A really detailed and well written book on making botanical plaster arrangements. I had some knowledge of the craft going into this, and I found the techniques and tips included really helpful . While I think that some areas of the book felt too wordy at parts and could've been trimmed down slightly, the passion that the author has for the craft really shines through in her words.

The instructions are both written out and given in step by step pictures, which makes them easy to follow along with. The written instructions themselves were detailed. I think my favourite parts were reading the personal anecdotes sprinkled in at the start of the sections. Hearing the authors thoughts behind certain layouts and why she chose specific plants through these introductions was really helpful

I think that this is a wonderful reference for people with some prior knowledge of the craft, but may be too intimidating a read for a complete beginner.

I've studied bas relief as an art history student, but it never occurred to me that it was something one might do as a modern art. This book was so refreshing in it's uniqueness, and I would love to try this after seeing what's possible

I'm a beginning herbalist and I found this book to be right up my alley. It was a very colorful book, with excellent instructions for completing castings. I totally believe that I can get out there and start casting my different herbs. Lots of pictures, colorful, easy to read directions...just what we need in a craft book.

This is such a well-written and well-photographed craft book. The author has done a great job at making a craft that looks like it could be overwhelming simple. Thank you!

I received this DRC from NetGalley.

I don't think I've ever come across a book about doing bas-relief before. The art looks really pretty. There seem to be a lot of ways to play with this technique, not only with different flowers, but with different methods to color the pieces. I suppose children could do the fun part of arranging and pressing the flowers in, but the rest seems pretty involved, and I think kids would just make a mess of it. It looks like it would be fun to try, but it does take a good number of materials (especially if you're making your own frame) and space to do all the work.

Not only is this book informative, it is beautiful.

I am always looking for new and unique hobbies to learn. And I never knw that casting flowers would be a hobby I would want to learn.

With step by step instructions, photos to help guide a beginner, this book is a must for any and all who are interested in this amazing hobby.

#NetGalley #CastingFlowers

Casting Flowers: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Beautiful Botanical Art by Rachel Dein is an exceptional resource for anyone interested in botanical art. As a potter who creates bas-relief embossing plates, I was particularly impressed by the author’s meticulous attention to detail in her clear, step-by-step instructions. The tips on removing plaster casts from frames and preparing them for hanging were especially helpful, offering practical insights that will make the process easier and more enjoyable. (I received an advance ready copy and all opinions are my own.) A beautifully crafted guide that combines technique and artistry with great precision!

What a fascinating and unique art form! I look forward to eventually trying the techniques described very clearly in this book. The ideas on seasonal flowers and plants to use was very helpful also.