Thoughts on Thursday: Fun with Resin

I have always found items made with resin intriguing. I love the floating effect that resin creates for mixed-media jewelry and more, and the fact that you can “float” just about anything in it.

Enter Heidi Boyd.

How to make bracelets | ClothPaperScissors.com In the January/February 2013 issue of Cloth Paper Scissors Heidi teaches readers how to make these great resin bangles. Fun and unique. But, that’s not all!
Heidi also has a new book coming out with tons (25 to be exact) of great projects to make with resin.So, between the article and the book, I just couldn’t resist contacting Heidi and asking her a few questions.  6811.Boyd.jpg-250x0

CPS: What’s your favorite thing about working with resin?
HB: What’s not to love? Resin is that magical crystal-clear drop that magnifies your imagery and ephemera. Bezels and molds allow you to pour professional looking mixed-media jewelry such as earrings, pendants, bracelets,bangles, and rings in your own home. So adaptable, resin can be tinted with dyes, powders, and glitter. You can’t beat this medium for producing multiple pieces in one sitting.

CPS: I love the look of the bangles! Seeing them really gets the wheels turning as to what could be included. You can make them so personal/unique. Do you have any tips you can share with our readers, especially first-time resin users?
HB: Start with one of the new easy-to-use resin formulas, ICE Resin® or Little Windows® resin. Both are low odor and create few bubbles in mixing. Carefully read through the enclosed package instructions and the project instructions. In the front of my book I have a section on how-to prepare an inclusion. This is mandatory reading for creative types. You can put almost anything in the resin, but certain porous items need to be protected with a coat of sealer (ie. Mod Podge®) first. Working with resin is like cooking: You need to carefully prepare your work area, follow the recipe, keep track of the time, and maximize your efforts by pouring multiple pieces at a time.

CPS: Is there anything that you’ve tried in jewelry making with resin that really didn’t work out?
HB: I have a stash of misfits from working on projects for the book, mainly bits that have trapped air bubbles. I’ve saved them all. With just a little drilling, some sanding, and a re-pour they can be fixed or transformed into something else. My mistakes are great fodder for the instructions for the book. I mess up so readers can benefit from my trial and error.

T
he projects in Heidi’s book range from simply covering scrabble tiles to creating your own molds and tinting resin. She also included a section on how to create your own bezels using a variety of materials. Heidi says, “Resin is an incredibly versatile medium that will take your work in new directions while preserving and enhancing your creations.”

I already have some things in mind for my resin play time. How about you?
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Have you played with resin at all? Tell us about your adventure and share your creations in our Gallery.

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