THE PROCESS
The entire process end to end takes anywhere from 10-12 weeks once I get your flowers. This is a standard timeline to ensure your piece is properly prepared and allows me to take my time to ensure everything is perfect. I normally take less than 6 weeks, but during busy wedding times this timeline is normal.
PREPARING FLOWERS FOR SHIPMENT
Fresh Flowers:
If you are sending fresh flowers, they must be shipped as close to the event as possible with overnight or two day delivery at most. If you properly prepare the flowers using the instructions below, the flowers should be in good shape upon arrival. Of course, Resin Refinery cannot be responsible for delays in shipping or mishandling of the flowers in transit.
Fresh flowers should be wrapped as securely as possible prior to transit so they don't jostle around. Fresh flowers ideally should have water tubes attached to them, but a wet paper towel wrapped around the stems will work. The two keys are to wrap so the flowers cannot move around inside the box, and to ensure they have some water source during transit. Please DO NOT put your entire bouquet in plastic as this will cause them to rot/wilt at a much more rapid rate.
Dried Flowers:
Dried flowers are not time sensitive, so they can be shipped normally. Please ensure the flowers are wrapped with tissue paper and placed inside a tupperware container where they cannot jostle around. Dried flowers are extremely delicate so ensuring they don't move in transit is the most important component.
PREPPING & DRYING
Once the flowers arrive to me, I will prep them. If they are already dried, they are ready for the next step (placing & design). Fresh flowers are cut and placed in Silica Gel for ~ 2 weeks so they can fully dry. Greenery is often left to hang dry since greenery does not lose it's shape and coloring as easily. Flowers need to be fully dried before they are cast in resin. If not, the flowers will mold and rot over time. I know, fresh flowers would look so much better at first, but trust me on this one! Once they are fully dry they can be taken out of the gel for design.
DESIGN & POURING
Once the flowers are done drying, we will work together to formalize a design if you ordered a block. If you ordered a smaller item, we can discuss options for design but your options may be more limited because certain items are not fit for certain flowers. Rest assured, I will do my best to ensure you are happy with the overall design before I begin!
Final Touches
Once all the pieces are complete, they will be removed from the mold to cure for 48-72 hours. If a sanding or gloss coat is needed I will perfect the piece. Please note, as everything is handmade there is always a chance for small bubbles or dust particles in your piece. I make every effort to ensure your pieces are as perfect as possible.