Things You'll Need:
Things You Will Need
Warnings:
- The resin will stick on everything it touches. Plan to dispose of the mixing supplies.
The finishing touch for a fresh flower arrangement is a beautiful vase filled with water. The same applies to an artificial flower arrangement, except the water needs to be artificial, as well. You can create artificial water from resins specifically formulated to duplicate the look of clean, fresh water. The resins cure and become hard, forming a clear material with a surface that is easy to clean. The hardened resin will also hold your artificial flowers in place.
Wash the supplies and equipment before mixing the resin. Use liquid dish soap and water to remove all dirt, oil or grease from the vase, funnel, plastic tubing, mixing cups and mixing bowl. Do not wash the wooden craft stick, as moisture will soak into the stick, and of course, don't wash the newspaper. Allow all supplies and equipment to dry thoroughly. Resin that is exposed to water or moisture will not dry clear.
Arrange the flowers in the vase. Use the scissors to cut off stems as needed. Remove the flowers from the vase and wipe out the vase.
Hold the funnel over the vase, centering the bottom funnel opening as low in the vase as possible. If your vase is narrower than the funnel, add a piece of clear tubing to the bottom of the funnel so that the tubing extends into the vase, stopping an inch or two above the bottom of the vase. Use scissors to cut the tubing as needed. Set the funnel and tubing aside.
Cover the work area with newspaper. Set the vase, funnel, tubing, resin kit and mixing supplies on top of the newspaper.
Measure out the two parts of the resin, according to the manufacturer’s directions, into separate mixing cups. Gently pour the resin from the mixing cups into the mixing bowl, combining the two ingredients.
Stir the resin gently, using a wooden craft stick, to incorporate. Do not stir briskly, as this may introduce air bubbles into the resin. Continue stirring for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer.
Hold the funnel in place over the vase as before, and gently pour the resin into the vase through the funnel. Stop pouring when the resin reaches the depth you desire.
Position a scrap of paper over the rim of the vase. Lift the funnel and remove it from the vase, carrying it over the paper to catch any drips.
Place the flowers in position in the vase, with the stems in the resin. If needed, arrange masking tape over the rim of the vase, in a grid pattern, to hold the flowers in place. Allow the flowers and vase to remain undisturbed for 24 to 48 hours, or as long as the manufacturer recommends.