How Do I Prepare Natural Inclusions Like Flowers for Resin Jewellery?

Thoroughly Drying Your Flowers and Botanicals

The most important part of preparing flowers is removing all moisture. Fresh blooms, leaves, or other organic items must be completely dry before embedding in resin. You can achieve this by:

• Pressing flowers between absorbent paper for several days
• Drying them with silica gel for faster results and better shape retention
• Ensuring no dewy or damp spots remain, as any trapped moisture may cause cloudiness, decay, or bubbles after casting

Sealing for Colour and Clarity

Once dried, a protective layer helps retain vivid colours and prevents trapped air from escaping into the resin. To seal your inclusions:

• Lightly brush the dried botanical pieces with a clear varnish or a thin layer of resin
• Allow the sealant to dry fully before proceeding
• Handle delicately to avoid damage or bruising

Sealing is especially important for delicate or highly pigmented flowers, as it minimises colour migration and reduces the risk of bubbles forming around or within the inclusion.

Embedding in Resin – Choosing the Right Products

After drying and sealing, your inclusions are ready to be cast. For best results, use a crystal-clear epoxy resin designed for jewellery making, such as “Liquidissima” Epoxy Resin, which flows easily into intricate moulds and minimises bubbles. If you’re a beginner, comprehensive kits like the “Evershine Collection” also provide dried flowers and essential tools to simplify the process.