Monday, August 11, 2014

Guest Blog: Rachel and her Resin Adventure

Today we have guest blogger Rachel Baron sharing her first attempt at resin. Enjoy! Jen

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If you’re anything like me, you probably have a million different crafting gadgets, gizmos and set-ups that you will never find time to use...but you still *need* them, so you just keep telling yourself someday you will learn to make Siberian Jewel-Studded Knitted Longjohns. (Disclaimer: I have no idea if those are even a thing, so if they are I apologize to any creators of Siberian Jewel-Studded Knitted Longjohns for being sarcastic.)

One of the creative endeavors I have had forever is Ice Resin. I bought a kit a couple years back with the idea of making a necklace for my cousin who had released her first EP. I figured a nice resin pendant with her cover art would be something she would love. And she would. If I would ever make it. Which I’m doing. Right now, with all of you.

First, I printed out a copy of the album art. Since I have an ink jet printer, I knew I’d have to seal the image. I also knew I had mod podge somewhere, but in the vortex of my supplies area, it was no where to be found. I did find some Vintaj Glaze Metal Sealer. However, this stuff was meant to be used on metals, not paper. But I’m a trailblazer, so I forged ahead and prayed it wouldn't turn the image into a giant ink smudge. It didn’t.



Then, I had to carefully trim the image. Here’s where you learn a little more about me: I’m not a precise artist. I’m more of a mad scientist. To sit and carefully trim an image s-l-o-w-l-y is a creative torture. But I made it through--not perfect, but through. You can probably see that it was a smidge too wide to sit completely flat in the bezel, but I was afraid my next trim job would be a hack job, so I went with it.




Next was mixing the resin. The kit had these cool little measuring cups that have the fluid ounces marked. But since I am 40+ those little lines were almost invisible. So here’s a handy tip: make a couple of dashes with a Sharpie Marker to help you out.



The Ice Resin comes in a Part A and a Part B that you mix together. I squeezed the Part A of the resin, and thought, “Wow, this is thick stuff!” Then I realized I had to snip the tip off the dispenser. Who reads directions? I added equal part of the Part B, which is the hardening agent. Easy enough!

I stirred the resin for the required 2 minutes (see I did read some of the directions), and I have to admit, I was alarmed by the number of bubbles. I hoped they would somehow work themselves out, otherwise I would have a cloudy pendant.




Next, was time to pour. I did a little at a time until I got a feel for the viscosity of the resin. Then I realized the surface I was working on wasn’t quite flat! I tried to gently lift the paper I had been working on to move the filled pendant to flat quarters...and dumped the pendant--and resin-- all over my shirt.

But a true professional never panics, so I just up and fled to my other work station and was able to salvage the piece. Somewhere along the line I lost one of my sandals, it was that intense.

The finished pendant turned out great, despite my goof-ups! There were no bubbles, as I feared, and it was incredibly easy to work with--once you follow directions and actually prepare yourself properly!




When I do more pieces (which I will, this was a practice run), I will do a few at a time. You have to mix at least a half ounce to get the Ice Resin to cure, and while that doesn’t sound like a lot, I could have easily made about 4 or 5 pendants out of that. The Ice Resin only will sit for 45 minutes, so you can’t save the rest for later.

Now that I have tried the resin, I can move on to one of the other myriad of supplies and tools that are haunting my work table. The only question is, what’s next?

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You can read more by Rachel on her Blog and shop for her beads and jewelry on Indiemade and Etsy.




14 comments :

  1. its nice that you finally got around to working with resin. There is so much that you can do with it - its an mixed media artists' best friend. Try experimenting with glitter, sequins or yarn

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    1. I can't wait to try to make an amped-up piece, Divya! Resin really does open a number of creative doors--glad I finally got around to trying it, too!

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  2. a heat gun will zap any bubbles remaining after you pour......and Yes I have had the level issue :) now I always pour on waxed paper just in case

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    1. Waxed paper sounds like a great idea! I might have to steal that one from you! :)

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    2. I prefer the lit match to the heat gun. I'd end up sloshing the resin out and blowing cat hair in!

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  3. LOL, sounds like you work just the way I do, Rachel! And I too have an ice resin kit lurking - your brilliant article has encouraged me to *find* it and have a go too (if it hasn't "gone off" by now)! Thank you so much for an entertaining and inspiring read :)

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    1. Definitely do, Erika! I'm just glad this blogging opportunity forced me to finally try the resin! I had the kit for two years, so I don't know if it really goes bad? Have fun with it!

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  4. Your article just cracked me up!! Glad your pendant turned out good after all that. I too have some ICE Resin in a cabinet that's got to be at least 2 years old - at least I know it will still be good, should I get around to trying it out this year! ;-)

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  5. Great post Rachel, I have a similar style of working, you got fantastic results though!

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  6. Losing your sandal made me laugh out loud!
    Glad it worked well for you! I adore ICE resin and use it in every crazy way I can concoct. Fellow mad scientist - here.
    Did you wait 5 min after mixing? Thats a tip to help let bubbles dissipate. I love the lit match method too, but I like fire.

    Next you will start resin coat in paper, and there will be no going back...
    Thanks for taking us on the ride!

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  7. This gives me a little more confidence to try Ice Resin--you make it seem so easy!

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  8. I always get a bit frazzled when working with resin, too! It's that time-crunch-factor-thing!...tho there is ample time to work if I would prep myself better, ahead of time! Did you find your sandal?!..your post brought a smile to me face! :)

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  9. I am so glad you took the plunge and wrote about it. I bought an ice resin kit about a year ago and still haven't had the courage to mix it up. I think I can give it a try now, especially with your helpful tip about marking the mixing cup. I love the mad scientist reference. I am not a precise artist either. I admire it in others, but I lack the patience.

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  10. A fun and refreshing voice! It was a treat to read of her process as 'mad scientist'... I feel we are kindred spirits! Enjoy the day. Erin

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