Here is a link that shows what I'm talking about...

cgi.ebay.com/Real-Orchid...isan_Jewelry

hey petite!

if its a real orchid they probably "dipped" it in the resin. I've been using resin for about two years now, but the things I'm working on are "embedded".
I love resin, can't get enough of it.
Here's a few things i found out:
en.allexperts.com/q/Jewelry...-resin.htm

www.finishing.com/329/86.shtml

I would definitely experiment with smaller flowers and work your way up to bigger ones. Or hell, go for it! ")
If you find an artist who does this type of work, don't hesitate to contact them. Sometimes they actually will share with you their process.
Just from reading it, i would try drying the flower first, then using an acrylic spray to set it and then try the dip.
Good luck and let us know how it comes out.

start out with your local hobby store resin, but just a note of info: Boat stores have some serious type resins and polishers and buffer agents. :)

I have used resins...
hate the smell! (and the headaches afterwards).
there are a number of different kinds of resins.

heres the deal, they are mostly pretty thick and gloopy... hard to think how one could dip something as delicate as a flower... unless like was mentioned here it were first coated with a spray.

but, I am by no means knowledgeable about every product (or even most - my experience is pretty limited) out there... so, I might look for a resin that could be sprayed on? ...
maybe several thin coats as opposed to a thick one?
or maybe several thin coats and then dip?

I am not sure about drying flowers ( I have never done it) but would it fade the flower?
although,on a moments reflection... I think it would be almost necessary... I'm not sure you would want to trap moisture inside with organic material... it may "decompose" in its shell... yikes.

maybe a drying and then air brush the color back in?

one last thing, make sure all the pigments you use, and the paints and the eventual coating are compatible... no mixing oil and water... (ie acrylic paints and finishes don't adhere well to oil based paints and finishes)

contact a local plastics retailer, they may be extremely helpful.
in santa Monica I know of hastings plastics... I wanna say they are on... colorado(?)
if you can visit them, and bring a picture of what you want.
you may find them going out of their way to help you.



good luck

Be sure to wear gloves when working with this- repeated contact can sensitize you to the ingredients, and it can be pretty toxic.

www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php

www.createforless.com/CastinC...500.aspx