I know, not necessarily the most timely post - but if you're like me, and still have a decent selection of blooms in your garden, here are some tips on how to preserve them for use in jewelry.
It turns out that rose petals can be used as is. Just place them in your bezel, and fill with resin. If the rose petals come out a bit too transparent for you, you can seal them first either with a coating of Mod Podge on both sides, or make a packing tape 'sandwhich'. Seal both sides with clear packing tape, then carefully cut around the petal leaving a small border to make sure the ice resin does not seep inside.
You can also dry just about any flower in your microwave. I've found a couple of methods. One uses silica gel, but another that I think I will try first just uses common household stuff (a dishtowel, and paper towels!)
Paper towel method - http://www.coxes.com/miscellaneous/dryflowr.html
Silica Gel method - http://www.hintsandthings.com/workshop/dryingflowers.htm
Once you've dried them, you'll need to coat them with a spray lacquer before you embed them in resin. Have any of you tried this before? I'd love to hear about your experiences!
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