How to Make Resin-Dried Rose Beads
Create a unique jewelry piece or preserve a memory with resin beads. These beads can make your jewelry stand out among the rest as the average amateur jewelry maker has not yet caught on to the trend. For best results, use single beautifully shaped petals or tiny flower heads like miniature rose buds or very small tea roses.
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Things You'll Need
- Casting resin
- Catalyst (comes with the resin)
- Disposable cup for mixing
- Plastic spoon or wooden popsicle stick
- Mold(s) of choice
- Mold release
- Sewing needle or toothpick
- Flowers to be encased
- Eye-hook jewelry findings, 2 per bead
- Tweezers
- Resin sealer
Instructions
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1
Measure and mix a small amount of the resin and catalyst as directed on the packaging. Stir slowly in a circle to avoid introducing air bubbles into the resin. You can use a toothpick or sewing needle to pop any bubbles.
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2
Spray the mold release into all the molds you plan to use.
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3
Pour the resin into each mold until they are about half full (presuming you want the flower in the middle), adjusting for the preferred depth of flower. Let this sit 20-30 minutes or until the resin has "gelled" to a firm enough state that it will support the flower.
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4
Mix another batch of resin and catalyst.
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5
Carefully dip the rose bud into the newly mixed resin, petal-tips first, then gently lay it on the first resin layer in the mold.
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6
Grasp the eye-hook finding with tweezers and carefully place the screw end into the resin. For pendants, place one at the top of the item. For beads place one on each side or one at the top and bottom, depending on which way you want the bead to go.
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7
Cover the flower with the remainder of that batch of resin. This should cover the flower completely and leave a smooth surface
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8
Spray the surface with a sealer and let dry undisturbed for 72 hours.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Optional dyes exist to mix with the resin if you want to tint the area around your roses.
Consider adding some glitter or shimmery seed beads around the rose to create more shine.
Always do this project in a well-ventilated area.
Most resin manufacturers recommend using disposable plastic gloves while handling resin.
