How to Make Bangle Resin Bracelets

Resin bangles can be made in many colors.

Resin bangles come in thousands of shapes, sizes and styles. They often have decorations sunk into clear resin, making it look as if the decorations are floating around your wrist. If commercial resin bangles are too expensive, or if you can't find one that matches your particular style, you can make your own bracelets at home. This can not only save you money, but also give you control over the tiniest details in your bangle. Homemade bangles can also be customized as gifts for friends and family.

Things You'll Need

• Latex gloves
• Clear resin (parts A and B)
• Resin pigment
• Disposable cups
• Plastic measuring cups
• Popsicle or craft sticks
• Silicone bangle mold
• Embellishments (coins, beads, charms, buttons, etc.)
• Toothpicks
• Fine sandpaper

Instructions

1. Put on your latex gloves and pour 30 milliliters of part A of your resin into a plastic cup. To create a base color, dip a craft stick into your chosen pigment and wipe a little pigment on the inside of the cup. Drag it down into part A and stir until evenly mixed.

2. Add 30 milliliters of part B of your resin to your disposable cup. Stir parts A and B together vigorously for about 15 seconds. Stir in just one direction to avoid bubbles. To create bubbles, as for an ocean themed bangle, stir in alternate directions.

3. Create color swirls in your bangle by dipping a clean craft stick into a second color and wiping just a little of the pigment onto the inside of the cup. Drag the color into the resin with your stick, stirring for 1 to 3 seconds, so the color is suspended in the resin but not completely mixed in.

4. Hold the cup over one side of your bangle mold and pour the resin carefully into the mold until the mold is filled. Do not jostle or move the cup, as this may ruin your design.

5. Wait about 4 minutes to add embellishments. This ensures the embellishments will be suspended in the resin instead of sinking to the bottom. Sit beads, coins, or other objects on top of the resin and gently poke them down into the resin with toothpicks.

6. Allow the resin to set for about another 12 minutes and peel it out of the mold. Break away any spilled pieces. Sand the edges and surface underwater to get a smooth finish without scratching or clouding the resin. Dry off the bangle and sand or polish it to give it a high shine.

Tips & Warnings

• Spilled resin can be peeled away easily when it is dry.

• While liquid, resins can irritate the skin and eyes. Work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gear while working with liquid resin.

• Follow manufacturer's instructions for use. For detailed safety protocols, look up the Material Safety Data Sheet from the manufacturer, or online at msdssearch.com.

References

• Better Homes and Gardens: DIY Resin Bangle
• You Tube: Resin Bangle Making
• You Tube: Easy Measure Resin Bangle Mold