The Rise of Plant Gifting
The act of giving plants as gifts is not new, but its popularity has seen a significant rise. According to a study by the National Gardening Association, houseplant sales in the U.S. have increased by 50% over the past decade, reaching $1.7 billion. This increase is partly due to a growing awareness of the health benefits of plants, such as improving air quality and reducing stress levels.
Why Succulents?
Succulents, in particular, have become a top choice for gift-givers. Their low maintenance needs and ability to thrive in various conditions make them ideal for everyone, from seasoned plant enthusiasts to those just starting.
But what makes succulents stand out? Their unique and diverse shapes, sizes, and colors offer something for everyone, and their resilience makes them long-lasting gifts. They symbolize enduring and timeless love, making them more than just a decorative item – they're a meaningful token of affection.
Succulents and Well-being
Apart from their aesthetic appeal, succulents offer health benefits. Studies have shown that having plants in your living space can improve air quality, reduce stress, and even boost productivity. A study by the University of Melbourne found that having plants in an office setting can increase productivity by 15%. Succulents, with their air-purifying and humidity-regulating abilities, make an excellent choice for a health-boosting gift.
Making it Personal
For those who love to add a personal touch to their gifts, oour new line of silicone molds is a game-changer. These molds are perfect for crafting bespoke pots, adding a unique and personalized dimension to plant gifting. Whether you're creating a succulent planter for a seasoned plant lover or a first-time gardener, these molds offer endless possibilities to customize your gift.
Crafting your pots means you can tailor them to the recipient's taste – choose colors, shapes, or even add vinyl stickers or other embellishments. Imagine the joy of receiving a succulent in a handmade pot, crafted with love and thoughtfulness. It's a gift that goes well beyond the plant itself.
The trend of gifting plants, especially succulents, is more than just a fad. It's a reflection of our collective desire to connect with nature and each other in meaningful ways. The introduction of silicone molds for crafting plant pots ties in beautifully with this trend, offering a unique way to personalize and elevate the gift of greenery. So, whether you're a seasoned gardener or a crafting enthusiast, consider succulents for your next gift, and add that personal touch with a hand crafted pot. It's a thoughtful, beautiful, and sustainable choice that will bring joy and a breath of fresh air into any space.
While they are often seen gracing the tables of festive gatherings and upscale restaurants, the beauty of a charcuterie board is that anyone can create one.
With the right ingredients and a touch of creativity, you can craft a board that’s both visually stunning and delicious.
The Story Behind the Charcuterie Board:
Originating in France, charcuterie was a method to preserve meats before the advent of refrigeration. Over time, as culinary techniques advanced and global trade expanded, the humble charcuterie board transformed into a canvas for showcasing a variety of gourmet foods, reflecting local tastes and traditions.
1. Start with a Solid Foundation:
2. The Art of Combination:
3. Building Your Board:
4. Pairing with Drinks:
5. Remember Dietary Restrictions:
6. Serving Tips:
The charcuterie board is more than just a food presentation; it’s a celebration of culinary history, artistry, and global flavors. With these pro tips, you can craft a board that tells a story and offers a symphony of tastes.
Stay tuned to our Pro Tips series for more insights and inspiration. Bon appétit!
2. Planning Ahead: The Countdown Begins!
3. Presentation & Packaging:
4. Workshops & Kits:
If crafting isn’t your forte, consider gifting an art workshop or a DIY kit. It’s an engaging gift, allowing the recipient to tap into their artistic side.
Gift-giving is more than just a gesture; it’s an expression of love and thoughtfulness. With some planning and a splash of creativity, your resin and fluid art gifts can become cherished keepsakes. Remember, the love and effort you infuse into each piece make it invaluable.
Stay connected with our Pro Tips series as we delve deeper into the enchanting world of resin and fluid art. Happy crafting!
We are inspired to gather little mementos from people in our family and use those in a resin piece with our “Family” metal insert like a time capsule! How fun!
]]>Design Your Piece
Add More Resin
Cure the Resin
Finishing Touches
Pro Tips
Incorporating coffee beans and food into resin art offers a unique way to add texture, color, and creativity to your pieces. By following these pro tips, you can experiment with different food items and techniques to create truly one-of-a-kind works of art. Happy crafting!
1. Choose Your Compound: Drywall compound, also known as joint compound, comes in a few varieties. For art, you'll want to choose a pre-mixed, all-purpose compound due to its smooth consistency and easy workability.
2. Mix Your Medium: While you can use drywall compound straight out of the container, many artists prefer to mix it with acrylic paint and a binding agent like glue or a gloss medium. This not only adds color to the compound but also increases its flexibility and adhesion, reducing the risk of cracking or flaking. You want to mix it so it’s a smooth and cream batter-like consistency.
3. Apply the Compound: Using a palette knife (our scraper works great, too!), apply the mixed compound to your canvas or board. You can create a uniform layer or vary the thickness for more organic texture. Remember, the compound shrinks as it dries, so apply a bit more than you think you'll need.
4. Create Your Texture: This is where LoliVefe's texturing tools come into play. Use them to carve, scrape, and shape the compound while it's still wet. You can create peaks, swirls, ridges, and more. There are lots of variations on the edges to crest different patterns. Experiment. Have fun. The only limit is your imagination!
5. Let it Dry: Allow the compound to dry completely before moving on. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the thickness of your application. Some people like to smooth their designs with a damp cloth or sponge when it’s nearly dry and/or sand edges when it is dry. Our sanding tool works great!
6. Paint Over the Texture: Once dry, the compound provides a fantastic textured surface for painting. Acrylics work particularly well, but feel free to experiment with other mediums.
7. Seal Your Artwork: To protect your piece, apply a sealant after the paint has dried. This will ensure the longevity of your artwork and enhance the vibrancy of your colors.
Using drywall compound as a texture medium is an innovative way to bring a new dimension to your art. With LoliVefe's texturing tools, you can create unique, professional-level textured art pieces right in your own studio.
2. Chunky Glitter: This creates a more dramatic, eye-catching effect. It’s perfect for focal points in your artwork.
3. Glitter Flakes: These irregularly shaped pieces catch the light in unique ways, adding interesting textures to your piece.
Incorporating Glitter into Your Resin Art
1. Mixing Glitter with Resin: Add your chosen glitter to your mixed resin, then stir until it’s evenly distributed. The amount of glitter you use will depend on the effect you’re aiming for. Remember, you can always add more glitter, but you can’t take it away! Also keep in mind that glitter ooften sinks. If you are pouring into a piece where the bottom ends up being the top, if that makes sense, the glitter will take over. at the same time, some larger glitter will float so requires a top coat.
2. Layering Glitter: For a more dimensional effect, consider layering your glitter. Pour a layer of clear or colored resin, sprinkle on some glitter, let it cure slightly, then add another layer of resin and glitter. Use ink vs mica powder to color your resin as opaque colors will make the glitter disappear.
3. Creating Glitter Swirls: For a dynamic, swirling effect, partially mix your glitter into the resin, then pour it onto your piece. Or mixes a separate pot of resin and glitter and then pour that in swirls in your piece. The uneven distribution of the glitter will create interesting patterns and swirls.
Sealing Your Glitter
Once you’re satisfied with your glitter placement, be sure to seal it with a clear layer of resin. This will prevent the glitter from rubbing off if any has floated to the top and will give your piece a smooth, glossy finish.
Using glitter in resin art is a fun and easy way to add a touch of magic to your creations. With the right materials from LoliVefe.com and a bit of creativity, you can create sparkling masterpieces that truly stand out. Stay tuned for more pro tips in our next blog post!
Finishing Touches
Once your resin has fully cured, add any final touches. This could include painting a scenic backdrop, adding vinyl sea creatures, or even incorporating elements like sand or shells into your beach.
Creating ocean scenes with resin is a rewarding process that allows you to capture the beauty and movement of the sea. With a bit of practice and the right materials, you can create your own stunning seascapes. Stay tuned for more pro tips in our next blog post!
Understanding the Color Wheel
At the heart of color theory is the color wheel, a circular diagram of colors arranged by their chromatic relationship. The color wheel consists of:
Color Harmonies
Color harmonies, or color schemes, are combinations of colors that are aesthetically pleasing. Here are a few common ones:
Color Values, Tints, and Shades
Color Meanings
Colors can evoke certain emotions and associations. Here’s a brief overview of common color meanings:
Advanced Color Combinations
Beyond the basic color harmonies, there are more complex combinations that can create stunning effects:
Color in Resin and Fluid Art
In resin and fluid art, the strategic use of color can elevate your artwork. Here are some tips to help you think through the colors you select for your next masterpiece:
Not all flowers dry well, so it's essential to choose varieties that retain their color and shape. Some good options include roses, daisies, and lavender. Remember, thinner and smaller flowers are easier to work with as they dry faster and lay flatter in the resin.
2. Dry Your Flowers Properly
The key to preserving the beauty of your flowers is to dry them correctly. Pressing flowers in a book is one method, but it can take several weeks. For a quicker option, consider using a microwave flower press, or silica gel crystals (follow the manufacturer’s instructions).
3. Prepare Your Resin
Mix your resin and hardener according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure you're working in a well-ventilated area and wearing appropriate safety gear.
4. Arrange Your Flowers
Pour a thin layer of resin into your mold and gently place your dried flowers onto the resin. Use a spoon or stirring stick to carefully adjust the flowers into your desired arrangement. Keep in mind that most flowers will float, so many artists let the base layer cure to anchor the flowers before adding the next layer. You may see lines from multiple layers from the side of your piece if the side is exposed. This is generally not an issue as people will be looking at the top of the piece, not the sides.
5. Seal with More Resin
Once you're satisfied with your arrangement, slowly pour another layer of resin over the flowers, ensuring they're completely covered. Be sure to pop any bubbles that form using a heat gun or a spritz of alcohol (don’t use both!).
6. Let it Cure
Allow your piece to cure in a dust-free environment for the time recommended by the resin manufacturer. Once fully cured, you can remove your piece from the mold.
Preserving dried flowers in resin allows you to create unique, personal pieces that can be treasured for years to come. With the right materials, the perfect mold and a bit of patience, you can encapsulate the beauty of nature in a tangible form.
Resin art is a medium that offers endless possibilities for creativity and innovation. One of the techniques that has been gaining popularity among professional artists is layering. This method involves creating multiple layers of resin, each with its own unique elements, to create a piece with depth and dimension. In this blog post, we will explore this technique and how our professional art supplies at LoliVefe.com can help you achieve stunning results.
Layering in resin art is a meticulous process that requires patience and precision. The first step is to pour a thin layer of resin onto your work surface. This could be a canvas, a wooden panel, or any other material that can withstand the weight of the resin. Our durable silicone craft mats are perfect to work on as they provide a non-stick surface that is easy to clean.
Once the first layer of resin has cured, it's time to add your first set of elements. This could be a layer of paint, vinyl stickers, or any other inclusions you wish to use. The key is to choose elements that will create visual interest and contrast with the subsequent layers.
After adding your elements, pour another layer of resin over them. This will encapsulate the elements and create a sense of depth. Repeat this process as many times as you wish, adding different elements to each layer.
One of the advantages of layering in resin art is that it allows you to create pieces with a three-dimensional effect. The layers of resin create a sense of depth, while the different elements add visual interest. This technique can be used to create a variety of pieces, from jewelry to wall art.
In conclusion, layering is a technique that can take your resin art to the next level. It requires patience and precision, but the results are well worth the effort. With the right tools, you can master this technique and create stunning, dimensional pieces of art.
Q: Why is Australian Floetrol better for cells than American Floetrol?
A: The difference between Australian Floetrol and American Floetrol in terms of cell formation in fluid art is often attributed to the ingredients used in each product. Australian Floetrol is known to contain a higher concentration of Propylene Glycol, a binding agent that helps paints mix better and enhances the flow and workability of the paint. This ingredient is known to improve cell formation in fluid art by reducing surface tension and allowing the different densities of paint to interact more freely, leading to the creation of cells. American Floetrol, while still an effective medium for improving the flow and leveling of paint, is believed to contain a lower concentration of Propylene Glycol, making it potentially less effective at promoting cell formation compared to its Australian counterpart. However, the effectiveness of either product can also depend on other factors such as the type and brand of paint used, the mixing ratios, and the specific techniques employed by the artist.
Q: Can I add color to my resin art?
A: Yes, you can add color to your resin art using various pigments, alcohol inks, dyes, or even acrylic paint. Keep in mind that as you add more fluid color (inks, dyes, paints versus pigments and mica powders) you could make the resin composition thinner and it may not completely harden.
Q: How long does it take for resin to cure?
A: The curing time for resin can vary depending on the type of resin and the environmental conditions, but it typically takes between 24 to 72 hours. If your resin doesn't fully harden, it could be due to the type of resin you used, what you put in the resin (too much fluids), or the mixing ratio.
Q: What is the difference between casting resin and coating resin?
A: Casting resin is designed for thicker pours, while coating resin is used for thin, topcoat applications. Casting resin typically cures with fewer bubbles, but it also takes longer to fully cure.
Q: How do I prevent bubbles in my resin art?
A: To prevent bubbles, make sure to stir the resin and hardener slowly and gently. Using a heat gun or torch can also help remove bubbles. Keep a fire extinguisher handy and keep the heat / flames away from the mold and don't use with alcohol. You can also let the resin sit for 5 min before you pour it, and don't use wooden sticks as that can create more bubbles. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Q: Can I use resin on a canvas?
A: Yes, but it's important to seal the canvas first to prevent the resin from soaking into the fabric. Also, if you can support the bottom of the canvas, you can prevent sagging. Some people will pour a layer of resin on the back of the canvas and let that cure before they work on the front of the canvas. This will help to keep the canvas from sagging when you seal the top.
Q: How do I clean up after working with resin?
A: Uncured resin can be cleaned up with acetone or rubbing alcohol. Cured resin can be scraped off surfaces or sanded.
Q: What is a flood coat in resin?
A: You often will get a slight "lip" on the cured resin as resin will naturally creep up the sides of the mold. You can use a tool to "cut" off the edge or use a sanding tool to knock the edge off. The edge can be sharp but once you sand or shave it off, that edge will no longer be shiny. If you are using a permanent paint marker on the edge it's not a problem, but keep this in mind. Many people will do a top coat to cover the demoulded item and create a dome effect, called a flood coat. You just have to be careful not to let the resin drip over the sides unless you have taped off the sides and back.
Q: Can I fix mistakes in my resin art?
A: Yes, mistakes can often be sanded down after the resin has cured, and then a new layer of resin can be poured on top.
Q: How do I store my resin supplies?
A: Resin and hardener should be stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Other supplies like molds and tools can be stored in a clean, dry area. Always store your molds flat.
Q: How do I maintain the shine of my resin art?
A: To maintain the shine of your resin art, avoid exposing it to direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can cause yellowing. Regularly dusting the piece can also help maintain its shine.
Q: Where can I find inspiration for my resin art?
A: Inspiration can come from many places, such as nature, other artists, or even everyday objects. At LoliVefe.com, we also provide a variety of resources and ideas to inspire your resin art journey on Instagram at create.getmessy.lovelife.
Q: Do I need to use heat with resin?
A: Heat helps to diffuse bubbles. Many people use a heat wand (different to a heat gun) and some use a torch (similar to what is used in making creme brûlée). Couple things to note -- never use alcohol (which is also used to diffuse bubbles) with heat! Alcohol is flammable and you should be VERY careful when using. Always have a fire extinguisher handy. Also, never get fire near the actual mold edges because that will cause the mold to fuse to the resin and tear when you demould. A heat want is better for getting bubbles out closer to the edge of the mold, but again, don't concentrate the heat on the mold itself or you could have issues. If you let your resin sit for five minutes before pouring it, a lot of the bubbles will come to the surface. Also, a thinner viscosity resin has less bubbles. If you are mixing your resin with mica powders, bubbles are less of an issue - it's only if you are pouring a more clear finish that you need to minimize the bubbles.
Q: How do I use squeeze bottles in resin art?
A: Squeeze bottles are really best for fluid art as once the resin dries you won't be able to get it out of the bottles.
Q: How do I use vinyl stickers in resin art?
A: Vinyl stickers are a great way to create designs, patters and scenes in resin art. For example, we sell sea creatures which many people buy to make ocean scenes using clear blue or teal resin that make the sharks, whales and other sea creatures pop. Pour a layer of resin first and let it cure. Once it has cured, put your stickers in place. Make sure there are no bubbles under the stickers. Then pour another layer of resin. You can repeat this process as many times as your molds will allow which can create a deep ocean appearance. Using smaller shapes on the bottom layers and then larger shapes at the top provides perspective as well.
Q: How do I use measuring cups in resin art?
A: Craft measuring cups are essential for ensuring accurate ratios of resin and hardener. This is crucial for the resin to cure properly. You should measure resin according to the manufacturers instructions but it is almost always based on volume and not weight.
Q: What are some safety precautions I should take when working with resin?
A: Always work in a well-ventilated area, wear protective gloves and eyewear, and avoid skin contact with the resin and hardener. Also, your craft space should always have a fire extinguisher no matter what!
Creating texture in resin art can transform a simple piece into a dynamic work of art. One innovative technique that has gained popularity among artists is the use of Saran Wrap. This household item, typically found in your kitchen, can be a game-changer in your resin artistry.
The process begins with your standard resin pour. Using high-quality resin and hardener ensures a clear, durable base for your artwork. Once your colored resin is mixed and poured, wait about 5 minutes to introduce the Saran Wrap.
Crumple a piece of Saran Wrap and then gently lay it on the surface of the resin. The crumpled texture of the Saran Wrap creates an intricate pattern in the resin.
Make sure there are no bubbles and also make sure you don’t create high points from the scrunching. Also, try to keep the plastic wrap from getting caught under the resin as you won’t be able to get it out once the resin cures.
When your piece is just about cured, carefully lift the Saran Wrap. The resin will have a unique, organic pattern that mimics the texture of natural elements like water or stone.
This technique can be used with any color palette or inclusions, making it a versatile addition to your resin art toolkit. It's an easy way to add depth and interest to your pieces, and the possibilities are endless.
1) spray with water
2) scrape a clean spot in the center using your LoliVefe Scraper and put a paper towel in the center
3) scrape to the paper towel and use it to clean your scraper off as you go
4) use a scrubbing sponge with some water to get the remaining bits of paint or resin off!
It’s that easy! 🤗
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Resin art offers a canvas for creativity, and the use of metal inclusions is becoming a popular trend among professional artists. Metal inclusions, ranging from delicate foils to intricate objects, can add a unique aesthetic and depth to resin pieces.
In this process, the choice of metal significantly influences the final look. Gold and silver foils can add elegance, while copper or brass can lend a vintage feel. Our durable silicone molds at LoliVefe.com and our MDF boards can accommodate various metal inclusions, allowing for creative experimentation.
Incorporating metal requires careful planning, as placement can affect the resin flow and final appearance. Tools like spoons and stirring sticks help to ensure your metal inclusions stay precisely placed.
Once the resin cures, the embedded metal inclusions create a stunning visual effect, catching light and adding a dynamic element to your artwork. The contrast between smooth resin and textured metal also adds a tactile element, creating an interesting sensory experience.
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So slimy! So perfect for a silicone craft mat!
]]>Not only are these craft mats perfect for kids to keep your counters and tables clean, but also they have just enough resistance to help markers, crayons and pencils from rolling onto the floor.
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