How to Create Stunning Resin Art with Pressed Botanicals

Resin art has taken the craft world by storm — but adding pressed flowers and botanicals takes it to a whole new level. Whether you're a seasoned resin artist or just getting started, this technique creates breathtaking, one-of-a-kind pieces that look like they belong in a gallery.

Why Botanicals + Resin Work So Well

Pressed flowers and leaves are naturally flat, lightweight, and translucent — making them ideal for embedding in resin. When sealed inside a clear epoxy layer, they're preserved forever while their colors and textures remain vivid. The result? Jewelry, coasters, wall art, and trays that feel both organic and luxurious.

What You'll Need

• Two-part epoxy resin (UV or heat-cure)
• Pressed and dried botanicals (wildflowers, ferns, eucalyptus, leaves)
• Silicone molds or a wooden tray
• Mixing cups and stir sticks
• Nitrile gloves and a heat gun or torch
• Isopropyl alcohol (for cleanup)

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Press and Dry Your Botanicals

Place fresh flowers between sheets of parchment paper inside a heavy book. Leave them for 1–2 weeks until completely dry. Alternatively, use a flower press for faster results. Make sure there's zero moisture — any dampness will cloud your resin.

Step 2: Prepare Your Mold

Lightly spray your silicone mold with a mold release agent. If you're using a wooden tray, seal it first with a thin layer of resin to prevent absorption.

Step 3: Pour the Base Layer

Mix your resin according to the manufacturer's ratio (usually 1:1 or 2:1). Pour a thin base layer into your mold — just enough to cover the bottom. Use a heat gun to pop any bubbles. Let it cure until it's tacky but not fully set (usually 4–6 hours).

Step 4: Arrange Your Botanicals

While the base layer is still tacky, carefully place your pressed botanicals face-down onto the surface. Use tweezers for precision. This is your chance to get creative — layer different sizes, overlap petals, and play with negative space.

Step 5: Pour the Top Layer

Mix a fresh batch of resin and slowly pour it over your botanicals. Work carefully to avoid shifting your arrangement. Use a toothpick to nudge any pieces back into place. Remove bubbles with your heat gun.

Step 6: Cure and Demold

Allow your piece to cure fully — typically 24–72 hours depending on your resin brand. Once hardened, gently flex the silicone mold to release your piece. Sand any rough edges with fine-grit sandpaper and polish with a resin-safe polish.

Pro Tips for Best Results

• Work in a warm room — resin cures best between 75–85°F (24–29°C).
• Use UV-resistant resin to prevent yellowing over time.
• Seal botanicals first with a thin brush coat of resin before embedding to lock in color.
• Layer strategically — place larger botanicals first, then add smaller accents on top.

Botanical Resin Project Ideas

Once you've mastered the basics, try these project ideas:

• Pressed flower coaster sets (great for gifting!)
• Botanical resin jewelry — pendants, earrings, rings
• Decorative serving trays with wildflower arrangements
• Framed resin wall art panels
• Bookmarks and keychains

Shop the Supplies

Ready to start your botanical resin journey? Browse our curated selection of resin art kits, silicone molds, and craft tools — everything you need to bring your vision to life.