Ah, Bonny, Bonny, Scotland. The land of misty hills, dramatic lochs, and… weather so unpredictable it could star in its own sitcom. For those of us preservation artists who lovingly coax flowers into a second life—forever immortalized in resin—the elements are both an inspiration and a nemesis.
As I sit here freezing my backside off, I thought I would share the unique challenges us Scottish Preservation Artists face through the Scottish seasons.
Spring: A Breath of Fresh (and Damp) Air
Spring in Scotland is a magical time, filled with blooming daffodils, cherry blossoms, and a 50/50 chance of being rained on before you’ve finished your morning cuppa. For preservation artists, the dampness can be… problematic. You see, drying flowers in spring is like trying to dry a pair of socks in a rainstorm—not easy. The constant moisture in the air means flowers take longer to dry, which can delay the start of resin work.
Humidity also loves to toy with silica gel, our go-to for preserving delicate petals. Instead of the crisp, dry texture we need, it ends up resembling damp sand on a beach. Not ideal! So, if you’ve noticed that your spring bouquet preservation is taking a bit longer than anticipated, now you know why. Trust us, we’re just as eager as you are to see the final result!
Summer: The Great Meltdown
Hmmmm, summer. Scotland’s annual three-day heatwave and 362 days of “just warm enough to confuse the midges.” When the mercury soars (translation: hits 20°C), resin behaves like an stroppy teenager. It cures too quickly, trapping bubbles and creating chaos. If it’s too humid—a frequent guest even in summer—the resin can develop a cloudy finish that looks more like a haunted mirror than a preserved bloom.
And let’s not forget the flowers themselves. Heat can cause them to wilt faster than you can say “Pass the factor 50,” meaning we preservationists are in a constant race against the clock. It’s during these months that patience and a very good fan become our best friends.
Autumn: A Leafy, Breezy Battle
Autumn is a romantic time of year—crisp leaves, golden hues, and a chill in the air. But for preservation artists, it’s also the season of wind. Imagine trying to press delicate petals while a gust of Scottish breeze decides to turn your workspace into a floral tornado. Not ideal, but definitely entertaining if you enjoy slapstick comedy.
This is also the season where flowers tend to arrive already a bit “past their prime” after surviving summer weddings and events. Getting the best results can feel like convincing a teenage dirtbag to take a shower—tricky, but not impossible with enough persistence and a touch of luck.
Winter: The Frosty Gauntlet
Winter in Scotland brings its own set of challenges—and by challenges, we mean the kind that make you question your life choices. The cold snaps can slow down resin curing to a glacial pace, making us preservationists feel like we’re in a race against Father Time. Have you ever tried to speed up resin curing with a space heater, only to melt your silicone mold in the process? No? Just us then.
On the flip side, flowers are surprisingly cooperative in the winter. The colder weather means they hold their colour a bit better… until you realize your drying station is too cold to actually dry them properly. It’s a balancing act that would make a tightrope walker jealous.
Why Patience is a Virtue (Especially for Our Customers)
Now, you might be wondering: how does all this affect you, dear customer? Well, the weather’s antics mean that during certain seasons, the estimated completion time for your order might vary. Think of it like baking a cake in a temperamental oven—sometimes it’s perfect, and other times it’s a lesson in patience.
We promise, though, that every delay is in the name of creating a truly beautiful piece for you. Flowers need time to dry properly, resin needs the perfect conditions to cure, and we need a moment to sip our tea and flick the birdie at the sky. The final result? A timeless keepsake that’s worth every extra day.
Embracing the Chaos (and the Beauty)
Despite the challenges, there’s something magical about working with nature’s quirks. Each preserved flower tells a story—of the season it bloomed in, the event it commemorated, and the Scottish weather it endured. We embrace the chaos, laugh at the hiccups, and pour our hearts into every piece we create.
So next time you place an order with a preservation artist in Scotland, remember: we’re not just battling time; we’re battling the elements, too. And while it might take a little longer, the result is a piece that’s as unique and enduring as your memories.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, there’s a flower-drying station that needs some serious TLC… and maybe an industrial heater!
Preserving Memories, One Bloom (and One Weather Challenge) at a Time.
