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Hi, Contact paper will lay over the flowers/arrangement and adheres close to the arrangement, but not suck up to the arrangement. That is why you want to leave enough of a paper boarder around the edge so it stays enclosed. It is not an issue to me. I like the satin look of contact paper. If you want more of a tight look, then you need to look at hot laminate, since it tends to suck into the arrangement more. But really, any cold application will have some areas like you talk about, which is normal in these events since it is not a vacuum seal. If you color enhance, just be sure to use water soluble colorants and not solvent or alcohol inks (not talking about using rubbing alcohol when diluting water based colorants which is alright in my experience), since those tend to bleed under many cold laminates. Doesn't really seem to matter with a hot laminate. As always, experiment:-) Thank you for asking and for watching, Em

Hi, this video is five years old and perhaps today I would do things differently. However, a person doesn't have to watch my videos if they are too long. A tip: go to the cog and put on a 1.5 or 2 times playback, that way you can still get all the content in a shorter amount of time. Basically, I like when people talk in videos and give me the whole story - that way I can decide if I want to watch in faster playback or jump around on the timeline. Each person is different. For example, I really don't like "shorts" and do like detail videos. Anyway, for what it's worth, thanks for watching, Em

Hi, that's an interesting thought. I will have to play around without the alum and see what happens. Thanks for the comment and for watching, Em

Hi, appreciate the interest and sorry for the loss of someone dear to you. Unfortunately, I am committed to other projects right now and not able to do videos. I hope that changes in the future. You can do some tests and see if that gives you some confidence. You don't have to color enhance the flowers, and I am sure the recipient will be more than happy for the memories the gift/s provide. They will be beautiful in any event, and I wouldn't let that stop you from making your treasures. Thank you for watching, Em

Hi, appreciate your interest. If you put fresh botanicals directly under/in tape they will turn brown. You really need to press them (traditionally, in a microwave press or iron to dry them first) or dry them is silica gel. Note that different botanicals do better with certain methods of drying - so experiment with whatever flower/leaf you are wanting to use. But I am not expert, so try it to see what happens. Thank you for watching, Em

Hi, yes you can try it on fabric. The best kind of fabric is reputed to be natural ones like cotton, wool, silk and so on. You will also want to alum the fabric first. Play around and see if it works for you. Thanks for watching, Em

Hi, I have not really had issues with the dried flowers themselves bleeding in resin. I do however color enhance some of them and you don't want to use a solvent or alcohol ink base - since that will bleed. If you do color enhance, make sure to use a water base or fabric paint. Also, it is always best to do a test first just to be sure. There may be some botanical that has dyes in it that could bleed, I just have not had that happen with the ones I have used. Have fun and thank you for watching, Em

Hi, appreciate the interest. Not sure what kind of picture. As under glass or? If under glass I just spot glue the center or area where the flower or leaf holds together, rather than the entire item - just to keep it from moving around or falling apart. For that I just use a toothpick and Elmer's Glue. But really any glue you have on hand like that should work. Just test a few first. If you are thinking of something else as a picture, please let me know more details and I will see if I have any thoughts that may help. As I side note, If I do glue the entire flower or leaf on the back, I use a brush and Matte Mod Podge - most of the time. Have fun and thanks for watching, Em

Hi, yes. What I do is scrape a stick with a knife to make powder. Or you can use pan pastels. I use a brush to apply. On certain flowers/leaves it works fine. Experiment and have fun, Em

I carefully rinse them under a lightly drizzling shower (or with a watering can) then let them air-dry. I use Alum and rusty things as mordants, btw

I saw it on the marker video, Thanks for your knowledge.

Hi, appreciate the comment and glad you are learning things from the videos. Have fun, Em

Hi, when I am making a larger batch that will be around for a while I prefer distilled water. If I am just doing a one off or something over a few days I don't worry about it. Thanks for watching, Em

Hi, a little late in my reply... Good point. Thanks for watching, Em

Hi, in regard to changing color, all flowers mellow or fade over time. I mostly press flowers that I have learned over time are good color keepers. Having said that, they should not be displayed in sunlight. You can also color enhance some botanicals for longer term display. I have playlists that go into details on many subjects. www.youtube.com/@emsplace/playlists You may be especially interested in the color enhancing one, and the how to protect flowers videos. There are many ways to protect flowers and those will give you some ideas. Thank you for watching, Em

@@emsplace thank you so much for sharing the tips.

Hi, as I recall, I just used the dye and the medium. Then if I want to dilute or futher tone down the color you can add a little rubbing alcohol as needed. I use the painters little pallette like in the video for that in small amounts. Just be sure your color formula plays well with the alcohol. It did for me so far, but some manufacturers formulas may be different. Just be sure to test before comitting to larger pieces. Thank you for watching, Em

Hi, yes I apply alum to the paper. Color fast depends a lot on the botanical. For example dahlia lasts a long time and I try to use things that have good color. Don't put in sunlight. I also lightly spary with a clear spray that has uv protection. A bookmark for example, will really hold color because it is generally in a dark area. I think it is more than worth it. I have my own collection, and even after years they still look good. Thank you for watching, Em