Dried Flowers in Resin: How to Prepare and Preserve Blooms

Sealing dried flowers in resin is one of the most loved resin techniques. A tiny bloom inside a pendant, a pressed fern in a bookmark or a wedding flower kept in a coaster turns into a keepsake that lasts. The secret is in the preparation: flowers must be completely dry and handled gently. This guide explains how.
Dried flowers: ready-made or your own?
- Ready-made dried flowers save time and are already dry. The Dry Flowers (Small) pack suits coasters, bookmarks and small craft, while Tiny Dry Flowers fit earrings, rings and pendants.
- Your own flowers carry special meaning, such as flowers from a garden, a celebration or a gift. They need drying first, which takes patience.
How to press and dry your own flowers
- Pick flowers on a dry day, after the morning dew has gone. Choose fresh, healthy blooms.
- Flat flowers and leaves are the easiest to press: small daisies, ferns, petals and thin leaves.
- Place them between sheets of absorbent paper, such as tissue or plain newsprint, inside a heavy book.
- Add more books on top and leave them in a dry place.
- Change the paper after a few days to remove moisture, then leave them until they feel papery and crisp. This can take one to three weeks.
- Store dried flowers in a closed container with a dry tissue, away from humidity.
Sri Lanka’s humidity can slow drying. Use a dry room, and check that the flowers are completely dry before using them. Any moisture can cause cloudiness or browning in resin.
Preparing flowers for resin
- Seal delicate petals first: brush or dab a thin coat of resin over the flower and let it cure. This reduces trapped air and helps the colour last.
- Trim stems so the flower sits flat in the mould.
- Handle with tweezers so petals do not break or pick up fingerprints.
- Plan the layout on paper the same size as the mould before you pour.
Placing flowers in resin, step by step
- Pour a thin first layer of resin into the mould.
- Wait a short time until it thickens slightly, so the flowers will not float or sink.
- Place the flowers face down if the mould face will be the top.
- Pour a second layer to cover the flowers and fill the mould.
- Pop bubbles with a toothpick, cover from dust and cure fully, as the label directs.
Epoxy such as FUJIN 1:1 Crystal Clear Epoxy Resin 100ml + 100ml suits coasters and bookmarks. UV Resin 50g cured under a 15W desktop UV light suits small jewellery pieces, poured in thin layers. For open frames, use Epoxy Pendant Frames with UV Tape on the back. Prices change, so see each product page for today’s price.
Common problems and fixes
- Brown or faded flowers: usually moisture. Dry them longer and seal them before embedding.
- Bubbles around petals: air escaping from the flower. Seal them first and pour slowly.
- Floating flowers: place them in a slightly thickened first layer.
- Petals poking out: trim them, or add another thin layer to cover them.
For more projects, see resin jewellery making and how to make resin coasters.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use fresh flowers in resin?
No. Fresh flowers contain moisture and will brown or rot. Always dry them completely first.
Will dried flowers keep their colour?
Colours can soften over time, especially in strong sunlight. Sealing petals first and keeping finished pieces out of direct sun helps.
Which flowers work well?
Small, flat flowers and thin leaves are easiest. Thick, fleshy flowers are harder to dry fully.
Do you deliver islandwide?
Yes. We deliver across Sri Lanka in 2–5 working days, with cash on delivery, card or bank transfer. You can also visit our shops in Boralesgamuwa and Horana, open every day from 9 AM to 6 PM.
Not sure what to choose? WhatsApp the Haanz team on 0711 515 515 and we’ll help you choose dried flowers and resin for your keepsake.
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