Botanical Resin Jewelry

If you’ve ever wished you could capture nature and keep it forever, this class will show you exactly how! In this beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll learn how to properly dry, seal, and coat real botanicals in resin so they remain vibrant, protected, and long-lasting. We’ll cover essential resin safety practices, proper curing techniques, UV protection methods to prevent yellowing and step-by-step application techniques (including brushing and layering resin for clarity and durability). If you'd like, join us for an optional harvesting session from 9:30-10:30am on Saturday, September 26. You're welcome to come harvest botanical material to preserve from the CGC grounds or bring pieces from home to be preserved in time for the jewelry-making workshop on November 1. This opportunity is included with the price of the workshop. When we gather on November 1 to create or finished pieces, we'll begin with some brief guided instruction on safety and materials and a live demonstration of drying and sealing methods, then move on to hands-on time. You’ll practice coating botanicals yourself with personalized guidance throughout, and you can choose to use a mold or simply coat your botanical pieces with resin. The hands-on time heavily encourages experimentation! If you participated in the harvesting session in September, make sure to bring your dried botanicals! Otherwise, all necessary materials will be provided, though you are welcome to bring your own dried (or dried and pressed) pieces to work with if you prefer. Participants can expect to make a few pieces in the allotted time. You'll leave with beautifully preserved botanical pieces ready for display or incorporation into jewelry, artwork, or mixed media projects along with the confidence and technical knowledge to continue creating at home. And you'll feel inspired and empowered to preserve meaningful pieces of nature! No prior experience is required. Those already confidently using resin and molds may find this more foundational than progressive, but if you’ve struggled with flowers molding or fading in resin or the resin bubbling or cracking, this class will help you solve those problems with proven techniques. MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR: Breanna Cole, founder of vine & branch, is a skilled illustrator and jeweler specializing in nature-inspired creations in resin, polymer clay, and metals. With years of experience in wearable art, Breanna brings a passion for craftsmanship and design, helping jewelry lovers create unique, quality pieces they’ll love. COST: $100