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.