Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book?
The sooner the better! I open my calendar a year in advance to accept orders. For orders with already dried flowers, book as soon as possible, as there is normally a “waiting line” before I can receive any more flowers.
What is your turnaround time?
The turnaround time for most orders is 8-12 months. The turnaround time depends on several things: the time of year, the influx of orders, current resin demand, which pieces you order, how many pieces you order, if you would like to me to press flowers and/or keep them whole, etc. If you need one or more keepsakes by a certain date, please let me know ahead of time so I can let you know if that is doable (rush fee will apply). Time frame is subject to change as necessary without notice. If you would like an update on your order, please feel free to email me at designsbymahaart@gmail.com! Thank you for your patience! I want to make sure all the details of your forever resin piece are perfect before shipping to you.
My date is booked! What should I do?
No need to worry! You have two options:
You can pay a $100 overbooking fee. This fee goes towards my purchase of new molds to accommodate your order and also the limited space I have.
I have created a step-by-step guide on how you or a friend can dry your one-of-a-kind flowers and send them to me at a later date. I recommend reserving a date 6 weeks or later after you begin the drying process to give you enough time to dry and package the flowers. The date you book is the date I will receive your flowers.
Can you work with already-dried flowers?
YES! ABSOLUTELY!!
It is time to dust off your bouquet that has been hangin’ in the attic for years and create a special resin piece so you can keep it for eternity! Let me work my magic and turn your dusty bouquet into an art piece to display in your home. If there is mold or rotting on the flowers, I cannot accept them. If you are unsure if I can work with them, feel free to email photos to me at designsbymahaart@gmail.com .
How will I get my bouquet to you?
Local brides (NM): We can coordinate a day and time for me to get your flowers. I can meet with you, a friend or relative, or even your florist. Whatever is most convenient for you!
Out of state brides (not NM): Once you book the reservation, I will send you a step-by-step document explaining how to ship your flowers to me safely and quickly. I ship across the US but am based in Santa Fe, NM. I do have local drop off/pickup options for locals. Just shoot me an email at designsbymahaart@gmail.com to arrange details. I want to make the process as stress-free as possible! Disclaimer I only send instructions to those who have booked a date and placed an order.
I recommend choosing overnight, 1-, or 2-day shipping. If your budget does not allow for this, a slower shipping speed can be used, but understand that some flowers do better out of water than others and you ship them at your own risk. Flowers dry best when they are fresh and happy, so the sooner they get to me, the better!
Another way to save on shipping costs is to trim the stems and/or deconstructing the bouquet into several "mini" bouquets and following my packing instructions for each bouquet.
When should I get my bouquet to you?
To have the most prime resin pieces with the liveliest flowers, I ask that they arrive at my shop no later than 24-48 hours after the wedding. I dry the flowers using a unique technique that preserves the shape perfectly. This process will only work if the flowers are not already wilting. If your event has already passed, I will assess photos of your bouquet and ask that you overnight it. If a bouquet is sent more than 5-6 days after the event, trust me when I say that most of the flowers may not make it, especially with hot temperatures.
What should I do with my flowers until it is time to drop them off/ship them to you?
Some flowers preserve better than others in resin. Every time a flower is touched, oils from your hands are transferred and leave an invisible bruise. Once in resin, these bruises re-appear as small see-through patches/dark spots. It is impossible for me to predict and prevent this from happening. As your bouquet will travel through many hands before and during your big day, I recommend you touching the flowers as little as possible. Keep your bouquet in a vase with water when it is not being held. Hold only by the stems. Ideal storing is in the fridge in water until I receive them (do not store in fridge with any fruits/vegetables)
Do not ship them over the weekend/holiday as there are no shipments that take place.
For drop-offs, time will be coordinated accordingly to ensure I will be the one to accept the flowers.
Do I need to dry my flowers beforehand?
Only if that's what you would prefer or if you do not want to risk the flowers wilting. I have a unique way of drying flowers that preserves the careful detail of each flower, while also drying them thoroughly to preserve them perfectly. However, if you cannot ship them to me within 2 days after the wedding, I can send you step-by-step details on how to dry them yourself and get them ready for shipment for a later date.
My wedding has already passed, can you still preserve my flowers?
Yes! As long as I have availability. Contact me to check. Fresh flowers need to be received within 2-3 days of the event, but I offer bouquet remakes through your or my florist (extra charges apply). Another option is to dry the flowers yourself (with silica gel or air drying) and then send them to me.
How do I keep my flowers in prime condition until time of shipment?
It is very important to take special care of your flowers the day of the event. It is quite normal for the flowers to be moved around & used as they are supposed to be used! However, avoid touching the flower petals and throwing the bouquet if possible. If you do a bouquet toss at your wedding, consider buying an artificial bouquet or a mini bouquet to throw instead. Some bruising on flower petals is unavoidable (very similar to bruising on a banana) and I think it adds some character, but to decrease the chances of them bruising, handle them gently. The bruises will not be seen until they are layered in resin. Keep the flower stems in water until time of shipment and follow my shipping instructions for optimal flower condition!
After your big event, keep your flowers in a vase with clean water. Ensure that no leaves or flowers are touching the water. Store in a cool, dry place (not the fridge or freezer), and keep away from ripening fruits as they can emit ethylene gas.
Can I place my bouquet in the fridge/freezer until I get it to you to keep it fresh?
It is very important to NOT place your bouquet in the freezer or fridge! A residential-grade fridge is not good for your flowers and a freezer is simply too cold! After removing your flowers from a freezer, the flowers will droop, rot and mold very quickly. I do not accept bouquets that have been placed in the freezer, however no need to fear if you have done this already! Simply call your florist and ask them to make a mini version of your wedding bouquet, and I can preserve that!
Will all of my flowers be used?
Upon arrival, I will assess every one of your flowers carefully and will pick the most beautiful and healthy blooms/greenery to include in your designs! If you are wanting to get the most out of your flowers, I suggest upgrading the size of the resin block. I do not ship extra flowers back. The substance I use to dry your bouquet is highly toxic, and I cannot ethically return them to you.
Will my keepsake look exactly like my bouquet?
The preservation process is a combination of unique design and a special science. Your bouquet will go through a beautiful transformation process that will remind you of the best day ever!
Can all flowers be preserved to look the same as my special event?
As an artist, I'm always up for a challenge, but there are certain florals that do not preserve as well as others...usually any high-moisture flower. I am unable to preserve plants (like succulents) and recommend you remove them from your bouquet, or I can plant them for you if you wish. Berries are also often too juicy to preserve but can sometimes, not always, be used for texture. For both these circumstances clients are encouraged to consider sending faux succulents or berries if they consider them to be a large part of their floral composition.
Some flowers dry darker, such as red roses. Some flowers like lilies and orchids dry very thin and can look translucent once embedded in the resin. Lilies and orchids are very sensitive because they are very thin, so the more they are touched, the more bruising you will see after they’ve been preserved in the resin. You may see some translucent spots, but this is mostly normal for flowers. Some white roses dry more yellow than others and can have a "vintage" look to them. If I had to choose one white rose, I would choose the Tibet white rose because they dry well and the color preserves better than other white roses.
Once receiving your bouquet, I will carefully evaluate each flower and piece of greenery. Not all the flowers in your bouquet will make it to your finished piece- I only use the best ones.
Your flowers will not look exactly the same as your event day, but I promise that it will be gorgeous in its new form. When filling out the Google Form, please be sure to list each flower and color so I can communicate with you about the outcome of your keepsakes.
Do all flowers dry the same?
No, unfortunately not all flowers dry the same. For example red roses dry much darker than their original color (I think the color is beautiful!). Lilies and orchids dry paper thin. Lilies and orchids are not guaranteed to dry their original color but I typically dry them and assess if I still like them for the composition.
Some flowers can have “bruising” which causes translucent spots on the petals when they are in resin. The appearance of the flowers changing during the drying process is inevitable. Please feel free to inquire with us if you are curious about the exact flowers you will have in your bouquet.
Additionally, I can only preserve your flowers in the condition in which I receive them. I strongly urge you to follow our packing and shipping instructions for the best results.
Do peonies dry well?
Yes! But, the color will fade. For example, a pink peony may dry a more peach color. They are very time sensitive, so the more careful you are with them and the sooner you ship them to me, the more accurate their original color will be when they have dried. Peonies preserve well, but they are tricky travelers. They MUST be overnighted to ensure they get to me in good shape.
Which flowers hold their shape well after being dried?
Assuming they are dried when very fresh and not wilted, most flowers dry well. Based on my experience, most greens (eucalyptus, dusty miller, etc.), roses, hydrangeas, dahlias, strawflowers, and ranunculus dry the best.
What will my total cost be?
Your costs will include the $99 deposit, shipping your fresh flowers overnight (plus packing materials), the keepsakes you choose, and shipping your finished collection. The cost to ship your collection depends on how many pieces you order, the total weight, and your location. The average is about $35.
How are these keepsakes made?
Each piece is lovingly handmade and takes anywhere from 15 to 20 hours of hands-on time across many days. Each piece is poured layer after layer with hours of curing in between. Due to the nature of the handmade process, you should expect imperfections like small bubbles and little bits of nature. The pour lines will be visible on the sides of every block. The lines are less visible on other shapes but will be there as well.
How do I know I will love my piece?
When you reserve, you have a chance to express your preference from simple to full and you may communicate any special wishes at that time. For the larger keepsakes, you will also get to view the layout before it is cast to make sure you love it! You may have one edit and will leave the fine details up to the designer.
Where should I display my resin piece?
Resin blocks are self-standing, and I recommend displaying it in a location where it will be seen and enjoyed the most but left out of direct sunlight. Combining your custom heirloom with wedding photos in a special place is a beautiful idea!
How do I take care of my resin piece?
Each piece is made with high-quality resin that is very durable, but it still needs to be handled with care. The suggestions are very simple. Please keep your piece out of direct sunlight for optimal protection. You may also wipe down your piece occasionally by using a lint-less cloth.
Will my piece change over time?
The resin I use to preserve your flowers is clear, free of VOCs and very high-quality. It provides a three-dimensional experience of viewing your wedding flowers. Over time, the resin might develop a slight amber-like glow. I think this adds a beautiful, vintage element to it. Disclaimer: resin yellowing is an inevitable effect from the natural aging of your product. The best way to prevent this from happening is to leave it out of any kind of direct sunlight. I am not responsible for the natural effects of aging in your product.
Do you offer international shipping options?
At this moment, I do not.
Where are you based?
My art studio is based out of Santa, Fe, New Mexico, but can ship all over the US!
How should I pay the remainder of my order total?
When your pieces are ready, I will request the remainder of the total via either Venmo, ApplePay, or Afterpay. The remainder will include my shipping cost (about $35 average). Please contact me for and exact shipping cost or for financing options.
I’m not sure which keepsakes I want. How can I choose?
Some things to consider:
Would you like the keepsake to display most of or your entire bouquet? If yes, then these would be great options: Any of the rectangular or hexagonal trays, 12-inch hexagon block, 10-inch square block, Large arch.
It is important to consider what types of flowers will be in your bouquet, and how large they are. Think about how much space one flower will take up in the block size you are considering. For example, a rose could be 3.5 inches in diameter and sits 2.5 inches high. For larger blooms such as roses, a 6x6 inch Square Block would not leave much room for other flowers. A 10x10 or a 12x12 inch Square Block however would allow for the incorporation of more flowers and more design possibilities. However, if your bouquet consists more of smaller blooms, then a smaller block would be a great option.
Another important thing to consider is the variety of flowers in your bouquet. If your bouquet consists of many different types of flowers (especially large flowers), And your goal is to have a block that fully represents all of the types of blooms in your bouquet, a larger block would work better.
Finally, think about what kind of design preferences you have. If you prefer a minimalist look (i.e. more negative space), a larger block would probably work better, especially if you have large flowers.
4-inch Rounds: these molds are 4 inches wide and 1 inch deep, meaning only very flat laying flowers (such as Ranunculus, Orchids, and Anemone) and flat laying greenery can fit. I recommend upgrading to at least a 6-inch Square Block to encompass your full bouquet.