How to Use Resin to Make Photo/Art Rings and Pendants
Introduction
A how-to video for using epoxy resin, silver-plated rings and pewter pendant trays to create jewelry from reproductions of your artwork.
See John's finished rings, pendants and artist's reproductions at johnwgolden.etsy.com.
Always mix and pour resin in an area with a lot of ventilation
Wearing a respirator is a great idea, especially one that is rated for these types of fumes. Refer to respirator packaging for appropriate type.
Step1
Rings after first layer of resin.
Watch this video :) There are many steps, and the video goes way in-depth into the process.
Prep your artwork for use by sealing it with Mod Podge. Resin will darken raw paper. Glue artwork into your ring or pendant using a hefty amount of Mod Podge, and then coat top and edges of artwork with more Mod Podge. Let dry for about 12 hours or overnight.
Step2
Curing pendants.
If you have a respirator, use it now.
Prepare area for Resin mixing and pouring. Place rings and pendants in jigs (as shown in video), and place in flat bottom plastic trays. Cover with bottom of under-bed storage tray.
Mix resin and catalyst according to package directions. Once properly mixed, transfer mixture to condiment bottle. Set aside mixing cup(s) and sticks. Do not toss these in the trash until the next day.
Step3
Finished rings.
Remove plastic cover. Pour resin into rings to a depth of about 1/8" or less (make sure it covers the artwork) and into pendant trays (use enough to fill tray and dome up slightly) using condiment bottle. Cover pendants and rings as quickly as possible to prevent little dust particles and the like from landing on the surface of the curing resin.
Check rings and pendants (without lifting plastic cover) for bubbles occasionally. If bubbles occur, use one of the methods described in the video to remove them. For stubborn bubbles, try popping them with a toothpick.
Pendants will require only one layer of resin. For rings, wait at least 8 hours and mix a new batch of resin. Using condiment bottle, apply second layer of resin to rings. Use enough in each ring for the resin to dome slightly.
Cover pendants and rings and allow to cure 24 hours before handling, and 72 hours for a hard cure.
on 9/29/2008
Absolutely wonderful tutorial. I am confident I will be able to do this with my own images. So many ideas buzzing thru my head and I'm so grateful to John for sharing his technique.
Comments
dafaolta said
on 9/29/2008 Absolutely wonderful tutorial. I am confident I will be able to do this with my own images. So many ideas buzzing thru my head and I'm so grateful to John for sharing his technique.
Thank you
MarlaineMarie said
on 6/13/2008 This tutorial was great! Wonderful explanations and demo!
mosaicmom said
on 5/27/2008 This is a great video and presentation. LOVE IT!!!!