Why I don't work with Epoxy or Resin

I often get asked if I can pour a work with epoxy or casting resin or resin. I can, but I don't. There are a number of reasons why I don't! Read on and then think carefully about whether you really want it in your home.

• I worked with it and quickly developed an allergy that left my arms covered in eczema. The dermatologist concluded that I had to stop because tests showed I am allergic to the compounds in casting resin.
• Apart from my allergy, I could have chosen to continue and wear sufficient protective clothing... but the toxic aspect of resin also didn't really align with the philosophy of Field of Hope. I try to work as naturally as possible, recycle as much as possible, and epoxy is made from petroleum, which is not reusable and therefore bad for the environment. And it even harms living organisms in water if you dispose of it in the sewer.
• Well, and then you might think, I don't care, I still want it because I think it's beautiful... I understand that... but there is no epoxy or casting resin I've tried in the past that doesn't eventually get a yellow tint. There are UV blockers you can add to the resin mixture. But I found that only helped a little, and as time passes, it eventually turns yellow anyway. I've included an old work of about 5 years old where I was working with epoxy on wood in combination with dried flowers.

As soon as there is a truly beautiful, non-toxic, environmentally friendly alternative to epoxy, casting resin or resin that nullifies the above points, I will reconsider! Until then, I will stick to the natural way of preserving flowers. There are now types on the market that are not made from petroleum but are unfortunately still toxic to humans and the environment.