What is flower preservation?
Let me first ask you a question... Don't you hate when you gift, receive or buy flowers for a special occasion and after a few weeks they are already dead?! Yeah, I hate it too. That is why flower preservation is such a special process! We take your memorable flowers from any life event (wedding, funeral, engagement, anniversary, etc.), and cast your flowers in resin to create one of a kind pieces for you to remember that special day for a lifetime!
What is the process and timeline for flower preservation?
This process is not a 'short and sweet' job; it requires careful attention and creativity. It typically takes multiple days, sometimes even weeks, to bring your floral pieces to life. Please plan accordingly and understand that the following timeline is an estimate and can vary depending on your specific project.
1. Drying: The first step after receiving your flowers is to dry them. We place your flowers in a drying agent, which takes roughly 2-4 weeks for your flowers to fully dry (depending on the size and quantity of flowers drying).
2. Design: After the flowers are dry, this is when we can start designing each piece you order. Each flower has to be examined to ensure the best ones are selected to use in your pieces.
3. Creation: Once the design is complete and we are happy with how the piece looks, we start the resin pouring process. Depending on the pieces you select, each piece needs anywhere from 2-8 separate resin pours (thicker pieces require up to 8). Each pour has to properly set and dry before pouring the next layer.
4. Finishing Touches: Once the pieces are complete and the resin has completely hardened, this is when we sand the edges (corners are sharp right after pouring) and any additional services you request (i.e. writing on any pieces), as well as take pictures.
5. Overall Timeline: As you can see above, there are multiple steps to take to create each piece. The average timeline for an order is 2 months. The timeline can vary, but this gives you an idea of what to expect.
How many flowers do we need to send to create our pieces?
This is probably the top question we get and the toughest to answer. We recommend sending more flowers than you think, because then we will have the opportunity to select the best blooms for each piece. For example, one large bouquet is typically enough for one large piece (around the $100+ price range) and 1-2 smaller pieces (under the $100 price range). However, if you’re requesting multiple large items, additional bouquets or arrangements will need to be sent to ensure we have enough flowers to choose from.
Do you accept flowers from outside your local (Huntsville, AL) area?
Yes, we do! We accept flowers shipped anywhere from the United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii). Once your order has been placed with us, we will send you our shipping instructions.
How can I ship my flowers and make sure they arrive to Morton’s Mementos in great condition?
Great Question! Here are my packaging recommendation when shipping your flowers to us: Ensure flowers are hydrated before shipping. Trim stems at a 45-degree angle and place them in cool water for at least 2 hours before packaging. Wrap the stems in damp paper towels and secure them with a rubber band. Cover the damp towels with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Remove any leaves or foliage below the waterline to prevent decay. Use a sturdy, corrugated cardboard box that is slightly larger than the bouquet to allow for cushioning. Line the box with craft or shipping paper to create a protective layer, and then place the flowers in the box and secure them in place with tissue paper or shipping paper to prevent movement. If shipping in warm weather, include cooling gel packs to maintain freshness. Close the box securely with packing tape. Airtight or moisture-retaining packaging can prevent dehydration. Label the box as “Fragile and Perishable."
