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Resin Crafting: Dive into an Addictive New Hobby

Whether you're making resin items to use in your jewellery projects or adding embellishments to your cards, boxes, albums, or home decor projects, resin crafting is an incredibly fun and enjoyable hobby.

My Journey

I began my jewellery making journey more than 30 years ago, even teaching jewellery making classes for Durham College's adult education scheme before moving down south. When I got a Ranger Melt Pot, I started making my own pendants—melting embossing powders and adding glitter, gems, and pressed flowers. Mica powders were a game-changer, adding a shimmering touch.

Why Resin Crafting?

Resin crafting is a versatile hobby that can be personalised in countless ways. It’s incredibly satisfying to see your creative visions come to life, from delicate jewellery to beautiful home decor.

Getting Started

If you're looking for a new hobby, why not check out some of the starter sets on Amazon? For not a lot of investment, you could start your resin crafting journey sooner than you think.

 Beware, though this hobby is highly addictive as you will constantly find new things to add into your resin and new uses for the items you create.

Ready to get started? Dive in and let your creativity flow

Adding Mica Powders to Your Pendants for a Beautiful Shimmer

Creating your own pendants can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you add mica powders to give them a stunning shimmer. Mica powders are fine, natural minerals that add a pearlescent, metallic sheen to your projects. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started:

* Disclaimer

The links to Digital Downloads are my own digital download products from my website -https://www.obyd.co.uk/

** Also as an Amazon Associate i may receive a small referral commission should you buy something through my UK Amazon affiliate links

Materials Needed to get started:

• Pendant moulds: Choose your favourite shapes and sizes. You can find a really good selection to choose from here on amazon - https://amzn.to/4h0TWD1
• Epoxy resin: This will be the base of your pendant - you might want to take a look at this really good starter set on amazon - https://amzn.to/4hc7Kej once you get the hang of it you might want to buy lager bottles of the resin as it is so addictive. Check out these resin options here on amazon - https://amzn.to/4dGZD6q
• Mica powders: Available in various colours. check out this fabulous starter set on amazon you get 32 bottles included. There is such a great range of colours - https://amzn.to/4gRfHW1
• Mixing cups and sticks: For combining the resin and mica powder.
• Protective gloves: To keep your hands safe. There is a great selection on amazon make sure to get a good fit so you can stick pick up small bits.
• Heat gun or torch: To remove bubbles from the resin.

Books - Check out these fabulous books for resin art

Epoxy Resin Art for Beginner's Book- https://amzn.to/4eYxh8S

DIY Resin Crafting projects Book - https://amzn.to/3U4JYXE

There is an amazing selection of jewellery making findings on Amazon such a cabochons, clasps, jump rings, chains and more. You can find them here - https://amzn.to/3zSjUYM

Steps:

1. Prepare Your Workspace:

   • Ensure your workspace is clean and well-ventilated (this is really important!!)
   • Lay down some protective covering to catch any spills.

2. Mix the Resin:

   • Follow the instructions on your epoxy resin kit to mix the resin and hardener. Typically, this involves combining equal parts of resin and hardener in a mixing cup.
   • Stir the mixture slowly to avoid creating bubbles.

3. Add Mica Powder:

   • Once the resin is thoroughly mixed, add a small amount of mica powder. A little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and add more if needed.
   • Stir the mica powder into the resin until it is evenly distributed. The resin should have a consistent colour and shimmer.

4. Pour the Resin into Moulds:

   • Carefully pour the resin mixture into your pendant moulds. Fill them to the desired level.
   • Use a heat gun or torch to gently remove any bubbles that form on the surface.

5. Cure the Resin:

   • Allow the resin to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes 24-48 hours.
   • Avoid moving the moulds during this time to ensure the resin sets properly.

6. De-mould and Finish:

   • Once the resin is fully cured, carefully remove the pendants from the moulds.
   • If needed, sand the edges to smooth out any rough spots.

7. Add Findings:

   • Attach jump rings, chains, or cords to your pendants to complete your jewellery pieces.

Tips for Success:

• Experiment with Colours: Mix different mica powder colours to create unique effects.
• Layering: Try pouring layers of different colours for a multi-dimensional look.
• Safety First: Always wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when handling resin.

Adding mica powders to your pendants is a simple way to create beautiful, shimmering jewellery that stands out. Happy crafting!

Ideas for pendants

Resin Paper weight with flowers inside

Make your own coasters with dried and pressed flowers

I even used to add tiny printed pictures inside the pendants like cameos

You can use printed images to add inside the coasters

I hope you have fun if you decide to give this a go.. please do share any pictures you have of making your resin master pieces in our facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/672573406875861

If you would like some cameo style prints creating for these please get in touch i would love to work with you on this

I hope you have liked looking at today's projects i really enjoyed making them and typing up the supplies list for you. *** Please note that the craft supplies links for the products are from Amazon UK - all items were in stock at the point of writing this blog. If you are reading this in the future and the link doesn't work it is probably because the item has sold out.

Always feel as though you can reach out to me if you can't find something i am more than happy to help you try and find it or at least something very similar. Or if you are not in the UK.

You can always message me through facebook - https://www.facebook.com/OpulenceByDesign/

Thank you for reading today's post

For more crafty inspiration check out our:

Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/672573406875861

Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/OpulenceByDesign/

Blog - https://shop.obyd.co.uk/blog/opulence-by-design-crafty-corner-blog

Download Shop - https://shop.obyd.co.uk/

Website - www.obyd.co.uk

For all of our social media accounts you can find the links here: https://linktr.ee/opulencebydesign

If you have Pinterest i would greatly appreciate a follow as i have spent weeks adding lots of card samples to my various boards - Cardmaking ideas, Christmas crafts, My Crafty Blog board and others so it would be awesome if you could pop over and show it some love - Pinterest Boards

Thank you for looking, happy crafting as always! A xo