How to Preserve Flowers in Jewelry

Flowers have a beauty with universal appeal, but unfortunately, it's also a beauty that's fleeting. Preserving real flowers in the form of jewelry will give you a chance to enjoy their shapes or colors for a long time to come. Choose either a method of silver casting for a three-dimensional jewelry item, or press and laminate to create jewelry that preserves the flower's color.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hairspray
• Needle
• Silver Paste (such as Art Clay brand)
• Paint brush
• Hand-held butane torch
• Large hardcover book
• Newspaper
• Decorative paper
• Craft sealant
• Self-adhering laminating strips
• Scissors

Method 1: Silver Paste

1. Spray the flower with a can of aerosol hairspray held at least six inches away from the flower. This will stiffen and toughen the flower.

2. Make a small hole in a petal or leaf with a needle to later attach a jump ring, or wrap some jewelry wire around the stem and form a loop. This will allow you to hang the finished item later.

3. Carefully cover the entire flower with silver paste using a small craft brush. Use gentle strokes to avoid tearing the tissues of the flower. Let dry according to the instructions on the silver paste package.

4. Add a second coat of paste. Pay special attention to any cracks or areas that remain uncovered after the first coat. Let dry.

5. Place the paste-coated flower on a brick in a well-ventilated area and fire in the flame of a hand-held butane torch until the flower glows red. Let cool for at least an hour, then brush away the ash with a stiff-bristled brush to reveal silver. String with a jump ring to create a pendant.

Method 2: Pressing and Laminating

6. Place the flower between two pages of a thick, hardcover book. Place newspaper between the flower and the pages of the book on either side to prevent damaging the book. Close the book and stack heavy items on it. Wait several days or until the flower is dry and flat.

7. Glue the flower to a paper backing. Apply glue to the paper, not the flower, then carefully lay the flower over the glue and press it into place.

8. Press the flower and paper between two sheets of self-adhering laminating plastic.

9. Trim the laminated, backed flower into a shape for jewelry, such as an oval, diamond or heart. Create a hole with a hole punch for stringing the pendant.