Handcrafted Resin Lamp with Real Flowers – A Perfect Gift Idea
Recently, I learned resin art. Though I had previously used resin for making jewellery and rakhis, I had never explored larger projects. A few months ago, I created a resin clock, and I was delighted with how beautiful it turned out.
I have often seen artists preserving dried flowers, leaves, and even insects in resin, transforming them into everlasting pieces of art. This inspired me to try using dried flowers in my resin work. I loved the idea of preserving nature’s delicate beauty and combining it with a handmade artistic creation.
This resin lamp is a blend of nature and human creativity. The real dried flowers, which would otherwise fade away with time, are preserved forever in crystal-clear resin. When illuminated, the flowers glow beautifully, creating a magical effect that brings warmth and elegance to any space. The result is not just a lamp, but a unique piece of art that celebrates the beauty of nature.
Materials Used
- Epoxy resin
- Dried flowers and leaves
- Mold/frame
- LED lamp base
- Gold flakes (if used)
- Glitter and decorative elements
Selecting and Preserving the Flowers
Selecting the Flowers and Materials
For this project, I selected small flowers in vibrant colours so that they would stand out beautifully when illuminated. Dried flowers can be prepared in different ways. They can be dried using silica gel, which helps retain their shape and colour, or they can be pressed between tissue papers or towels for a more delicate appearance.
Nowadays, a wide variety of dried flowers and foliage are readily available in the market. Since I was new to working with dried flowers in resin, I decided to purchase a mixed collection of dried flowers from an online store. This gave me access to different shapes, colours, and textures, making it easier to experiment with the design.
The mould used for this resin lamp was also purchased from an online shop. It has a unique wavy-edged shape that adds an artistic touch to the finished piece. With the dried flowers, resin, mould, and LED lamp base ready, I was excited to begin creating this beautiful blend of nature and art.
The Resin Casting Process
After mixing the resin and hardener according to the manufacturer’s instructions, it is a good idea to let the mixture rest for some time. This helps many of the air bubbles rise to the surface, reducing bubble formation in the finished piece.
Once the resin is ready, a thin layer is poured into the mould. This serves as the base layer. The dried flowers, leaves, and other decorative elements are then carefully arranged on this layer. At this stage, patience is important, as the placement of each flower contributes to the overall beauty of the final design.
After the flowers are arranged to satisfaction, additional resin is poured gently over them, ensuring that all the flowers are completely covered. The resin is then left undisturbed to cure. As the resin hardens, it permanently preserves the delicate flowers, capturing their beauty for years to come.
The flowers and leaves arrangment
On the top of the last laer add some embelishments. I have added some pearls, gold flakes and glitters.
Here is the lamp:
The lamp
Challenges in Making Resin Items
Working with resin is enjoyable, but it also comes with a few challenges. One common issue is that dried flowers tend to float after the resin is poured. When this happens, the flowers need to be gently pushed back into the resin and positioned carefully so that they remain fully embedded.
Another challenge is the formation of air bubbles. Resin naturally traps air while mixing and pouring. If not removed, these bubbles can affect the appearance of the finished piece. A heat gun is usually used to remove the bubbles by gently passing it over the resin surface.
Safety is also very important while working with resin. Utmost care should be taken to ensure that resin does not come into contact with hair, clothing, or skin. It is advisable to wear old clothes, gloves, and work in a well-ventilated area. A clean and organized workspace helps prevent accidents and ensures a better finish.
Despite these challenges, the effort is worthwhile. Watching the dried flowers become permanently preserved in crystal-clear resin and transform into a beautiful lamp is a truly rewarding experience.This is a perfect gift for your loved ones, or for a house warming event.
The final outcome
Love, Laugh and Live the life to the fullest,
Ranjana
