Florist News

Hiya...I'm new here and probably about to ask some not particularly intelligent questions for which I will apologise now! I have boughts some vases and fake flowers for christmas presents intending to arrange them myself. I was looking to get hold of some of that clear gel to set them into thinking it probably wouldn't be too expensive (i.e less than £10). Well, obviously I was wrong? I was wondering if you had any suggestions on what I could use instead and if there are any tricks? I wondered about using those gel crystal things, though I didn't really want to have to replenish anything in them and like the idea of the stems being stuck in place. And I really do like the look of the artificial water. Sorry that I have ranted so much!! If anyone has any ideas that would be fab!!!

Hello and welcome to the forum
Yes, florist resin is dear, even if you get it by the gallon(showing my age there)
It is quite tricky getting it just right, but worth persevering with.
Your vases have to be squeeky clean as any dust or marks in the glass are there for everyone to see, forever.
It takes ages to set so you have to have your display held in place or everything just flops to one side without support.
Thats why they are expensive to buy, cost of materials and all the pratting about.
When you have done about 50 you will get the knack
Put a piccie up when you have done them, we like to see each others work.
Good luck

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www.floralpride.co.uk

The gel crystals won't provide any support at all. It is what it says...jelly.
just imagine real jelly after one of the kids has stirred it up and messed about with it.
Use it quite a few times but got to the point where i didn't think it was worth the hassle. You have to wait ages for it to 'gel'. If you're doing a few vases, you've either got to make up a big bucketful and then dish it out....messy...or be careful to put the same amount of gel/water in each vase.

Just because 'it can be done' doesn't always mean it's going to look any better.
Much preferred to just color the water

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everything always looks easy in the florist shop thats our trick, so mab next time let the professionals do the work.......

Personally I agree with Ann...That resin can be nasty stuff to use if you don't know what you're doing with it. Have used it many times before and yes the effect is nice, but personally think you may be better setting stems in pebbles or aggregate maybe mixed with some pva glue...its sets clear and gives a sheen to the stones, while still providing support...

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ME SO FAUN-Y...!!!

If you are not keen on pebbles what about coloured sand. That will stop the stems moving around.

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Rainbow

Quote of the day : We see the law around us every day.......justice is a little harder to find.

OR! dont use a clear vase get some oasis and bobs your uncle..........

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Thanks for all your advice, its great. I think I may leave the resin to the professionals! I hadn't thought of using PVA to make pebbles a little more solid, this sounds like it may work really nicely. I think by the sounds of it, it will be more in my skill range too! I also really like the idea of coloured sand. The vases I have bought are clear and if I get the right colour I think it could look lush! I will probably have a play with both of these and see which I like best afterwards. Thanks for all your help again guys!

Good luck Don't forget to show us picsof them when your finished.

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Better late than never trying using a product from Resins online called EL420CR/NC. It is a very runny ultraclear 2 part polymer which sets to a semi rigid UV resistant mass that mimics water. It is easy to mix and process.
It will hold all types of artificial flower stem and sticks well to glass and ceramic.
Either google Resins online or call the supplier Robnor Resins their tech support is very good.