Botanicals - Casting and Turning Fun

[Lathemaster]

So looking around for something different to cast I thought I would try some botanicals that are often found in potpourri and decorating. I settled on three (3) different varieties each with some different characteristics; Chamomile Flowers, Lavender and Buckwheat.

Figuring out PR ratios, colors and blending was interesting. As I turned some samples, I found that, of course, the resin didn't completely penetrate the lavender and the chamomile and the Buckwheat tended to chip out a bit. By using sharp tools, patience, light cuts and thin CA glue, I think the initial set turned out pretty well.

Attached are a few shots of the chamomile and the lavender results both sample are on a Vertex Click in Gunmetal. Somehow I must have forgotten to take photos of the Buckwheat.

Thanks for looking
Mike

 

[scjohnson243]

So looking around for something different to cast I thought I would try some botanicals that are often found in potpourri and decorating. I settled on three (3) different varieties each with some different characteristics; Chamomile Flowers, Lavender and Buckwheat.

Figuring out PR ratios, colors and blending was interesting. As I turned some samples, I found that, of course, the resin didn't completely penetrate the lavender and the chamomile and the Buckwheat tended to chip out a bit. By using sharp tools, patience, light cuts and thin CA glue, I think the initial set turned out pretty well.

Attached are a few shots of the chamomile and the lavender results both sample are on a Vertex Click in Gunmetal. Somehow I must have forgotten to take photos of the Buckwheat.

Thanks for looking
Mike

Those look great, I really like the lavender one! I would have thought you would have had to harden them first somehow to get a good turn, but obviously it worked out great for you!

 

[BJohn]

Really Nice Job !

 

[Jim Burr]

Well done Mike!! I was attempting to cast some spent grain from a batch of beer I brewed a few months ago...epic fail!!
Any tips on coloring the batch?

 

[Lathemaster]

Well done Mike!! I was attempting to cast some spent grain from a batch of beer I brewed a few months ago...epic fail!!
Any tips on coloring the batch?

In both examples I added color to the PR then mixed in the botanical. For Chamomile the PR was a light yellow and the tube was painted with a metallic spray paint for Krylon. The Lavender PR was dyed with violet pigment. Needs to be more transparent IMO.

As with any casting made sure the botanicals were very dry prior to casting.

Cheers
Mike

 

[Smokey7385]

Hi Mike, couple questions. 1) where did you get the botanicals, craft store like Hobby Lobby or Michaels? 2) what dyes did you use?

Rusty