Preserving flowers in epoxy resin is a creative way to keep the beauty of your garden alive forever. Whether it’s a rose from a special moment or a wildflower you picked during a walk, resin crafts let you turn nature into long-lasting decor. This guide will show you every step—from picking the right flowers to casting them in resin—so you can enjoy their charm for years to come.
Why Choose Epoxy Resin To Preserve Flowers?
Preserving flowers with epoxy resin is popular among gardeners and crafters. This clear, hard material protects delicate blooms while showing off their vibrant color and natural shape.
Keeps Flowers Looking Fresh
Resin locks in the freshness of flowers. It stops them from fading, wilting, or crumbling over time. Once sealed in resin, your flowers look like they were picked just yesterday.
Lasts For Years
Unlike dried flowers that can become fragile or dusty, resin keeps your flowers in a protective shell. This ensures durability and beauty for many years.
Great For Handmade Gifts
You can turn your preserved flowers into paperweights, jewelry, coasters, or keepsake boxes. These make thoughtful gifts and can hold personal meaning.
Works With Many Flower Types
From roses and daisies to ferns and baby’s breath, many flower types can be preserved in resin. Some hold color better than others, but most work beautifully.
Picking The Right Flowers To Preserve
Choosing the right flower is the first step. Not all blooms dry and cure well, and some may change color or lose their shape during the process.
Best Flower Types For Resin
- Roses: Classic and bold, great for deep molds.
- Daisies: Their flat shape makes them easy to work with.
- Lavender: Keeps its scent and shape well.
- Baby’s Breath: Adds soft, cloud-like texture.
- Pansies and Violets: Bright colors with flat petals.
Avoid Overly Juicy Flowers
Flowers with thick, juicy petals (like tulips or lilies) hold too much water and are harder to dry well. This can lead to browning or bubbling in the resin.
Pick Flowers At Their Best
Always pick blooms in full color. Avoid petals that are torn, browning, or already drying out. The fresher the flower, the better the final look.
How To Dry Flowers Before Using Resin
You must dry flowers before embedding them in resin. Wet flowers can cause mold, bubbles, or discoloration in the resin block.
Pressing Flowers Flat
Best For: Thin flowers or petals
How-To:
- Place flowers between sheets of parchment or paper.
- Tuck them inside a heavy book.
- Leave for 1–2 weeks.
- Check for full dryness before using.
Silica Gel Drying
Best For: 3D flowers or full blooms
How-To:
- Fill a container with silica gel beads.
- Gently bury flowers in the beads.
- Seal the container and leave for 5–7 days.
- Carefully remove and dust off any remaining beads.
Air Drying (Hanging Upside Down)
Best For: Flowers with firm stems (e.g., lavender)
How-To:
- Tie stems together with a string.
- Hang in a dry, dark room for 1–3 weeks.
- Make sure the flowers feel crisp before using.
Tools And Supplies You’ll Need
Before starting your resin project, gather everything you’ll need. This helps avoid mistakes and speeds up your workflow.
Essential Supplies
- Epoxy resin and hardener
- Mixing cups and sticks
- Latex gloves
- Protective mask (for fumes)
- Silicone molds
- Tweezers
- Dried flowers
- Toothpicks (for bubble removal)
- Heat gun or lighter (optional, for surface bubbles)
Choosing A Mold Shape
There are many mold styles available:
- Round or square molds for coasters
- Domes or hearts for paperweights
- Shallow molds for jewelry
- Pick a shape that fits your flower size and the final use.
Step-By-Step: Preserving Flowers In Epoxy Resin
Now it’s time to begin crafting. Follow this step-by-step process to get the best results.
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Work in a well-ventilated area. Lay down plastic or newspaper to protect your surface. Keep pets and kids away from the resin.
Step 2: Mix The Epoxy Resin
- Read your resin’s instructions carefully.
- Mix resin and hardener in a clean cup.
- Stir slowly for 3–5 minutes until fully combined.
- Avoid stirring too fast to reduce bubbles.
Step 3: Pour A Base Layer
- Pour a thin layer of resin into the mold.
- Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Place The Flowers
- Use tweezers to gently place your dried flowers.
- Press lightly so they stay in place.
- Arrange carefully—this is how they’ll look forever!
Step 5: Pour The Final Resin Layer
- Slowly pour the rest of the resin on top.
- Make sure it covers the flowers completely.
- Use a toothpick to guide out any trapped bubbles.
Step 6: Let It Cure
- Cover the mold to keep dust away.
- Let the resin cure for 24–72 hours.
- Don’t move it during this time.
Tips For Better Resin Flower Crafts
Working with resin can take a bit of practice. Here are some extra tips to help you avoid mistakes and get great results.
Always Dry Flowers Completely
Even a little moisture can ruin your piece. If in doubt, dry them longer.
Work In Layers
If your flower is thick, use multiple resin layers. Pour halfway, let it set, then add more. This reduces bubbles and helps with even curing.
Remove Bubbles Gently
Use a heat gun, lighter, or blow on the resin’s surface to pop air bubbles. Do this shortly after pouring.
Use Clear Molds
Clear silicone molds help you see if the flowers are placed correctly and if bubbles are hiding underneath.
Creative Ideas For Resin-Preserved Flowers
Preserved flowers can be more than decoration. Here are some popular ideas you can try:
Jewelry Pieces
Make earrings, pendants, or rings with small petals or pressed blooms.
Add gold leaf or glitter for a sparkle effect.
Coasters And Trays
Use larger molds to make resin coasters or serving trays.
Mix flowers with tiny stones or shells for variety.
Home Decor
Create custom paperweights with bold flowers.
Make suncatchers using clear resin and colorful petals.
Memory Keepsakes
Preserve wedding flowers in a resin block.
Use flowers from a funeral to make a remembrance piece.
Caring For Resin Flower Crafts
Even though resin is strong, a few simple steps will help your piece stay beautiful over time.
Keep Out Of Direct Sunlight
Too much sun can cause resin to yellow. Display your pieces in shaded areas indoors.
Clean Gently
Wipe dust with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners or scrubbing.
Store In A Cool, Dry Place
Heat can warp resin, so avoid leaving items in hot cars or near heaters.
Common Mistakes And How To Avoid Them
Even experienced crafters can run into trouble. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:
Cloudy Resin
Cause: Moisture or improper mixing
Fix: Dry flowers fully and mix resin slowly and thoroughly.
Bubbles In The Resin
Cause: Fast stirring or moisture in flowers
Fix: Stir gently, dry flowers completely, and pop bubbles before curing.
Flowers Floating
Cause: Flowers added too early
Fix: Let the base layer thicken slightly before placing flowers.
Summary
Preserving flowers in epoxy resin lets you turn a fleeting bloom into lasting art. With a little patience and the right steps, anyone can create beautiful resin pieces that hold nature’s magic forever. Whether you’re making jewelry, home decor, or keepsakes, your garden can now live on in stunning, handmade form.
FAQs
Q1: How long do resin-preserved flowers last?
If kept out of direct sunlight and heat, resin flowers can last for many years—often 10 or more—without fading or cracking.
Q2: Can fresh flowers be used in resin?
No. Fresh flowers contain moisture, which can lead to mold or bubbles. Always dry them completely first.
Q3: Is epoxy resin safe to use at home?
Yes, but safety gear is important. Wear gloves and a mask, and work in a well-ventilated area to avoid fumes.
