About Dr. Ari Roark Expertise Metalsmithing, Goldsmithing,Jewelry Making, Gemology,Metallurgy,Art Jewelry,Jewelry Appraising,Metal Mill Work,Jewelry Education,Group Projects Adaptable to Special Populations as well as ordinary groups,Ethnobotany,Metal Clays, International Jewellery Law,Trade Law,Rock hounding,Industrial Health and Safety Assessment and Education as it pertains to Jewelry Studios (of all sizes and manufacturing concerns relative to the Trade, Jewellery Trade Organisations,Objective US Jewelry School critical Analysis,Applied Anthropology,goldssmithing,lapidary,metals,refining
Experience More than 35 years experience in the Jewelry Industry, Juris doctorates, PhD's in Anthropology, Cultural History, Cultural Geography, Mining Locations Assessments, Industrial Health and Safety Inspector to the Jewelry Industry, Montessori Educator, Occupational Therapy, Natural Historian, Scholar of Jewelry Evolution, PhD in Creativity ( the analysis of the divergent genres of thought on the process and impetus of the essence of creativity as a state of being expressed tangibly),Extensive Fieldwork with populations of Traditional craftsmen worldwide, former Peace Corps volunteer, Former VISTA volunteer, Etc.
Organizations too numerous to list
Publications prefer not to answer for reasons related to plagiarism
Education/Credentials PhD Anthropology( Applied(1), Cultural(2)Ethnobotany(1),PhD -Physics (Metallurgy 1)( Wave and Particle Dynamics 1),,JD,MD,MFA-Metals/Jewelry,,MFA-Printmaking, MFA-Sculpture, Extensive undergraduate degrees, extensive post doctoral work, Montessori Educator Certification (Primary and Secondary)..many, many Degrees, Grants, and Awards in my past as an Academic turned Jeweler, OSHA Certifications
Awards and Honors too numerous to list including 3 Honorary Doctorates, Two Humanitarian Related Awards, and Service on Many Boards of Directors
Question I have seen real flowers preserved in polyresin. I cannot find any info on how to do it. Is it really possible to do this? Also, what about electroforming the flowers and leavs. I have tried to find classes, but no success. Thanks so much. Patti Meadows/ Chattanooga TN
Answer Hello Patti,
Actually it's a quite simple process provided you can find the polyresin locally. Most jeweler's supply houses carry it but any Michael's has the resin and catalyst in stock- I just left the Chattanooga area( Cherokee County NC) after 17 years and Michael's s the best bet nearest you.
The process is direct and straightforward. Dry plant material is essential. Make cure all the petals, calyxes, etc. have no droplets of water on them, nor insect debris, etc. A small sable paintbrush is ideal for this. Simply brush off the flowers- unless they are gardenias in which case a few blasts of "canned air" works smashingly and doesn't promote browning from too heavy a touch! Fire Mountain Gems and beads offers examples online of the outcome in their orchids, and other flowers available - for a huge mark-up! A quart of the resin and ounce of the catalyst costs about 15 dollars on average. Then you'll need some disposable paper cups - preferably waxed, and some tongue depressors, or popsicle sticks or paint mixing sticks for stirring the resin. A waxed paper over foil covered surface is great if you have no disposable piece of scrap plywood, or plexi-glass ( often free at a Lowe's!) to use. A piece of metal screen bent into a sturdy half-rectangle or hardware cloth, or an old closely woven cake or cookie cooling rack works well for pouring or dipping the plant material into the resin ( I would coat the screen or hardware cloth with a spray of clear varnish or shellac and let it dry well to give you a cheap, disposable/reusable elevated work tray).If the material is more appropriately dipped, you will need some cheap but long and pointed tweezers and wooden toothpicks too.If you determine a pour is all that's necessary or you are encasing the flower on a base of resin or quartz slice, mica sheet, or whatever you choose , a pour is adequate and the edges finish well.If you take care to stir the resin slowly so as not to create bubbles,the flat method will work well in encasing the object. If you want to use the flower as a jewelry component dipping ensures an even coating- the trick is to submerge it and remove it slowly and evenly.should you notice a bubble on the surface that is undesirable your toothpicks are at the ready to pop them before the resin sets!
The toothpicks also come in hand to burst the inevitable small "bubblet" that is expected from the tweezers releasing the material to your drying/ drip tray ( the screen).-lifting from the stem end for roses,liatris, poppies ( oriental only- the smaller,single petaled shirley poppies,california species, etc. are too flimsy to hold up given the resin's viscosity) etc.is best when possible, the calyx as for carnations,orchids etc. or from the back as with an aster ,daisy,zinnia,or chicory ;floral material with many small but sturdy petals .A note on those last listed- do them after practising with easier flowers as you must ensure the resin penetrates all the way into the centres of the flowers while doing the "dip" with a steady and even motion. Take your time when dipping and pouring the resin (pouring will not yield the same results in multi-petaled flowers unless you hold from the back, and GENTLY give a slow spin with the tweezers to ensure the resin gets to the centers)and work in a well ventilated area - or outdoors on a day without gusty winds, have all your materials including a thinner/diluent at hand before beginning and dispose of the unused /excess resin safely. Be prepared for a messy area and process until you get the hang of it!
I hope this encourages you to try it yourself!I know you can get as good a result as is available commercially.The thicker the petals the beter the result( tuberose,rose,gingko leaves,wild ginger leaves,dog-tooth violet/trout lily,orchids,witch hazel (in winter only)are all thicker petaled examples).If you have more specific questions I will be happy to answer them.Don't hesitate to email me again.
best regards,Ari
