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Resin projects


You can learn how to make distinctive and exceptional jewellery, homewares and knick-knacks, just using two-part polyurethane resin and your own creativity. And if you’re really keen, you can make multiples for sale at fetes or local fund-raising events. Follow the step-by-step instructions for each of these projects and you’ll soon realise how easy it is to work with resin.


Designer bangles, made from resin, can cost more than $100 each. Learn the simple process of how to create these fashionable accessories and then, for the price of one, you’ll have several bangles in a range of colours to suit your outfits. And, if you’re wondering why you’re suddenly so popular among your acquaintances, it’s probably because they’re hoping to score a gift of your gorgeous jewellery.


Print a copy of a favourite photo and sandwich it between two layers of clear resin. Once the resin has set, you will have a unique photo frame which can also double as a handy paperweight for your desk.


Get a production line going and make these lovely resin key rings to keep, to give as gifts, or to sell at fund-raising events such as school fetes. A pre-bought mould, a two-part resin and a setting time of 30 minutes all ensure this project is easy and quick to make.

Safety first

  • Work in a well-ventilated area, preferably outside, and cover your work-top with greaseproof paper to prevent any spills ruining the surface.

  • Always wear protective gear: gloves, mask and goggles.

  • Read all the manufacturer’s instructions and material safety data before you begin any of these projects.


Resin projects

General supplies
Easycast Clear Part A and Part B; 60ml measuring cups; plastic cups; Paddle Pop sticks; wet-and-dry sandpaper, 100 grit; canola oil; greaseproof paper; safety gloves, mask and goggles


Picture paperweight

You’ll also need
Klean Klay (non-hardening, non-drying); Plasticine; tile; ice-cream tub; craft knife; Pinkysil silicone rubber A and B; photo

STEP 1
Shape and smooth a 2cm-thick block of Klean Klay to measure 12 x 9cm. Attach a small clay ‘stand’ in the block’s centre so it lines up with bottom edge. Put this clay model on centre of tile. Cut away bottom of ice-cream tub. Centre over clay model. Press clay or Plasticine to tub’s edge, fixing it to tile. This creates a seal, to prevent silicone escaping as you pour it.

STEP 2
Pour equal amounts of A and B silicone rubber into separate containers, then combine in a plastic cup using a Paddle Pop stick. The silicone is combined when the colour turns an even shade of pink. It’s important the silicone is blended well to prevent a sticky mould.

STEP 3
Pour pink silicone over your model and leave to set for 30 minutes to create a mould. Remove mould when set, trimming edges with a craft knife if necessary.

STEP 4
Pour equal measures of Easycast Part A and Part B into separate containers, then combine in a plastic cup. Use a Paddle Pop stick to fold (not stir) them together to avoid bubbles. Pour into another plastic cup.

STEP 5
Half-fill pink mould with resin mix. Allow resin to gel (tacky but not set). Carefully centre and place your photo (face up) on top of the resin. Work from centre out and gently smooth out any air bubbles.

STEP 6
Pour another layer of resin on top. Leave it for 30 minutes to set.

STEP 7
Release clear picture paperweight from its pink mould. If necessary, work under water and smooth rough paperweight edges with sandpaper. Polish with canola oil to finish.


Bangle

You’ll also need
Large tile; Klean Klay or Plasticine; short length of PVC pipe, wider and deeper than bangle; plastic bottle (about 4.5cm in diameter); Pinkysil silicone rubber A and B; Pearl EX Pigments in Red Russet

STEP 1
Create a bangle model from Plasticine. Rest it on tile. Allowing a gap between the two, place the plastic bottle in the centre of the Plasticine bangle. Ensuring there is a small gap between the two, encircle Plasticine bangle with pipe. Seal edge between the pipe and tile with Plasticine to prevent rubber silicone from seeping out.

STEP 2
Pour equal amounts of A and B silicone rubber into separate containers then, using a Paddle Pop stick, combine them in another cup. The silicone is combined when it turns an even shade of pink. Blend silicone well to prevent a sticky mould.

STEP 3
Pour pink silicone over your model until bangle is well and truly covered. Leave the silicone to set for about 30 minutes. Separate pink mould from pipe, bottle and Plasticine bangle. If necessary, trim mould edges with a craft knife.

STEP 4
Make up 2 batches of resin – 1 clear and 1 coloured – with Pearl EX Red Russet. For clear batch, follow Step 4 of Picture paperweight instructions. For Red Russet batch, follow Steps 2-4 of Key ring instructions.

STEP 5
Half-fill bangle mould with the clear resin mix (pour as a thin stream to avoid bubbles). Working your way around the mould, pour in the red coloured batch, stopping short of the top. You can make different patterns depending on the height from which you pour the resin.

STEP 6
Leave the bangle to set for about 30 minutes before releasing it from its pink mould.

STEP 7
Working under water, sand the edges of the bangle smooth using wet-and-dry sandpaper. For an irregular bangle, sand in such a way as to create a wave-like effect around each edge. Polish bangle with canola oil to finish.


Key ring

You’ll also need
Barnes Resin Mould Large Hearts; resin mould wax; Pearl EX Pigments in Pink Gold; timber offcut; drill; fine drill bit; jump rings; key ring

STEP 1
Using its sponge applicator, smear the mould wax over the heart mould.

STEP 2
Pour equal amounts of Easycast Part A and B into separate plastic measuring cups. Combine them in another cup, using a fresh Paddle Pop stick to fold through.

STEP 3
Pour resin mix into another plastic cup. Heap Pink Gold pigment on end of a fresh Paddle Pop stick (about 1cm). Add it to resin mix, using another Paddle Pop stick to fold through to avoid bubbles.

STEP 4
Pour a thin stream of resin into each heart. Do not overfill. Allow resin to set for 30 minutes.

STEP 5
Remove each heart from the mould. If necessary, work under water and smooth rough edges with wet-and-dry sandpaper. Polish with canola oil to finish.

STEP 6
Resting the heart on a timber offcut, drill a hole through the top left of the heart.

STEP 7
Thread a jump ring through hole and attach it to a key ring.