The Preservation Process
Silica Gel
Instead of pressing or hanging, we use silica gel to preserve the shape and color of the flowers. Silica gel is a porous material that absorbs and holds moisture. Unlike the little packet of beads you might find in the bottom of a shoe box or in some food packaging, our silica gel looks and feels like sand. Once each bloom is prepped, silica gel is carefully poured around and over each bloom, completely encapsulating it. Depending on the size and moisture content of the flower, it will remain in the silica gel for or 2-3 weeks until it is completely dry.
Epoxy Resin
Once completely dry, the flowers are removed from the silica gel and cast in epoxy resin. A variety of silicone, HDPE and handmade molds, in all shapes and sizes, are utilized depending on the size and shape of the flowers. Many thin layers of resin are poured over the flowers until the mold is full or has reached the appropriate depth. This is a time consuming process and can take over a month to complete. Although most resin will fully cure in about 72 hours, we let each keepsake cure for at least seven (7) days to ensure it’s rock solid.
Finishing
Once completely cured, the beautiful flora and resin piece is removed from the mold. Some molds leave a lip or seam that require sanding and polishing to achieve a perfectly shiny surface. Finally, the finished keepsake is carefully packaged and shipped to its forever home!
FOREVER FLORA 101
Learn how to transform fresh flowers into forever resin keepsakes.
Do you hate it when your beloved flowers wilt & die? Me too! After years of research and costly trial and errors, I finally figured out THE way to dry flowers so that they retain their shape and color and how to cast them in epoxy resin.
The result??? Beautiful keepsakes that to cherish forever!
Forever Flora 101 takes the guess work out of silica gel and epoxy resin. This easy-to-follow course includes both step-by-step videos that you can watch at your own pace and a printable ebook. You’ll also get awesome bonuses like discounts on resin, silica gel, molds, and more. AND access to a student-only, private Facebook group to ask all the questions and show off what you create!
If you’ve ever wondered how I make the art you see on social media, or looking for a new relaxing and rewarding hobby, you’ve got to check it out!
