Learn how to preserve flowers in resin with this easy DIY guide. Follow step-by-step instructions and watch the video tutorial to create stunning keepsakes!
Are you curious about preserving flowers in resin? I’m excited to share with you today! Recently I learned how to use resin, and I have to admit, it’s life changing stuff.
I’ve used resin in the past a few times, but I was a looong time ago and I think it was just on a tray. Obviously I don’t remember.
Recently I got started down resin path again. I began with resin coasters and then geode coasters . . . then I decided it was time to foray into dried flowers.
Have you seen the beautiful jewelry and pendants that people are making? I wanted to try that too.
I started by preserving flowers in flat glass handle holders . . . and I’m going to show you what I did. This method will be the same whether you use a different surface or silicone molds.
Get ready to make one-of-a-kind keepsakes using this simple tutorial!
How to Preserve Dried Flowers in Resin
Before you use the resin, you’re going to need some dried flowers. You can purchase them (from Etsy or Amazon, for example). Or you can buy a bouquet or use your own from the garden and make them.
Press/Dry the Flowers
There are several ways to dry (and press) flowers. If you use the methods below, you’ll want to use flowers as fresh as possible. Press them right after you pick them.
- Wooden flower press – two pieces of wood screwed together at all four corners, leave to dry naturally for 3 – 4 weeks.
- Between the pages of books – place flowers between parchment paper in the pages of a heavy book, close and weight down with more books. Leave to dry for 3 – 4 weeks.
- Silica gel – this is a great way to dry flowers that you want to keep dimensional (like for paperweights or pendants). It takes 2 – 7 days. I haven’t found a way to keep flowers flat in silica.
- Microwave press – the flowers stay between two ceramic tiles held together with rubber bands. It seems to preserve the color the best, and you can do it 30 minutes.
My favorite method is microwaving because it seems to retain the color the best. Note: most flowers will lose some color during the drying process. It’s inevitable unless you use other, commercial processes.
Supplies You’ll Need
You’re going to need some supplies in addition to the flowers. Here’s what you should have ready:
Epoxy resin – usually a two part system with a 1:1 mixing ratio of resin and hardener.
Surface or silicone mold – you’re going to embed the flowers into something whether it be a flat glass candle holder or a silicone mold (to make jewelry pieces or paperweights, for example).
Personal protective equipment – eyewear, respirators, and gloves are typically recommended. Read your package instructions.
Mixing cups and craft sticks – you’ll need a cup to mix the resin and then separate cups for mixing resin with additives. Popsicle sticks are for stirring.
Tweezers – dried flowers can be quite fragile, so tweezers can help you place them without crumbling the petals.
Additives – there are all sorts of things to embed in a resin project with the flowers like alcohol inks, glitter, and gold flakes.
Timer – you can use your phone obviously, but you’ll need something to track stirring time.
Butane torch – this is optional, but if you’re planning on working with resin, it helps remove bubbles easily.
Mix the Resin
Mix the resin according to the package instructions. It will be a 1:1 mixture of resin and hardener.
The estimate for this project in terms of resin required is approximately 1.5 oz per holder.
Measure resin by volume, not weight. Use a separate measuring cup for each part. Once equal amounts of both parts are measured, pour them into a mixing cup. Gently stir the two parts together for 3 minutes. When you start to stir, cloudy swirls will appear.
Arrange the Flowers
Arrange the flowers on the glass candle holders as desired. Dried flowers are very fragile so use tweezers to help you with the placement.
Add the Resin to the Glass Dish
Slowly pour clear resin over the flower. Fill the candle holders as much as possible without overflowing. If the dried flowers begin to float, push them back down using a toothpick.
Sprinkle Gold Flakes
Sprinkle gold flakes over the clear resin.
Remove Bubbles and Let Cure
Remove bubbles using a butane torch or heat gun. Let set for five minutes and then repeat to remove additional bubbles if needed. Allow resin to cure fully according to package instructions (likely 24 hours).
Will flowers turn brown in resin?
Yes, if they are not properly dried. They can rot inside the resin if you don’t dry them properly, and your project cannot be fixed. So make sure they are completely dry before using!
You can see the entire process in the video in this post!
Let me know what you think of this project – or if you have questions – in the comments. I’d love for you to check out these other resin projects:
Cutting Board • Glitter Coasters • Keychains • Ocean Resin Art • Resin Frame • Wood Slice Coasters
