How We Create Our Forever-Bloom Art
- cynthiamcook
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
Whenever I’m asked how I craft the peony art pieces on this site, I always answer: very carefully.
Cheekiness aside — here’s what you need to know to create your own heartfelt shadow boxes art pieces from home with your favorite blooms.
What Is Our Forever-Bloom Art?
Our Forever-Bloom Art represents honoring the special memories and individuals across our lifetime that have taken root in more ways than one and shaped our own lives. We do this by meticulously preserving peony flowers and arranging them in shadow-boxes artistically to honor the beauty of a moment in time.
Each shadow box holds a real peony at the height of its bloom, carefully dried and arranged by hand to hold its color, texture, and grace for years to come. No two are alike — because no two memories are the same.
This endeavor takes patience and attention to detail. From start to finish, the process takes about two weeks, and sadly yes—most peonies won’t make the final cut. Letting go is part of life as well as this process.
Check out our Frozen In Time collection if you haven't already for our own inspired keepsakes.
Your own creations could beautifully memorialize occasions like a meaningful wedding, a gift in remembrance, or simply a celebration of beauty that lasts, these one-of-a-kind pieces are crafted to bring quiet joy to your space.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Choose & Measure Your Flowers
Select full, fresh blooms—no shriveling petals. Snap a quick photo next to a ruler for size reference. Use this to order or visit your local woodworker/craft shop for a perfectly sized shadow box consistent with your vision.
Protip — don't skip the measuring and keep your receipts for potential exchanges. Nothing is more disappointing than realizing your perfect frame's sizing doesn't work for your blooms when you're ready for assembly.
2. Set Up Silica Gel Drying
Trim the bloom neatly at the base of the bloom so it lays flat.
In a clean, airtight container, pour an initial 1–2" layer of silica gel.
Wearing gloves and a mask, use a scoop or measuring cup to very slowly funnel gel around and INTO the flower—like a soft archaeological dig—until fully submerged.
Seal the container and leave it undisturbed for 7–10 days, ideally in a cool, dry spot.
3. Uncover with Gentle Care
After a week, open the container. Use a soft paintbrush to dust off the silica gel — very slowly, as if uncovering a rare artifact.
If not sufficiently dehydrated, carefully cover the flowers again and check back in a day.
Rinse and repeat as needed.
Gently lift each flower that survives and passes your inspection onto a working tray.
Protip — don't rush this part! Proceed mindfully and slower than you feel you need to the first time to avoid damaging the petals.
4. Arrange Within the Shadow Box
Lay down your desired linen or shadow-box backing and arrange the bloom. Once satisfied:
Hot-glue petals at the edges to anchor
Add loose petals, greenery, or personal keepsakes
Protip — get creative! Does your vision need some sparkles, paint, or other decals to feel complete? Absolutely lean into those instincts and have some fun.
5. Set Aside to Dry and Close The Shadow-Box
Allow the hot glue and paint to dry overnight.
Carefully seal your shadow box to ensure no movement, re-gluing as necessary
Hang — enjoy a forever-bloom in your home
Why It Works
Silica Gel locks in color and shape far better than air-drying, especially for delicate blooms like peonies.
Airtight shadow boxes with linen and UV glass protect from humidity, dust, and light damage.
Patience is everything — rushing will crack petals or dull colors.
My Favorite Moment
There’s a sweet sadness in choosing only one bloom to preserve—but each box becomes its own story: a perfect moment that came, bloomed, touched us and was cherished.
Want Help to Capture Your Own Moment?
Book a U‑Pick Day (seasonal, subject to availability): Gather your besties, church group, or work collegues for a team-building event, some refreshments of choice and use our Contact Form to request a private U-Pick party.
I’ll help guide you on picking the perfect flower and starter kits with silica gel & gloves are available for an additional fee.
