arts Shala today, where you can learn more about flower resin art with step-by-step guidance, tips, and techniques from experienced artists to enhance your skills and explore your creative possibilities.