Important points about resin
Resin really is a true art! We started working with resin at the end of 2022 and focused on smaller pieces as we were learning.
Deep cast resin is a lengthy process and has so many variables! We are far from perfect and are still learning but loving the process along the way.
When you place an order with us we ask that you kindly read the below details as we like to be open and honest and like to educate our beautiful customers on what to expect.
THE DEEP CAST PROCESS
Casting your flowers into resin takes anywhere from 4-8 weeks.
Ideally we need to receive your flowers within 24-48 hours of you receiving them as a gift, your event, etc. The less handling of the flowers the better, to avoid bruising of the petals or transferring of oils from our skin to the petals.
Once we receive your flowers we will delicately place them in silica crystals, taking time and care to ensure the silica granules surround each petal and inside the flowers to ensure they are 100% dry during this process. If flowers aren’t 100% dry before placing in resin they will rot.
We then seal the container and set them in a cool dark area for 1-3 weeks, depending on the flower type some flowers dry fast, others take longer.
Once all your flowers are dry we will choose the flowers that preserved the nicest and mock up a design to show you. *Once you approve the design and resin is poured, this cannot be changed*. We cannot return any leftover flowers.
Resin is then poured in multiple layers, each layer needing 24 hours to set before the next layer can be poured. After pouring each layer we keep a watchful eye on your special piece and will pop bubbles as they rise to the surface. Bubbles are quite cheeky and it’s almost impossible to eliminate all bubbles. So it’s likely that your piece will have some bubbles inside, which adds to the beauty, uniqueness and handmade nature of your piece. Once each layer is poured, this is when any bruising from when your flowers were fresh may show up on your flowers. This can’t be avoided but again adds to the uniqueness of each piece. As an example, many brides will touch their flowers throughout their wedding day so in a way these little marks show where you or others admired your flowers on your special day. Or the bruising can be from when your florist designed your bunch, bouquet etc. Basically it shows the amount of love that went into your flowers!
Once the final layer is poured and cured, we demould your resin casting. We then wet-sand down all surfaces and ensure it’s smooth and ready for its top coat!
We then mix and pour the top coat over your casting and let that cure for 24 hours.
Finally, we clean up your piece and admire the final product!
Your special piece is then packaged with a care card and it is then on its way to you!
Resin contains UV inhibitors but eventually all resin will yellow slightly over time. To avoid speeding up this process we ask that you keep your resin casting away from direct sunlight. Please do not use any abrasive cloths on your piece, and no chemicals either. Simply dust with a micro fibre cloth or wipe away any fingerprints with a damp tissue.
COLOUR AND BRUISING OF PRESERVED FLOWERS
Flowers in bouquets withstand a lot of handling before they make it to you. The flowers are picked by the growers, processed, posted, arranged by a florist, delivered on the wedding day, photographed, danced with, carried, sat on a table for hours, sat out overnight, then delivered or posted to me, received, and finally processed for drying. As a result, a lot of the flowers and petals get bruised/wilted. I do my best to select the best flowers whose final look is likely to be the best.
Bruising doesn’t show up until flowers are set in resin. Sometimes, protective spray can prevent bruising showing up too much but other times there is nothing resin artists can do for bruising. We like to think of the bruising/transparent petals as flowers who have received a lot of love when alive by florists, brides, guests, etc!
A majority of flowers will change in appearance and colour once preserved, and then again once placed in resin. White flowers preserve to an off-white/yellow colour. Coloured orchids often lose some of their colour Certain flowers can go transparent when in resin from bruises to the petals which aren’t able to be seen by the naked eye prior to the flowers going into resin. We do our best to enhance flowers where needed and can coat them before placing in resin to try and restore some of their colour and depth.
HAND MADE
As our creations are made with love, by hand, some imperfections may occur. This is the beauty of a handmade piece and we do our best to present your flowers the best way we can. Minor imperfections may include bubbles, bruised or transparent petals, layer lines around the edges (can’t be avoided) and slightly uneven edging. All resin will yellow over time. We recommend you keeping your piece away from direct sunlight.