Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is your work available to purchase?
There are two ways to purchase my work - either through my Retailers who each stock their own particular collection of ECR (Eau Claire Resin) in limited quantities, or through my commissions. You can submit a commission request through the Contact form and I’ll get back to you via email to confirm the order. Payments for commissions can be through E-transfer (Canada) or Paypal (Globally). Commissions will ship out approx. a month from payment, rush order options are available for an additional fee.
How did you learn to work with resin and flowers?
Both areas have been learned by doing, and aided heavily through my arts education. Prior to ECR, I graduated from Sheridan College’s Textiles program, then from NSCAD with an interdisciplinary BFA. I’ve been working on Eau Claire Resin for 6 years now. It’s been a continual learning process. Figuring out proper drying techniques for flowers, resin procedure, amongst other techniques have all taken time with many mistakes along the way.
Why is your work so limited?
The main reason is that ECR is just half of my art practice, I’m also a florist at i fiori in Hamilton, ON. Through this career I’m able to design with flowers in a different way, and also source a lot of harder to find flowers and materials for ECR. Both areas of work really support each other in a beautiful way and ECR wouldn’t be what it is without it <3
I own an Eau Claire Resin ashtray. Do you have any care tips?
I’ve found that rinsing with soap and water usually cleans my ashtrays, but for the more stubborn mark a little diluted rubbing alcohol should take care of it. ECR ashtrays are intended for ashing and stubbing-out purposes only, and cannot tolerate any kind of sustained heat being applied to their surface.
Will the flowers fade over time?
It’s not common but it’s possible for some slight fading in non-dyed bright flowers over time. It’s recommended not to keep your ECR items in direct sunlight. I’ve taken great care over the years to stop using any flower that proved to fade once incased, and always aim to use the brightest and most long lasting colours possible.
Where do you get your flowers?
ECR requires a lot of time spent preparing and processing all of the flowers used in the work. Each flower needs to be sourced, dried and trimmed. Sourcing flowers means collecting the cleaning scraps from work or buying blooms directly through my workplace, picking from my personal garden which is designed to supply many of my favourite seasonal small flower ingredients. It also means walking through alleyways, climbing into ditches, hiking through forests, raiding friends’ gardens and public spaces… you get the idea! I’m always collecting through different means all year long to ensure I have the widest and wildest array of flowers to choose from.
Will you make me something out of my wedding flowers?
Casting client-provided flowers can be a challenge, and requires each request to be reviewed to see what is possible. We are not able to work with dried standard roses in any way. Eau Claire Resin designs require a range in size of the ingredients, so for those thinking ahead to future wedding flowers I would suggest requesting flowers that dry well with some small flower elements included. Flowers can be preserved in silica gel to maintain the colour, texture and shape.
Is it possible to include a cannabis leaf in my commission? Is there an extra cost?
Yes! There is no extra cost for a cannabis leaf, just let me know when you place your order that you’d like one.
What personal items can be included in a Level 2 commission piece?
Level 2 commissions in the past have included locks of hair, teeth, animal whiskers or fur, ashes, or a single sentimental dried flower that can be used along with flowers from the ECR dried flower collection. I’m open to requests for other things, feel free to inquire!
Can you make me an object not currently listed in your offerings?
Unfortunately I am limited to moulds already in my collection as I do not make moulds myself. Custom work is limited to customization of flowers and contents only.
What extra things can be included in my Eau Claire Resin commission?
In addition to your selection of flowers you can also choose to include iridescent, gold or silver dust into your commission. To see examples of these head to the image archives here.
Who took the beautiful photos on your website?
All of the main photos are by Toronto photographer Lindsay Duncan and the individual object photos in the gallery are by Lee.
Who designed your branding and website?
My incredibly talented friend Amy Borkwood designed all of my branding and made the website of my dreams! <3
What kind of resin do you use?
I use Art Resin.
