Fall Inspired Pressed Flower Resin Coasters
We are so excited about the fall projects tutorials we have been able to bring you. Today we have another fabulous one for you! Cathii LaPierre of Cathii LaPierre Art is teaching us how to make fall inspired pressed flower resin coasters and they are gorgeous!
One of the things we love about these coasters is that they use flowers in two different ways. Not only does Cathii used pressed flowers in them, she also uses pigmented resin to make the coasters appear to be flowers themselves. And, did we mention those fall colors? They are so beautiful! These fall inspired pressed flower resin coasters are sure to make a great addition to your fall decor or product line.
And you will have a way to preserve some of your favorite summer or fall flowers forever! You can absolutely use flowers from your own yard for this project. If you don’t grow flowers though or don’t have the color or shape of flower you’re envisioning, you can always head to the florist’s and snag some beautiful blooms!
Fall Inspired Pressed Flower Resin Coasters
How to Dry Flowers for Resin Coasters
Drying your flowers for resin art is really simple to do. The most important thing to keep in mind is that your flowers need to be absolutely dry before using them. If there is any moisture left in the flowers they will rot even though they are encased in resin. Any residual moisture could also keep your resin from curing properly.
You can dry your flowers in a couple of different ways. The tried and true method is to press your flowers between the pages of heavy books and leave them for a few weeks. This works well but there is one draw back: your flowers will be flattened. If that is the look you need for the project you have in mind then this is the method for you!
If you are looking for a more 3D look for your flowers, hang them or lay them to dry. Just make sure that you put them in a place where they won’t accidentally get bumped. You want them to be as intact as possible before using them in your project.
Design Variations
Cathii uses some beautiful pigment pastes to color her resin for these coasters. We have listed the pastes she used in the recipe and her discount code is there too if you want to give them a try. If you would rather use something that you already have on hand though, you could always use Dispersion Colors to pigment your resin. Another option would be Intense Color.
However you decide to pigment your resin, just choose colors that will complement your pressed flowers. You can also use any shape coaster mold that you like. We think the coasters look so much like flowers when you use the geode coaster molds but you could try any shape you like!
Loving the idea of using dried flowers in your resin projects? You can also check out our post about Preserving Flowers in Resin. You’ll learn a different method of using dried flowers in coasters. That method uses Casting Resin and the coasters are stunning!
Fall Inspired Pressed Flower Resin Coasters
Materials
- Medium Viscosity Artist Resin
- Geode Silicone Coaster Molds
- Flaxen Gold Mica
- Bumblebee Mica
- Pigment pastes from Laura's Art Corner Luscious Plum, Roxane Red, Angel White (you can use Cathii's discount code: CATHII10%)
- Mixing cups
- Large Silicone Mixing Sticks
- Silicone brushes
- Protective gloves
- Filter mask
- Heat gun
- Line level or spirit level
- Mixing sticks
- Paper towels
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Scotch tape
- Tooth picks
- Pressed flowers
Instructions
- Mix your resin according to the package instructions and divide out 2 oz. into 3 separate cups. (About 2/3 oz. ea.)
- In each cup add one of the pigment pastes. Use just enough to make them opaque.
- Fill your molds with the 8 ounces of remaining resin.
- Place a dried flower in the center of each mold.
- Put a pastry bag inside the drinking glass and fold over the edges. Fill it with the red resin. Using new bags, repeat with the other yellow and purple.
- Seal the pastry bags, twist the ends, and snip one point with your scissors. (Wait till you're ready to draw.)
- Using firm even pressure, use the colored resins to draw. Start in the center drawing petals working your way outwards. Fill in any gaps.
- Use a heat gun on low setting to pop any air bubbles.
- Leave the coasters to cure for 24 hours.
- Carefully remove coasters from the molds and file rough edges if necessary.
- Use as coasters, candle holders, spoon rests, sun catchers, or display on a stand as art!
The Wrap Up!
Preserving dried flowers in resin art is so beautiful and can be really special. There are resin artists who dedicate their businesses to preserving flowers from weddings, memorials, and other heartfelt occasions. It can also just be a fun way to make beautiful art. And as Cathii says, “Have fun! Different thicknesses of lines and different petal shapes will yield different results. Try different ones and see which you prefer.”
Cathii also had a few more tips. She wanted to stress the importance of using proper PPE and ventilation when working with resin. She also advised, “Cover your work surface. Keep rubbing alcohol, paper towels, and Q tips handy for quick clean up. If you cut the hole in the bag too big, pour out the resin and get a new bag. Otherwise you will be fighting it and not end up with a result you like.”
That is all great advice from a talented and experienced resin artist! If you love this project and want to see more of Cathii’s work you can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and catch her videos on YouTube. And you can see what else she has going on by going to her website!
You can find more awesome video tutorials like this one on our YouTube channel!
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If you want more inspiration and information we have a Facebook group for that. Join us in Counter Culture DIY Artist Support where we, and other artists, offer ideas, answer questions, and support each other!
Do you have an art project using any of our products that you want to share? Send it to us at support@counterculturediy.com, and we can feature them here!