DLTK's Crafts for Kids
Step-by-Step Guide to Pressing Flowers and Making Pressed Flower Resin Jewelry for Kids

(Ages 13 and Up)

Pressing flowers and incorporating them into resin jewelry is a wonderful way for kids to express their creativity and create beautiful, nature-inspired pieces. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of pressing flowers and using them to make stunning resin jewelry. Please note that this activity is suitable for kids ages 13 and up, and adult supervision is recommended. Safety considerations are also provided to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Materials:

• Fresh flowers for pressing
• Heavy books or flower press
• Parchment paper
• Resin jewelry making kit (including resin, hardener, measuring cups, mixing sticks, silicone molds, jump rings, earring hooks, necklace chains, and a UV lamp or epoxy resin)

Safety Considerations:

• Adult supervision is recommended throughout the entire process to ensure proper handling of materials and adherence to safety precautions.
• Follow the safety guidelines provided by the resin jewelry making kit manufacturer.
• Work in a well-ventilated area or wear a mask to minimize inhalation of resin fumes.
• Use gloves to protect your skin from direct contact with resin and other chemicals.
• Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from potential splashes or spills.
• Keep the work area clean and organized to prevent accidents.
• Dispose of used materials properly, following the instructions provided by the kit manufacturer.
• Have a first aid kit nearby in case of any accidents or exposure. If resin comes into contact with skin or eyes, rinse immediately with water and seek medical attention if necessary.

Instructions:

Step 1: Flower Pressing

1. Select fresh flowers with vibrant colors and petals that lay flat. Avoid using flowers with thick centers, as they may not press well.
2. Gently remove any excess leaves or stems from the flowers.
3. Place the flowers between tissue paper or parchment paper to protect them during pressing.
4. Lay the flowers inside the pages of a heavy book or a flower press, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not overlapping.
5. Close the book or tighten the flower press and place additional weight on top (such as more books) to apply pressure.
6. Leave the flowers pressed for at least 1-2 weeks to allow them to dry completely.

Step 2: Arranging Pressed Flowers

1. Once the flowers are fully dried, carefully remove them from the book or flower press.
2. Select the pressed flowers you want to use for your jewelry pieces. Consider the size and shape of your molds when choosing your flowers, as they need to fit comfortably inside the mold.
3. Arrange the pressed flowers on a silicone mold, ensuring they fit comfortably and create a visually pleasing composition.
4. Use the mixing stick to adjust the position of the flowers if needed.

Step 3: Preparing the Resin

1. Follow the instructions provided by your resin jewelry making kit to prepare the resin mixture. This typically involves measuring and mixing the resin and hardener in the provided measuring cups.
2. Stir the mixture gently with a mixing stick for the recommended time specified in the instructions.
3. Let the mixture rest for a few minutes to allow any air bubbles to rise to the surface and pop them using a heat gun or by blowing gently over the surface.

Step 4: Pouring the Resin

1. Slowly pour the prepared resin mixture over the arranged pressed flowers in the silicone mold, ensuring that the flowers are completely covered and the resin fills the mold to the desired thickness.
2. Use a mixing stick to gently spread the resin and ensure it fills any gaps around the flowers.

Step 5: Curing the Resin

1. Follow the instructions provided by your resin jewelry making kit to cure the resin. This typically involves using a UV lamp or allowing the resin to cure for a specific period, depending on the type of resin used.
2. If using a UV lamp, place the silicone mold with the resin in the lamp and expose it to the UV light for the recommended curing time.
3. If using epoxy resin, let the resin cure undisturbed in a clean and dust-free area for the specified curing duration.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

1. Once the resin has fully cured, carefully remove the pressed flower resin piece from the silicone mold.
2. If desired, use a drill or small hole punch to create holes for jump rings or earring hooks, allowing you to turn the resin piece into a necklace pendant or earrings.
3. Attach jump rings or earring hooks to the resin piece using pliers or your fingers, depending on their size and material.

Step 7: Enjoying Your Pressed Flower Resin Jewelry

1. Your pressed flower resin jewelry is now ready to be worn and admired!
2. String the resin pendant onto a necklace chain, attach earring hooks to the resin earrings, or use jump rings to create bracelets or other jewelry pieces.
3. Store your pressed flower resin jewelry in a safe place away from direct sunlight to prevent discoloration or damage.

Conclusion:

Creating pressed flower resin jewelry is a delightful and creative activity for kids ages 13 and up. By following this step-by-step guide and adhering to the provided safety considerations, children can enjoy the process of pressing flowers, combining them with resin, and crafting unique pieces of wearable art. Encourage your child to experiment with different flower combinations and resin designs to unleash their creativity and create stunning nature-inspired jewelry.

Happy crafting!
Leanne

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