Pictured: Students created resin pieces at a Drift Theory beach workshop. Photo courtesy of Drift Theory

With picturesque beaches and tropical flora, Sarasota has captured the hearts of generations of tourists and locals. Danielle Ferrantino, owner, founder and lead artist of Drift Theory, empowers everyone to preserve their Florida memories in resin, a clear plastic-like substance. At Drift Theory, Ferrantino not only creates and sells resin jewelry and ornaments that preserve bits of nature like seashells and flowers, but also hosts beach resin workshops for people interested in creating their own resin keepsakes.

“Drift Theory was born through capturing memories and moments around Sarasota,” says Ferrantino, “and reconnects people with the smaller things in the world, helping them to see the bigger picture.” The beach workshops, for up to 10 people at a time, begin every Monday at 8:30 a.m. on South Lido Beach, although other days and times can be arranged. Ferrantino meets students on the beach with snacks and refreshments, then dives into the resin tutorial, where students learn about the material and begin the resin setting process. She then leads a nature adventure walk on the beach, teaching students about the various plants, shells and other materials that they can collect. After the walk, the students place their findings in resin, which must cure for 24 hours. Ferrantino arranges a time for students to pick up their finished pieces, which also include any necessary hardware, such as jewelry chains in their choice of metal.

“I’m happy to share the memory of students’ experiences in Sarasota captured forever in resin like a little time capsule” adds Ferrantino. She offers flexibility in her class offerings, encouraging students to make jewelry, ornaments, suncatchers and more. Drift Theory hosts workshops in collaboration with other small businesses to create custom pieces and welcomes students to bring their own materials to the classes for preservation.

In addition to the beach workshops, Ferrantino hosts classes at various locations around Sarasota-Manatee and frequents farmers' markets, where she’s eager to share her passion for nature with the community. “Half of our students are locals, and the other half are tourists,” she says, “and business is growing quickly.”

Beach Resin Workshops: Start at $75 per person, South Lido Key Beach Park on the Gulf, 2001 Benjamin Franklin Drive, Sarasota, Book through Airbnb Experiences https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/3255404. Learn more at https://www.driftheory.com/.

Pictured: Students created resin pieces at a Drift Theory beach workshop. Photo courtesy of Drift Theory