1 month of waiting... ruined in 1 second 😭💔

Drying and preserving orchids like the Mantegili can be incredibly rewarding but it does require patience and gentle handling throughout the process. From my experience, once dried, these orchids become as fragile as glass and need very careful treatment, especially during resin embedding. When I spent a month air-drying my orchid, I was thrilled with how perfect the shape turned out. However, the real challenge began when I tried to coat it in resin. Any sudden movements, pressure, or even slight mishandling can cause breakage. I highly recommend working over a soft surface, such as a foam mat or padded cloth, so if it slips, it won’t immediately break. Before applying resin, make sure the dried flower is completely moisture-free to prevent cloudiness or damage in the resin. Also, consider using tweezers or delicate tools to hold the flower securely without squeezing. Some crafters suggest applying resin in very thin layers, letting each cure completely before adding the next. This reduces stress on the flower from wet resin weight. Others recommend dipping the flower gently instead of pouring resin on top. In my next attempt, I plan to experiment with using a silicone mold which could help contain the flower safely and allow easier handling until the resin fully hardens. If you have successfully resin-coated dried orchids, I would love to hear your tips and tricks! Preserving these delicate dried beauties takes skill, but with patience and the right technique, it can certainly be done without heartbreak.