Resin is the way to go if you are wanting to make real flower jewelry. However, some of you are hesitant to try two part epoxy resin. So here is a solution - an easy no resin real flower and leaf jewelry tutorial! It is a glass tile and decoupage style technique which is not difficult at all.
The glass tile and matching bezels were courtesy of Nunn Design. I used the 24 mm square and 32 mm round glass tiles. You can use any size so long as they fit the pressed flowers and leaves you have!
The next few steps are the same for pressed flower resin jewelry (see links below). Pick flowers and leaves after the morning dew has dried off. The wild weed, Queen Anne's lace, was actually picked by a common pathway late last summer and pressed. Otherwise all the flowers and leaves were from my own garden. (I actually did the work for this tutorial last summer but only just got round to sharing it! It makes sense to do so now when so many gardens are blooming!)
I use a microwave to speed up the pressing. Why wait weeks when 50- 60 seconds will do? Check out my past tutorial for full instructions on how to microwave press flowers. You do not need a bought press as you can make do with lots of paper towels and glass dishes for weights. I used a ceramic press from Lee Valley (below left). But you can also use other commercial microwave presses like this one from Microfleur.
Make sure that the flowers and leaves are thoroughly dry before you use them. This is important whether or not you use resin. If they are not dry, they will continue to decay and rot inside whatever you encase them with.
I placed the glass tiles upside down and pressed them into a small round of blue tack. The blue tack keeps them in place while I applied a thin layer of spray adhesive. As you can see, I have a makeshift spray box made from a cut up cardboard box. There is no need to tape white card - I only did so for visual contrast for this tutorial.
I prefer to use spray adhesive at this stage as it is less messy than Mod Podge. The spray adhesive is just tacky enough to hold the material - you will have time to reposition if you wish. Remember that dried material can be quite delicate, so be careful. Also note that you will be placing the flowers and leaves upside down if the glass tiles are domed as is the case with the round ones I used.
The stalk of the Queen Anne's lace was handy as I did not need the tweezer!
Once the spray glue has dried, trim off the bits that stick out. Then find a suitable scrapbook paper you like.
The results can vary depending on the type of natural materials you use. So you do need to experiment. This yellow flower effort showed a lot of darker shades of yellow rather than the bright yellow I wanted. Yet, I liked the effect on the leaves that I did (see close up - second last picture below).
Then apply more Mod Podge to the bezel.
Finally, attach a jump ring or bail to connect to a chain necklace and you are done!
Photography
I used natural light, my iPhone 6S with the ProCamera app and the Modahaus TS400 tabletop studio and the rostrum stand (overhead). Some of the tutorial pictures were actually screen captures of videos I made, but did not use, with my iPhone 6S.. Check out my How to Photograph Jewelry Webinar .
Disclosure
I receive books and products for review. I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links which are provided as resource information for readers. This goes towards the support of this blog. The opinions expressed are solely my own. They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation.
Before You Go :
______________________________
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Wire JewelryTips -Jewelry Business Tips
The glass tile and matching bezels were courtesy of Nunn Design. I used the 24 mm square and 32 mm round glass tiles. You can use any size so long as they fit the pressed flowers and leaves you have!
You will also need a water soluble sealer and glue such as matte Mod Podge for paper as well as a spray adhesive and sealer - any kind so long as it dries clear. I happen to have Kamar varnish but Aleene's all purpose tacky adhesive spray, which is a lot cheaper ,will also work.
You will also need scrapbook paper - this project is great for using up your bits and pieces. Sharp scissors, paintbrush and tweezers are also needed.
I use a microwave to speed up the pressing. Why wait weeks when 50- 60 seconds will do? Check out my past tutorial for full instructions on how to microwave press flowers. You do not need a bought press as you can make do with lots of paper towels and glass dishes for weights. I used a ceramic press from Lee Valley (below left). But you can also use other commercial microwave presses like this one from Microfleur.
Make sure that the flowers and leaves are thoroughly dry before you use them. This is important whether or not you use resin. If they are not dry, they will continue to decay and rot inside whatever you encase them with.
I placed the glass tiles upside down and pressed them into a small round of blue tack. The blue tack keeps them in place while I applied a thin layer of spray adhesive. As you can see, I have a makeshift spray box made from a cut up cardboard box. There is no need to tape white card - I only did so for visual contrast for this tutorial.
I prefer to use spray adhesive at this stage as it is less messy than Mod Podge. The spray adhesive is just tacky enough to hold the material - you will have time to reposition if you wish. Remember that dried material can be quite delicate, so be careful. Also note that you will be placing the flowers and leaves upside down if the glass tiles are domed as is the case with the round ones I used.
The stalk of the Queen Anne's lace was handy as I did not need the tweezer!
Once the spray glue has dried, trim off the bits that stick out. Then find a suitable scrapbook paper you like.
Apply the Mod Podge over the glued materials. You may need to use dabbing motions with the brush.
Once a generous amount of glue/sealer has been applied, press down - hard - to attach the glass tile to the scrapbook paper. Let the glue set before trimming the paper around the tile.
The results can vary depending on the type of natural materials you use. So you do need to experiment. This yellow flower effort showed a lot of darker shades of yellow rather than the bright yellow I wanted. Yet, I liked the effect on the leaves that I did (see close up - second last picture below).
 |
And press the prepared tiles into the bezels. Let the glue set.
Finally, attach a jump ring or bail to connect to a chain necklace and you are done!
Photography
I used natural light, my iPhone 6S with the ProCamera app and the Modahaus TS400 tabletop studio and the rostrum stand (overhead). Some of the tutorial pictures were actually screen captures of videos I made, but did not use, with my iPhone 6S.. Check out my How to Photograph Jewelry Webinar .
Disclosure
I receive books and products for review. I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links which are provided as resource information for readers. This goes towards the support of this blog. The opinions expressed are solely my own. They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation.
Before You Go :
- How to Make Pressed Flower Resin Jewelry
- How to Make Real Flower Resin Jewelry
- How to Dry Dandelion Clocks Using Crystal Cat Litter
______________________________
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Wire JewelryTips -Jewelry Business Tips
I just noticed some Johnny Jump Ups on the side when I was mowing that would be perfect for this! Today might be the day to try this - bezels and glass covers, check - lee valley microwave dryer, check - modpodge and papers, check! Time to party! :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried the Johnny jump ups yet! I'll bet they look really good pressed rather than their natural floppy selves!!
DeleteSounds fantastic and doable - I am not on good terms with resin, it failed me twice at jewelry courses with no possible explanation! So, before I try it again, I will have to think about this option!
ReplyDeleteHow odd that resin should fail. Perhaps it was too cold? You do need a minimum ambient temperature for the resin to cure. Have fun whichever method you use!
DeleteI like seeing an alternative to resin - especially in this clime with a huge studio - arghhh!
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering Pearl - do the tiles actually slide around when you spray them if you don't use something sticky to hold them down? (asking for a friend) ;0)
I can see some lovely pendants and earrings coming out of this....
That is what the blue tack is for - a temporary hold while I spray them.
DeleteHave fun with this technique!
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI loved your process. Can you tell me how long does the flower survive inside the locket.
That will depend on how much exposure to sunlight the pendants get. All dried flowers will slowly fade with time. So best to store in a dark place when not wearing.
DeleteI love this article so much! Thank you for providing an alternative to resin. Your method works very well - I've had a lot of luck with it! Do you know of any new products to protect flowers & prevent them from fadiing?
DeleteI haven't tried this myself but there is a uv spray protectant just for floral stuff : https://amzn.to/4aOo2a2. Or if you cannot find it, try and look for Krylon's uv resistant spray coating which is typically used for art work. Good luck!
DeleteHello, thank you for posting! I do see that it says "any size" but I wanted to confirm before doing anything - I have a 2 in bezel and tile, as well as glossy Mod Podge. Will this provide adequate hold for assembling a bezel and tile of this size?
ReplyDeleteJust make sure you use enough Mod Podge. Glass cabochons are heavy so if yours are very large, you may need to consider sealing with Mod Podge and using a strong glue like GS hypo cement.
Delete