Meet the Maker
Manda Trujillo
My son, as many children do, would always bring me flowers and nature gifts while exploring the outdoors. I would press the flowers in my books, each one holding a special memory to me. A few years ago while going through a dark time in my life, I l stumbled upon epoxy resin art and started creating things with all of his nature gifts to me. I began to share my art to my close friends and family, who started to ask to buy our forest treasures (as my son calls them).
One thing led to another, and a business was born. 4 years later, my son and I are still gathering flowers and plants throughout the seasons here in the PNW. Once the botanicals are dried, I use them to create one of a kind figurines and jewelry pieces. My son and the PNW continue to be my biggest inspirations, but I've also fallen in love with teaching people through art about the wonderful plants that call the Pacific Northwest home.
Art, Stationary & Photography
Product Process
My son and I forage for plants mainly on our land. We either press them in flower presses, silica gel, or air dry (mostly mosses and lichens are dried this way). Once botanicals are dried, I carefully fill up various silicone molds with epoxy resin and dried botanicals. I work with epoxy resin in layers, to lessen the chance of air bubbles and create a glass appearance. I take pride in that skill, as my work is often mistaken as glasswork. It takes a lot of patience, but always worth it in the end!
Once epoxy resin has cured, I take the piece out of the mold. If the piece is dull, I will carefully apply another top coat of resin to achieve a super glossy appearance. All of my work is done at home in my garage.
One of a Kind Forest Figurines- From our Tiny Forest, to you
— Manda Trujillo
Ever Tiny Forest
Follow their journey & learn more about the brand!
Etsy: http://www.evertinyforest.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/evertinyforest