My Thanksgiving Resolution

Sooooo...I have been MIA every since my son turned mobile and making time and a safe, kid free environment to cast resin was well hardly ever. With that said, I have started new projects that I want to share! YAY! Okay but really, I am trying to branch out of just using resin for jewelry. Any suggestions? I want to work with larger pieces...tiny pieces have their unique challenges for a clumsy person. Looking forward to posting a few projects soon.

Resin Chica

How to "seal" your decals for embedding

There are many ways to embed decals in resin. Some artists choose to buy a certain type of paper to print on, others may use preprinted pre-coated decals. My method of preference is to print the decals or pictures straight from my own color printer and then seal the decals and embed them.

Why would I need to seal the decals? If you place ordinary porous paper into resin, the resin seeps straight through it, causing transparency and picture distortion. Not good. When you seal the decal, you are preventing any resin from touching the actual paper, by forming a protective barrier.

The basics to this are simple...

excuse the unmanicured nails!! Its hard to keep good nails when you craft often.

Supplies needed- paper, scissors, Mod Podge or similar sealant, wax paper, and sponge brush.

Step 1

Print your preferred picture of decal on your printer. I can only speak for an ink jet printer but I think it should work with most.

Step 2

Cut the decal down allowing a little bit of white space surrounding the decal. This helps working with the decal easier without so much extra paper. I usually do many to a page in rows and then I cut across each row. This makes many rectangular pieces of paper which are super easy to work with.

Step 3
On top of your wax paper apply first coat of Mod Podge to front of decal. I suggest the 1 inch sponge brush because I like the way it applies and they are cheap, you may choose to use a different type. There are different Mod Podge finishes but I use the matte finish because once added into the resin, the resin creates a brilliant and shiny effect all on its own. That is why I love it!

I usually paint across the pieces only with a few brushes then I leave it to dry. I will appear "white" at first, but if your brush it as thin and evenly as you can, it will dry clear. Make sure not to over do it with the first layer, you don't want to over saturate the paper creating a "ruffling" effect.


Step 4

Once the first side is dry, flip the decal over and apply the first coat to the back, then allow to dry.

Repeat Steps 3 and 4 one more time for maximum protection.

It takes about 5 minutes to dry per side. Make sure one side is dry before flipping.

Step 5

Once all layers have been applied and are dry, cut down the decals to eliminate the extra white space surrounding the decal. Many artist use transparency when working with elaborate decals to prevent over cutting or distorting the image.

Before embedding I usually brush one last light coat of Mod Podge along the edges.

You can see an added "step" to my personal decal prepping...I'm soooooo classy!!!

All of these steps usually help to protect the decal, but it will be very obvious should the sealing not work.

I hope this is helpful! Let me know!

Happy Sealing!

Resin Chica

Decals for embedding

This weekend I am working on using printed logos/decals from my computer and sealing them to embed into rings.

I have received 3 special requests involving company logos or favorite sports teams. This is my favorite project yet. I love custom projects and the artistic freedom that comes with it. Many times people will just send me a picture via attachment and I work with it to shrink it down and print for the embedding process. Many people think that custom jobs are time consuming and boring. I think quite the opposite. I love when somone give me a piece of inspiration to go on and trusts me to create an awesome original piece.

I am experimenting more and more, with resin dyes and layering techniques, that are a little more advanced then I am use to. Once you reach a certain level of "expertise" with resin, you can not help but want to take it to the next level. The possibilities are endless and it seems like the projects just get bigger and bigger!

I am going to see if someone can help me get some pics while I prepare the logo decal rings, so that I can share them here!

Resin Chica

Lots of pics to share...

In preparation of an upcoming event in May, I am working hard to build the inventory. Check out what I have been working on!

Resin Chica

Some bling bling...well sort of

Check out my latest batch of rings! I worked on these in 3 stages over the weekend whew! The pictures honestly do not do them any justice...not to too my own horn, but it is what it is right?

Resin Chica

These are a few of my favorite things...

Glitter makes a girl go crazy! I love using glitter in my rings and other projects I tackle. I will be working on some sets for the first time. Matching ring, bracelet, and maybe earrings. I will be donating a couple sets to different auctions, and I'm really excited about the project! I will however have to tone down the colors and amount of glitter I use, while attempting to appeal to the auction audience. Wish me luck! I will post pics, soon!!

Now I will be on my way to the kitchen to start stage 1 of some rings and 1 trial bracelet. Don't worry, I have a separate marble top counter where I do all of my resin casting, I also make sure to have the window open to ensure lots of ventilation. Remember...just because you don't necessarily smell the resin, does not mean that it's not there. I have to remind myself of that too. I also have to remind myself to always protect all surfaces I am working on. If the resin spills...it really spills! I does not come out of clothing!! I know from experience! Just take the extra step to cover everything and put on an apron or old t-shirt.

Resin Chica

St. Patty's double take!

Here are some of the rings that I made in honor of St. Patty's day for my cousin and her friend!

Ya like? Some were resin and glitter based, while others where a 3 stage casting process.

Resin Chica

Resin Epoxy Molds 411 the basics

Basic video describing some of the molds you can use when working with resin.

Casting resin the ice resin way!

I usually write about casting epoxy resin. Lately, I have been seeing a whole lot about Ice Resin, so I decided to do a Resin Chica 101 and bring the info to you!

Ice resin- is a clear resin that is also used for projects involving jewelry and paper.

What makes this resin different from the easy cast resin that I use for my projects? I honestly have not noticed very many differences and my research has indicated the same. The conclusion I draw is that it is a matter of preference, but I am leaning toward the difference being the "ice" like texture and look of the ice resin. Hence "Ice" in ice resin. I have also heard that it may be less odorous and not as harmful of a chemical, but don't quote me.

I am going to be working on a project using ice resin soon and I will tell you first hand what differences I notice right off the back.

In the meantime, check out the mother of all information for ice resin- http://www.iceresin.com/ for more info and cool picks as to what you can do with resin casting specific to ice resin. Let me know if you try it out yourself!

Resin Chica- the Resinista of Resin

Makes you want to lick your fingers...but don't!!

Pretty and shiney! I love the colors in this picture! I incorporated all of my favorites with this set of rings (they are attached to adjustable rings). This was a three stage curing process...yes lots of patience is necessary! Click on the pic if your are interested in having one on your finger! Please don't eat it! No matter how yummy they look!

--Resin Chica

You can't eat them!

Check out my recent work. I just starting selling on etsy, so I have not had the opportunity to develop a reputation online or accumulate feedback. Either way, I love um!

SprinkleRings by Resin Chica!

Resin casting embedding project

I am excited to share with you my favorite thing to do with resin! Embedding objects in resin! Have you ever seen something floating inside of clear material such as a paper weight and wondered how it got there? With a step by step process I am going to show you how to create a pendent with beads floating in the resin. I am going to make it as simple as possible.

Things you will need

1. Protective goggles
2. Gloves (I tend to use standard latex gloves)
   
3. Wax paper for your surface
4. Easy Cast resin
5. Small mixing cups
6. Stirrers (Popsicle sticks or coffee stirrers)
7. Timer
8. Pendant Mold
9. Item to embed (in this case we are using about 5 small beads)
10. Patience

Step 1- Prepare work space with all of your items handy and your wax paper to work on and prevent the resin from getting on anything. Make sure to set up in a ventilated area.

Step 2-With gloves and glasses, mix Easy Cast resin. Follow instructions on package exactly. Make sure to follow the 1:1 ratio and make sure to make in small amounts (this varies on how many mold cavities you decide to fill at once)

Step 3- Once resin is fully mixed you have about 30 minutes to work with it before it starts to thicken. Fill in your pendant mold about half way full. You will notice small bubbles rising to the surface. This is normal. You can use a heat gun to hurry up the process or a toothpick.

Step 4- This is a tricky step because you want to leave the resin to thicken a bit, but not harden. This will involve some tooth picking to periodically test consistency. (you do not want to touch the mold with your finger unless you want fingerprints on the pendent)

Step 5-Once the resin has a jelly like consistency you are ready to add your small beads or whatever you decide to embed. I often times embed letter beads such as those shown in the picture.

Step 6- Make sure there are no bubbles beneath the item. Many times you will have to seal the items first before placing in the resin to prevent them from collecting bubbles or ruining the item. If you are using a porous item like a decal printed on paper, you will want to use a sealant. I prefer Mod Podge (follow directions)

Step 7- Pour in the rest of the resin fully covering small beads. The beads should be floating somewhere in the middle on top of the jelly like resin but beneath the newly poured resin.

Step 8- Let the resin cure for 24 hours (this is my suggestion) Depending on the temperature and a few other factors some only cure their resin for about 12 hours. Make sure to place the mold in a spot that will not be moved or shaken.

Step 9- Turn over mold and gently push to pop out resin piece. This should be fairly easy, but if you have problems and you have waited the full amount of curing time, try putting the mold in the freezer for a couple of minutes.

Step 10- You now have your resin piece ready to do whatever you want. You may find that the edges need to be sanded down a bit. You can do this with a foam nail file for small jobs such as the pendent.

What is wrong with my resin jewelry pieces?

So you have mixed and poured your resin mix into molds and you even took the time to embed some objects. You use the tweezers to rearrange some of the decals in the resin and step back to admire your hard work. All done right? Wrong. Something that most people so not know is that working with resin is actually pretty tricky. Its not rocket science, but it does require some finesse. So why should you really have to wait the suggested 24 hours for your resin to set and to pop our your pieces? Here are 2 BIG problems you will encounter due to your impatience...trust me, I speak from personal impatient experience!

1.) Piece will not pop out of tray (this should happen easily)
2.) Piece is still tacky or sticky to the touch once removed and will be ruined

Here are some possible explanations for when your resin pieces come out "less then perfect"

• Resin is sticky or tacky- You most likely did not measure properly or mix the 2 part system (when using epoxy resin) completely
  

• Embedded decal changes color or becomes translucent- You most likely failed to seal (I suggest Mod Podge) prior to embedding.

• There are tons of tiny bubbles- This is a temperature problem and the resin was too cold when mixed.

• You are not able to get the pieces out of mold- Many molds need to be treated with release spray (I spray some on all my molds regardless) or the resin has not been able to cure long enough.

• There are bubbles under the embedded item- Make sure to brush the item with resin prior to embedding and use tweezers or a toothpick to gently push out any bubbles from under the piece.

These problems are easy to fix for the most part, and they happen to everyone at least once when working with resin.

Resin Chica Tip: When waiting out your 24 hours for resin to cure, make sure to place molds on a surface that is flat and even, and use large tupperware containers to place upside down over the molds to prevent anything from falling in the resin and becoming permanent. Dust would not be very pretty in resin.

Resin Chica