Funeral flowers are a beautiful tribute to the memory of a loved one. Preserving these flowers can be a sentimental way to cherish the memories from the service. One of the best ways to preserve funeral flowers is by incorporating them into clear resin creations.
By doing this, you can create a stunning and lasting keepsake to honor your loved one. The process involves carefully selecting and drying the flowers, preparing your workspace, and following the proper steps to encase them in a clear, hard resin. This article will guide you through the necessary steps so you can create a meaningful, everlasting memento of your cherished funeral flowers.
You don’t need to be an experienced artist or a crafting expert to preserve funeral flowers in resin. With a little patience and some attention to detail, you can create a beautiful resin piece that will keep those precious memories alive for years to come.
What is Resin Preservation
Resin preservation is a technique you can use to encapsulate dried flowers, specifically funeral flowers, in a clear, durable material called resin. This method allows you to create beautiful keepsakes that preserve the memories and emotions associated with the flowers.
Resin is a versatile material derived from plants, insects, or synthetic sources that can be molded into various shapes and forms. In this context, we’re referring to clear casting resin, a popular choice for preserving flowers due to its high level of transparency and longevity.
To preserve funeral flowers in resin, you’ll want to start by drying the flowers thoroughly. Doing so helps prevent decay and discoloration within the resin. Once your flowers are dried, you’ll carefully place them in a silicone mold before pouring the resin over them. The resin will then need to cure for a certain amount of time before it can be safely removed from the mold.
Resin preservation for funeral flowers offers several benefits:
- Long-lasting keepsakes that can be passed down through generations.
- A beautiful and unique way to display and cherish funeral flowers.
- A personal and meaningful gift for loved ones who have lost someone.
Keep in mind that while resin preservation may seem straightforward, it can be a delicate process that requires practice and patience. Make sure to follow all instructions and safety precautions when working with resin, including wearing gloves and a respirator.
Materials Needed
In this section, we will discuss the essential materials required for preserving funeral flowers in resin.
Resin Supplies
To create beautiful resin keepsakes with funeral flowers, you will need:
- Clear pourable casting resin
- Silicone molds (easier for releasing cured resin)
- Resin release agent
- Mixing cups
- Stirring sticks
- Tweezers (helpful for arranging flowers inside the mold)
- Butane torch (for removing bubbles in the resin)
Flower Preparation Tools
Before embedding funeral flowers in resin, you need to dry and prepare them:
- Drying agent (e.g., silica gel or glycerine)
- Airtight container or plastic bag (for drying process)
- Scissors (for trimming and shaping flowers)
Safety Equipment
Working with resin involves some precautions to ensure your safety:
- Latex/protective rubber gloves (to protect your skin from resin)
- Respirator mask (to avoid inhaling resin fumes)
- Safety goggles (to protect your eyes from resin splashes)
Having these materials and tools at hand will help you create stunning preserved funeral flower keepsakes in resin safely and efficiently.
Preparing the Funeral Flowers
Selecting the Flowers
Before you begin the preservation process, carefully choose the funeral flowers you want to preserve. Look for blooms that are fresh and have minimal damage. Select flowers with vibrant colors, as the preservation process may slightly alter their appearance. Also, consider flowers that have personal significance to you or the deceased.
Drying and Pressing
To prepare the funeral flowers for resin preservation, you’ll need to dry and press them first. There are several methods you can use to do this:
- Air drying: Hang the flowers upside down in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated space. This process can take two to three weeks.
- Pressing: Place the flowers between sheets of wax paper or parchment paper and press them inside a heavy book or flower press. Leave them for two to three weeks to ensure they’re completely dry.
- Desiccant drying: Place the flowers in a container with silica gel or another desiccant. This method can dry your flowers within a few days to a week.
Choose the method that best suits your needs and available resources. Remember, the flowers must be completely dry before proceeding to the next step, as any residual moisture can negatively affect the resin.
Arranging the Flowers
Once your flowers are dry and pressed, arrange them in the desired design. Consider creating a simple and visually pleasing layout. Use a clean, flat surface to lay out your design, and ensure that there’s enough space for each flower. Keep in mind the dimensions of your resin mold, as your arrangement should fit comfortably inside.
Take your time to adjust the layout until you’re satisfied with the appearance. Remember that this arrangement will be set in resin and cherished for a long time, so it’s crucial to create a design that reflects your love and respect for the deceased.
Mixing and Pouring the Resin
Choosing Resin Type
First, you need to choose the right type of resin for your project. Epoxy resin and UV resin are two popular options. Epoxy resin is a two-part system that you mix in equal parts, and it cures over several hours. UV resin, on the other hand, cures quickly under UV light. For funeral flower preservation, epoxy resin is recommended due to its better clarity and stronger bond, perfect for lasting mementos.
Proper Mixing Techniques
Before mixing, gather all necessary supplies, including protective gear like gloves, a respirator mask, and safety goggles. When you’re ready, follow these steps for proper mixing:
- Measure equal parts of resin and hardener according to your project’s volume requirements.
- Pour the resin and hardener into a clean mixing cup.
- Using a stir stick, mix the two components together slowly for at least 3 to 5 minutes. Scrape the sides of the cup to ensure thorough mixing. Be careful not to introduce too many bubbles while stirring.
- Let the mixed resin rest for a few minutes to allow any remaining bubbles to rise to the top. You can use a heat gun or torch to gently pop the bubbles if needed.
Adding Flowers to Resin
Now that your resin is mixed, it’s time to add your dried flowers to the resin. Use the following steps for a beautiful result:
- Arrange your flowers on a flat surface to determine their placement within the mold.
- Apply a thin layer of resin to the bottom of the mold, and use a toothpick to eliminate any bubbles that might be present.
- Gently place the flowers in the resin, adjusting them as needed using tweezers or a toothpick. Be mindful that once the flowers are set in the resin, you can’t reposition them.
- Pour additional resin until the flowers are fully submerged. If you’re working in layers, allow each layer to partially cure before adding the next to prevent colors from blending.
- Once the final layer is poured, carefully remove any remaining bubbles with a heat gun or torch. Allow the resin to cure completely before demolding (usually 24-48 hours).
Curing and Finishing the Resin Piece
Curing Process
After pouring the resin mixture over your funeral flowers, cover the mold with a protective sheet to prevent dust or debris from settling on the surface. Allow the resin to cure following the manufacturer’s instructions, which is generally between 12 to 24 hours.
Keep the mold in a well-ventilated area and maintain a constant room temperature during the curing process. This ensures that the resin hardens evenly and without cracks. Be patient during this stage, as rushing can lead to an improperly cured resin piece.
Sanding and Polishing
Once the resin is fully cured, carefully remove it from the silicone mold. It’s normal for the piece to have some rough edges or a slightly uneven surface. Begin by using a fine grit sandpaper (around 220 grit) to sand away the imperfections. Remember to wear a protective mask and gloves to avoid inhaling dust or irritating your skin.
Wet the sandpaper and start with light, circular motions on the surface. Gradually increase the grit of the sandpaper as you work, moving from 220 to 400, and finally to 800 or higher for a smooth finish.
After sanding, rinse the resin piece thoroughly with water and dry it with a soft cloth. Buff the surface using a polishing compound to give it a glossy, professional appearance.
Adding Finishing Touches
To personalize your funeral flower resin keepsake, consider adding a few finishing touches. If you’d like to add a hook or ring for hanging, attach it with strong adhesive or drill a small hole and secure the attachment using jewelry findings.
In case you prefer to display the resin piece on a tabletop or shelf, acquire a suitable stand or base. There are various options available, such as wooden or metal stands, which can complement the resin piece and showcase its beauty.
Make sure to handle your finished resin keepsake with care, as it represents a precious memory of your loved one. Keep it away from direct sunlight to avoid color fading and display it proudly as a unique tribute to their memory.
Displaying and Preserving Your Resin Art
Creative Ideas for Display
Once you have preserved your funeral flowers in resin, you may be wondering how to display them in a meaningful and aesthetically pleasing manner. Here are a few ideas to showcase your resin art:
- Create a pendant or keychain by attaching a metal loop or keyring to your resin piece. This way, you can carry your preserved flowers with you wherever you go.
- Design a custom frame to hold your resin piece and hang it on the wall or place it on a shelf. Choose a frame that complements both the flowers and your home’s decor.
- Embed multiple resin pieces with preserved flowers into a larger piece, such as a serving tray, tabletop, or wall art. This creates a unique and eye-catching display.
Keeping Your Resin Piece in Great Condition
To ensure your preserved funeral flowers in resin remain in excellent condition, take the following precautions:
- Avoid direct sunlight: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the resin to yellow and damage the preserved flowers. Display your piece in a shady spot, away from direct sunlight.
- Regular cleaning: Gently dust your resin piece with a soft, lint-free cloth to prevent the buildup of dirt and grime. If necessary, use a mild soapy solution to clean the piece, but avoid harsh chemicals.
- Handle with care: Resin can be durable, but it’s not indestructible. Be cautious when handling your piece, as dropping or knocking it against hard surfaces could cause damage or breakage.
By following these tips, you can ensure your preserved funeral flowers in resin stay beautiful and cherished for years to come.