Creating Your Own Faux Gemstones With Resin - Part 1

I've been working with resin for some time now and even though it is quite different than polymer clay, I am finding it has it's uses and the two combined make an awesome pair!

There are different types of resins on the market:  UV resin that is cured with a UV light and the two part that require mixing.  Art Resin is the 2 part epoxy type and I like to use it for two very good reasons:  It gives a crystal clear finish and is also safe to use as it is non-toxic.

Most people think of only using resin on polymer clay as a finish, but resin can be used in so many ways than just a glass like coating.  You can add various inclusions to create your own faux gemstones.  Here are some samples of inclusions I used with the Art Resin:

Left:  German Glass Glitter in Amethyst

Right:  Crystal Opal

Earrings and Decorative Snap in Cobalt Opal

The snaps shown below were filled with German Glass Glitter and Art Resin.  The snap on the left is in the color Sky and on the far right is Chartreuse.  For the snap in the center I used a combination of both colors.

These are the same snaps added to a bracelet and ring with a snap base for interchanging.

And here are some samples of this technique applied to polymer clay.  Adding crystals or stones to polymer clay will not stay in on their own so require some sort of glue (as in the hot fix type) and also embedding deep enough so they will be secure.   The nice thing about resin is it will stick to most things including polymer clay (which is porous) and metal.

The piece below was created using the bezel part of the Blocks & Dots CaBezel mold.  I used a dark navy colored clay and mounted it on a snap base for interchanging (see how this is done here).  After baking, I filled the center with Art Resin and Cobalt Opal.

Here I added some of the German Glass Glitter into the centers of the pieces I made using the small Holy CaBezel molds.  On some of them I left the resin inclusions slightly raised on top so it gave more of a druzy quartz stone appearance.

The heart pendant shown below was created from a mold I made using the same metal heart charm shown above.  I added mica powder to the raised areas to highlight the pattern.  After finishing and baking the piece first (important), I then added resin with the Silver German Glass Glitter and a touch of red glitter to the center bezel section to create a sort of faux gemstone look.

Tips On Working With Resin

Working with the Art Resin is quite easy and fun.  I do not want to get into all the details on how to work with it as there are already plenty of videos and other info available to you which you will find on the Shades of Clay site here and also the Art Resin site itself.  There is also instructions and tips on the brochure included with the product.

I will share a few basic tips, however, that I have learned on working with smaller and more intricate designs and shapes.  In my next blog post (part 2) I will share a little more in depth on the "how to".

How Much to Use?

If you are working only with smaller pieces to create faux gems or fill the snaps, you will find a little resin will go a long way.  I would purchase the smallest size bottles (8oz) to start and when mixing, use a small measurement to start such as 1/2 oz each of the resin and hardener as when the two combined will make a full 1 oz.  If you mix up too much, you might not be able to use it all up before it starts to harden but you can always mix up more later.

Tools

Here are the main items I like to use but you may come up with your own later.  Shown in the above photo clockwise:  (I have included links on some of the items listed).

Small Torch

-- Mine is the kitchen type for cooking -- be sure it has an on/off safety button.  This is used to get out any air bubbles.  Be careful if using it on polymer clay as it could burn your clay.  You only need to flash it very quickly and the bubbles will disappear instantly.  Shades of Clay also has a small pencil style available which is very handy.

Art Resin

-- I buy mine at Shades of Clay but available other places as well.

Syringe or "Pipettes"

-- Used for filling your resin into small areas.  These work best when the resin is freshly mixed and still runny.  After it starts to thicken, I switch to "scooping" with my stir stick.

Small Spoon & Tweezers

I use a small spoon for measuring and scooping out my inclusions.  Tweezers come in handy for holding small items, etc.

Coffee Stir Sticks

I use the wooden type for mixing my resin and also as a "scoop" to pour small amounts into my bezel settings.  They are quite long so I break them in half which also makes them easier to work with.

Small Disposable Cups

I like to use these for pouring in small amounts of mixed resin and adding inclusions to create my faux enamels or gemstones.  I will show you more on this in my next post.

Small Measuring Cup

These can be used for measuring and mixing your resin.  When measuring, I use a small measuring cup where I can add both the resin and hardener together rather than measuring separately.  You get a more accurate measurement this way and is less messy.  A silicone cup for measuring resin will also work.  I have one on order and will let you know how I like it after it arrives.

Metal Tray and Tin Foil

I have several large baking pans (cookie sheets) for baking my clay in the oven and found they also make a great tray for working with resin.  I cover them with tin foil to protect the surface and the metal pan and foil create a safe surface when using a torch for blasting any air bubbles.  I can then pick up my entire tray after if I have to move it to another area to harden.

And the last thing not shown is a large box or plastic container to cover your resin while it is curing.  This will prevent any dust settling during that process.

Items for Filling with Resin

And of course you will need all the various items you want to put your resin into.  You can use your own polymer clay designs to add your faux resin gemstones.  I also have other items shown here available in my online store.

Blank Snaps for Interchanging Designs

Stainless Steel Post Earrings with Bezel

Stainless Steel Bezel Charms

Stainless Steel Buttons

Large Metal Charms with Bezels

And these are some fun items I found at Shades of Clay that you could use as well.  I will share some samples of what I created with you soon.

Mirror Compact

Cool Key Chains

Bezel Jewelry Frames

And of course there are all the CaBezel Molds that are so cool.  The Bezel (frame) part can be made out of polymer clay and then after baking, filled with resin and various inclusions.

In my next post I will go into a little more detail on creating the various faux gemstones shown here with more inspiration.

From Metal to Clay

In my last blog post, I shared with you my metal charm pendants that I use in my jewelry making but also samples of so much more that can be done with them.  Today I thought I would show you how they can be used to make your own molds or textures to be used with your polymer clay to create other designs.

There are many types of materials on the market, you can use to make a mold or texture sheet or you can even use polymer clay.  Helen Breil recently published a new lesson on textures which is full of tips and inspiration for making your own textures which can also be applied here.  I highly recommend her lesson if you want to explore this more.

To make a mold from my metal charm shown here, I am using scrap Premo brand clay that I had on hand and wanted to use up.

Roll out a sheet of clay that is thicker than the item you want to make an impression from.  Place it on a ceramic tile that has a smooth finish and you can put directly into the oven.  Roll the clay flat so it sticks to the tile and there are no air pockets trapped underneath.

Apply a generous amount of cornstarch to the clay as a release.  You can brush any excess back into your container after.  Firmly press the metal piece into the clay.  If the piece is not totally flat, you may have to tip or rock it back and forth or around to get a good impression.

Clay might raise up a little higher in some of the open areas.  You want it to be flush so either push it back down with your finger or scrape off some of the excess clay from those areas and then smooth out with your finger.

If the piece you are making a mold from is metal, you can always leave it in for the baking process and remove it after.  Trim your mold but leave it stuck to your tile and then bake according to temperature of the clay you are using.

 After your mold is baked you can use it to create your own designs from polymer clay.  Remember you will have to use a mold release each time to prevent your clay from sticking.

Here are some samples of pieces I created from my own molds using various metal charms.

The last two pieces I made were mounted on a snap for interchanging.  I really prefer this method for several reasons.  Before it was always a struggle as to how to finish off each piece.  Placing a snap on the back allows the piece to be worn more than just one way.

For instance, these larger size pieces can be added to a snap base on a necklace or worn on a scarf.  I use to have so many finished jewelry pieces in stock waiting for that right person who is in love with just that one piece.  With snaps, however, I can "Create the Art" and the wearer can "Choose how to Wear it".

 

I have several options for adding a snap design to a scarf.  My "It's a Cinch Scarf Clip" is my original design and will work with almost any scarf type or thickness.  I have also come across these traditional scarf slide type rings that have a snap base.  They are available in my online store under the Snap Scarf Slide section but also in the DIY section.

Playing Around With Metal Pieces

I created a new line of chunky jewelry designs for my fall collection last year by combining large metal charms with snap bases.  These were not only fun to create but are so much fun to wear.  There is a snap base for interchanging the decorative snaps and the entire piece clips off the cord for interchanging onto different necklace chains or cords.

This year I decided to kick it up a notch and finally had some time to play around more with these large metal charms. There are so many things that can be done with them.  Here are just a few examples of which I will be sharing some tips on a little later.

Creating faux gemstones with resin:

Or filling in with a faux enamel look:

Adding smaller Swarovski crystals or rhinestones to the small bezels in the pieces.

For another look, back-filling the pieces with polymer clay.

And finally, creating a mold or texture -- then creating your polymer clay pieces from it.

I find the metal charms quite appealing but I am more drawn to color over the plain silver.  Working the design into clay completely transforms it!  And the sky is the limit to how you want to create.

I have a selection of these large charms available in my online store under the DIY supplies section.  Over the next week I will be sharing some tips on how to work with these beautiful pieces using various materials like polymer clay, resin and inclusions.

New Shawl and Collaboration

Over the past few months I have been collaborating with a good friend of mine, Carmen, who is also in the same Artisan Co-op Market that I am in.  She is a talented crocheter and goes by "Stitches in Tyme - Contemporary Crochet".  I have been posting some of her pieces with my buttons and shawl pins on my facebook page but I wanted to share more about it here.

This is a shawl she recently made for me.  I had the yarn sitting around hoping I could find the time to eventually make something but never seemed to manage it.  So I was more than happy to give it over to Carmen when she offered and now I am so excited I have my finished piece and can hardly wait to wear it!

Isn't it lovely?  It is also super soft and drapes so beautifully.  The yarn is from Colour Adventures and in a Cupcake blend which took 2 "cakes" to create.

The shawl sticks are from my Snap Decisions Collection which have a snap base and you can interchange the decorative snaps.

Carmen has other beautiful shawls that she has created available in the Shuswap Artisan Market.  I have matched up some optional shawl pins to coordinate in case someone is looking for that perfect match.

Or if you would like Carmen to make something special for you, she does custom orders.  You can see more of her creations on her facebook page here.

Carmen also crochets hats, scarves, finger-less gloves and unique baskets, just to name a few.  We have also teamed up by adding a snap base, instead of typical buttons to some of her hats.

This is so much fun as you can choose your preferred accent design and interchange them for a whole new look!  We have a selection available in my online store and if you would like Carmen to make you a different color or design with an added snap base, just contact me or Carmen with your request.