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Book Review and Giveaway : Resin Jewelry

One of the best pressed flower resin jewelry artisans I have ever come across is Canadian, Shireen Nadir of The Blue Brick.  Do have a peak if you missed the feature on this multi-talented designer last week.  She has been making resin jewelry for a number of years. She said," In that time, I 've made some beautiful things but also had some tragic failures."  Eventually, she distilled all she had learned through the hard way and put in into her book, Resin Jewelry (eBook on Etsy; printed book on Book Blurb). I received a copy for review.


The first part of the book reveals the sheer breadth and thoroughness of this resin jewelry guide. Shireen shares many tips and tricks, which supplies and equipment to use and where to get them as well as the methodology needed for successful projects.  For example, she stresses that jewelry grade resin is the way to go as cheaper versions used in completed designs will yellow with time. She covers in detail the different ways of preserving materials - there are 4 just for flowers! Also useful is her section on the 5 ways to attach a bail.

Her explanation of how to make resin and how to pour and dome is clear. But what was amazing was the section on how to use a simple (and not that expensive ) vacuum pump and a small vacuum chamber to degas i.e. remove every one of those pesky bubbles.  The idea of using vacuum never crossed my mind even though I spent many years in a laboratory where I've had to degas solvent mixtures!  This is a great tip especially if one does a lot of resin jewelry making and need to production line it.

But for small scale resin artists, the author does suggest the nearby heat source technique for bubble dispersal. However, she did not mention another effective method - the blowing gently through a straw one across the poured resin's surface.  This disrupts the surface tension enough to let the bubbles escape.


Each of the 16 projects was laid out with many inspirational pictures accompanying the general technique being taught.  The project pages are especially compact and efficient - just two facing pages! The projects also increase with difficulty.   The spread below is on how to layer elements in resin.  Shireen sometimes uses several pours in some of her more complex designs.


Every single one of the projects is chock full of ideas.  Shown below is a design using an open bezel.


She also covers how to use pigments to get faux enamel and opal effects as well as different kinds of silicone molds including the spherical ones. Her dandelion clock and Queen Anne's lace (below) spherical pendants are so cool.


I also liked her project on using silicone molds to create stunning wrought iron inspired and contemporary looking designs. Very clever indeed.



Her fabric section shows how to embed lace in a bracelet bangle and how to easily sand the edges smooth.


One of my favorite projects is the one where she instructs on the use of printed transparencies. These really open up a whole range of possibilities using photographs, images and other graphic designs.


The author also includes several more gorgeous designs in the gallery at the end of the book, 18 of which she briefly describes how she created them.  A troubleshooting section also tackles issues such as why preserved flowers go spotty and fuzzy.

This is a beautifully produced book - an outstanding example of how to publish a craft book (self-publish or professional) and how to take attractive jewelry photographs.  It is a definitive guide for those wishing to learn how to make resin jewelry.

Highly recommended.

Giveaway

If you'd like to win an eBook copy of  Resin Jewelry, please make a comment below. Make sure you leave contact info below if you do not have an online shop or blog.

Email subscribers need to scroll down the post they receive, click on Share Comment and enter your comment. Pick Name/URL. If you don't have a store or blog, leave the URL blank.

This giveaway is international.

Extra entries if you become or are a blog subscriber or follower etc. If you also do shout outs about this giveaway, those will count as additional entries too! Please say so in the comments.

It ends in a week's time at 6 pm EST Monday, March 9, 2015 . I will pick the winner randomly and announce the results as soon as possible after. So be sure to leave a contact email if you don't have an online link or make sure you come back and check! Otherwise I will redraw in a week. Good luck!

Disclosure
This blog may contain affiliate links. I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links. This goes towards the support of this blog and to provide resource information to readers. The opinions expressed are solely my own. They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation.


Before You Go:
______________________________
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips 

79 comments:

  1. This is a wonderful book, I can't wait to read it! Thanks so much for your useful blog; I learn a lot from you. Mitziec@verizon.net

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  2. This ebook looks very interesting. I have worked with resin, but I want to learn more. I've never left a comment before, so I hope I'm doing this correctly.

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  3. Wow!!! Shireen does a wonderful job of exploring the techniques & materials that can be used when making resin jewelry. Just looking at the excerpts you've posted above are making me want to dive right in.

    Pearl, thanks for all you do for the beading & jewelry community. I'm a blog subscriber & follower on Facebook.

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  4. What a beautiful book. Would love to learn how to make all of these pieces.

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  5. Amazing work. Fingers crossed!

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  6. I have very limited use of resin. It would be fun to explore more options.

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  7. Would love to win this ebook on resin jewelry. Thank you.
    Julie

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  8. I am interested in learning about resin. this book would be great~

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  9. That looks like great fun. What a beautiful book. I am a follower...blog..twitter....
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    Carol
    DesigningIt.etsy.com

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  10. This ebook looks very interesting.
    Beautiful book:)

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  11. Love to explore the new techniques in this eBook on resin pieces. Already following your blog...hope to win!

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  12. I have never made anything with resin but would love to learn. I believe this book would be wonderful to own. (If this is my second comment, please excuse.... I can not tell if my first one went through and I don't want to miss this opportunity to be in your drawing). Thanks!

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  13. Need all the help I can get to learn this process. Thank you for the opportunity.

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  14. Wow - sounds like an awesome book. I have been working with resin for the past 4 years but there are some techniques here that I have not tried before. I would really love a copy of this book.
    I follow your blog on GFC and facebook

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  15. This book looks fabulous. I've always wanted to try this. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
    grinchswoman@hotmail.com

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  16. The Queen Anne's lace pendant is so beautiful !
    I would love to learn how to make one.

    I am a blog subscriber.

    voltzia@gmail.com

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  17. I absolutely love Shireen's work! Everything she touches seems to turn beautiful! She is an amazing artist in so many respects.

    Fantastic giveaway Pearl! I know you've enjoyed this book - how could you not?!

    Just me....

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  18. Would love this gorgeous book - the projects look amazing.

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  19. Oh Oh OH! I want to learn to use resin and I absolutely love her work. I have admired that dandelion pendant for sometime now. I am a blog subscriber and posted your giveaway on my Pinterest contest page.

    zanc@att.net

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  20. I need this book. I've been wanting to try resin for some time but am afraid I'll just make a mess. Hopefully this will give me the courage to try.

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  21. i love working with resin! and i'm always looking for new ways i can use it-this book would be most fabulous to win and have reference to! fingers crossed. im a blog follower-love all your posts :)

    Jakki from www.thedragonflydreams.com
    https://www.facebook.com/DragonflysandDreams

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  22. I just started making jewelry and have been observing resin jewelry from some artists. But this post makes me promising myself to buy resin.. would love to receive give away :)

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  23. Wow. What a beautiful book and I love to win the ebook. I already collect and dry flowers for card making. This seems like a natural progression for me.

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  24. I am fascinated by resin and resin jewelry and want to add this technique to my skills someday. This looks like an awesome ebook and the pieces are exquisite! I am a subscriber and always share on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

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  25. I can't pass up the vacuum cleaner tip:)) Whoo hoo!!!! Looks like a book I've been waiting for!!! Great review!! thanks!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Ann, Shireen covered the use of a single stage vacuum pump not a vacuum cleaner. But I think it is possible to convert say a simple air compressor (for tires) into a small vacuum pump.

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  26. This book looks amazing! I am such a fan of her designs and would love a chance to make some of them on my own! Pretty please count me in for this amazing giveaway! Thanks!

    Angi Mullis dj2isme@aol.com

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  27. I've always wanted to try making things from resin, but I'm a little intimidated. This book sounds like a good starting block for me!

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  28. Have worked with resin for years and making the globe pendant intrigues me! Would love to read the book.

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  29. Looks like a fantastic book! I have seen resin jewelry before but have never been able to find the materials to experiment with. I would love to get some instructions.
    dragonswing15137@yahoo.com

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  30. I am a blog follower too!
    dragonswing15137@yahoo.com

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  31. I am fervent blog follower, I would love to win. This is such a great book for a resin rookie like me:)

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  32. I follow your blog. Would be nice to learn how to do resin jewelry with this book.

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  33. That pendant on the cover just seems to glow from the inside and the ball pendants just fascinate me. I have purchased some resin but haven't quite got my courage together to put it to use. This book would be such an excellent resource.

    I follow your blog daily and have it in my favourites folder and I've also shared on Facebook.

    Pearl I also wanted to say thank you for the excellent information you provide. This site is such a great resource in itself.

    Mona
    Bijoux Gems Joy

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for all your kinds words about my blog!

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  34. Looks like a very interesting book!

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  35. I love flowers in resin....it would be great to try this. I subscribe to your blog its the only one I save things from. Keep up the great work

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  36. Shireen's book contains so many beautiful and unusual projects. Fingers crossed! Hazel at calico.rose@btinternet.com

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  37. I am a follower of The Blue Brick blog. I also make resin jewellery and would love to win this ebook. Thank you for the opportunity xx

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  38. I am a blog subscriber.

    Thanks
    alikat2004 on Ravelry.com

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  39. This looks awesome will go on my need list...Thank you for sharing outofwackk@aol.com

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  40. Love the bracelet with lace. Haven't tried resin yet but you make it look really exciting. Would love to win the ebook. Thank you.

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  41. Wow! Her works looks so beautiful! I would love to win a copy of her e-book! Thanks for the chance!

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  42. I came across Shireen Nadir's work quite by accident, and was immediately taken with her art and artistry (I signed up for her blog). I would be very excited/happy to win a copy of her ebook - I'm trying to learn more about resin jewelry: the possibilities for self expression through resin seem endless! Thanks! ~noewilliams@hotmail.com

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  43. I am also a blog follower! Love your posts and so appreciate the time you put into your blog for us!

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  44. Hi Pearl,

    The spherical pendant is fabulous! Thanks for the chance to win :)

    victoria_farrell at hotmail.com

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  45. This looks like a must read and I love some of the designs. Thanks for another great giveaway Pearl.
    Gill
    gilldusty2@btinternet.com

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  46. I liked very much your book review on Ms. Nadir's Resin Jewelry. I have mostly worked with metal and wire but, after looking at some of the design possibilities, I would love to learn how to encorperate resin into my own designs. So, PLEASE LET ME WIN A COPY!! I would just love it! Anyway, thanks for the post and your great blog! I have enjoyed it very much. And, no I am not sucking up to you to win, (well just a little). Take care and thanks again
    Happy regards,
    Teresa at teresastwistedrocks@Gmail.com

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  47. I've been wanting to try resin jewelry but I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to do it correctly. Winning this prize would surely ease my mind!

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  48. Dana (familytreeknits@outlook.comMarch 2, 2015 at 11:10 PM

    What a lovely book, thanks for the chance to win! I follow Shireen Nadir's blog for the knitting, but I'd love to try my hand at resin jewellery. :)

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  49. Hello again Pearl,

    Thanks for such an informative and fun blog. This ebook looks to be a great read. A must add to my read list. I also would love an entry to the book giveaway. Have a great day.

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  50. OMG what a great giveaway !!! I am ready to explaore new technique, so fingers crossed for to win this book. Thank you for this awesome blog. I am your follower of course ;-)
    Much love and smiles sending to you,
    Dian
    dias@hierschel.de

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  51. I love the book review and I would really like to win this. I have worked very little on resin, but would like to explore more and this book seems to be the right way. I just hope I get lucky at least once.
    I am also your blog follower.

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  52. I can't believe resin jewelry can be that beautiful. Hope I win a copy. I am your blog subscriber.

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  53. Oh, I'd really love to have this book!!
    Alenka
    pepita.handmade@yahoo.com

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  54. I am a blog follower too!
    Alenka
    alenka.obid(at)gmail.com

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  55. Hi! I am a follower on FB and twitter, already shared in both networks. I am also a blog subscriber.
    Thank you!

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  56. This looks like an awesome book. I would love to add this to my library. I also am a subscriber to your blog. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  57. I have been wanting to learn the tricks of successful resin, and this book looks top-notch!! I am a subscriber and I love all your helpful hints and tutorials...and of course, the giveaways! :)
    schleprock2004@yahoo.com

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  58. Thanks for a great review, I would have to buy this book if I don't win;) Lenka

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  59. Thank you for running these contests! This ebook could take my resin projects to the next level.

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  60. This book looks like it would be a great resource to have. I am a high school art teacher and I teach Jewelry Design. I always introduce basic resin casting in my class. This book would be great to have so that I am able to learn new techniques and and can continue to introduce new materials to my students,
    Thanks, Leah Cyprysiak

    Leahcy27@gmail.com

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  61. I'm new to resin so this would help a great deal!!!
    alisonwba@hotmail.com

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  62. Finally a book that cover this wonderful technique! look great

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  63. I would love to win this awesome giveaway thanks for the chance to win!
    sally0630@frontiernet.net

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  64. I am a blog follower
    facebook Sarah Scott Oswald
    pinterest pinterest.com/sally0630
    youtube Sarah Oswald
    Google+ Sarah Oswald
    sally0630@frontiernet.net

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  65. I wish with all my heart that this book would come in time.
    I wish success to a win !!!
    artlasera@yahoo.com

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  66. Haven't tried resin yet.. looks like a wonderful book full of ideas and techniques just the thing to get me started in this technique

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  67. I love resin and need this to see more options for making jewelry.
    Bobbie G robertnme2@aol.com. Thanks for all your great articles.

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  68. also, I promised my daughter that I would not order anything from the internet this month but I sure would like this eBook robertnme2@aol.com bobbie G.

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  69. Would be nice to win this book! I love creating, but just never tried resin. Some good advices from this book would be perfect! My email: cnatta@gmail.com . Natally

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  70. This looks like a wonderful book. Thank you for the review and a chance to win.
    karenkrothwise@netscapedotnet

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  71. I would love to have this book! I design and craft jewelry in a variety of media (beadweaving is my forte) and would love to learn some tips on making resin jewelry.
    My email is: mreganis33@gmaildotcom

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  72. Very interesting book. Would love to win a copy.

    Carolyn
    Carolynscreations@live.com

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  73. I love collecting jewelry tutorials on Pinterest and would love this book as I am getting into making resin jewelry. https://www.pinterest.com/asdesigns/ email: amyschneiderdesigns@gmail.com

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  74. I need this book! It would be bomb in my city. Thanks for chance.

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  75. This blog is good & looks wonderfull

    ReplyDelete

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