Resin Jewelry

The resin used on this page is 2-part epoxy, thermosetting polymer; meaning that it is a form of hard plastic that begins its life as two separate liquids. The thermosetting (heat) part comes from the chemical reaction when mixing resin with a hardener.

After combining equal parts of resin and hardener (in liquid form), the mixture is poured into a mold where it will cure for at least 24 hours and become a thermoset. After the curing process, the hardened resin item is removed from the mold and wet-sanded until the surface is smooth. This removes rough edges left by the mold and evens out any imperfections in the piece. After sanding, the resin takes on a cloudy cast that is counteracted by a clear sealer. The sealer puts polish on the item and allows the resin to achieve full clarity.

Epoxy resin has a variety of uses outside of the crafting universe. It is used on surfboards, snowboards, flooring, boats and other items as a sealant or an adhesive.

Supplies:
Bangle Mold, Mold Release, EasyCast Resin, Mixing Cups, Popsicle Sticks, Wax Paper, Timer or Clock, Paper Towels, Candy Sprinkles

Step 1: Spray the mold with Mold Release and wipe it clean with a paper towel. Set the mold aside to dry.

Step 2: Pour equal amounts of resin and hardener into two separate mixing cups. Pour cup #1 into cup #2.

Step 3: Mix the resin and hardener with a popsicle stick for two minutes. Stir constantly and scrape the sides of the cup often.

Step 4: Pour the contents of cup #2 into a third mixing cup. Stir cup #3 with a new popsicle stick.



Resin mixture with tons of tiny bubbles.


Step 5: Pour a thin layer of resin from cup #3 into the bangle mold. Approximately 1/8" - 1/4"

Step 6: Add candy sprinkles to the bangle mold, filling it halfway. Top the sprinkles with more clear resin and allow time for the resin to sink through the sprinkles.

Step 7: Add another layer of sprinkles if needed, filling the bangle mold almost up to the top edge. Pour clear resin into the mold slowly until the sprinkles are covered and a tension dome is created at the top of the bangle mold.



A filled bangle mold


Step 8: Wait 24 hours. Store the mold in a dry place at room temperature, make sure to leave it on a flat surface.

Step 9: Twist and pull the sides of the bangle mold, then push the center down to invert it and free the bracelet.


Fresh from the mold


Step 10: Cut off sharp edges with a craft knife. Wet sand the edges starting with a 100 grit paper and working up in grits until the surface is smooth.


Sharp edges!


Step 11: Clear coat the bangle with a spray like Envirotex or use a brush-on acrylic sealer.

Step 13: Wear and enjoy your new bracelet!