My friend Helen wanted to know why I am so fascinated with resin. She asked after we met for lunch following my translucent screen printed resin jewelry tutorial post which used her screen designs. Perhaps it is because I once worked in the lab - you know, all that stirring and pouring of chemicals! I am also naturally curious about the sort of conditions which affect the polymerization of epoxy resin. For instance, if you have an attic studio like my Canadian friend, Aims, resin would have a hard time curing there for much of the year.
My interest in the creative uses of epoxy resin was first tweaked when I stumbled upon Fran Valera of Little Windows' amazingly creative video series. Who knew you could bend resin? Since then I have had so much fun with this material. It is very versatile. Use it to protect designs. The glass like finish is an advantage if you don't want breakages. And there are no fumes.
One of my most popular posts covered how to make real pressed flower jewelry. Not all the experiments worked but I learned a lot. Many months ago, I posted this 1960's inspired resin based go-go pendant design on my Facebook page :
I have tried many brands of resin but my favorite has to be Little Windows' Brilliant Resin. Like ICE Resin, it's designed for jewelry making - nice doming. Both are also low bubble producers. But unlike Ice Resin, Brilliant Resin is completely colorless. I suspect the process of making it so clear and colorless also involves taking out more impurities. This probably accounts for the longer shelf life.
Brilliant resin uses a 2: 1 ratio of the parts. I have to remember the difference when I use other resins which are often 1:1! There is a benefit to the 2:1 as it is usually Part B which goes off with time. Little Windows also sells Part B separately for those who do not use resin a lot and need to replace the yellowed part. Note : You can color the resin if you find the cured resin is yellowish but there will be a point with old resin when the combined parts will fail to cure.
Giveaway
Want to play with resin and come up with unique designs of your own? Then here is the chance to
win $50 worth of resin jewelry making supplies from Little Windows, please make a comment below. Make sure you leave contact info below if you do not have an online shop or blog.
Little Windows is offering a special 15% off discount for all readers! Use this code : BG1516
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 for US and Canadian readers only.
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. (The exception is Facebook - just like/comment on the giveaway status there!!)
It ends in a week's time at 6 pm EST Monday, September 26, 2016. 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
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.
Photography
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Wire JewelryTips -Jewelry Business Tips
My interest in the creative uses of epoxy resin was first tweaked when I stumbled upon Fran Valera of Little Windows' amazingly creative video series. Who knew you could bend resin? Since then I have had so much fun with this material. It is very versatile. Use it to protect designs. The glass like finish is an advantage if you don't want breakages. And there are no fumes.
One of my most popular posts covered how to make real pressed flower jewelry. Not all the experiments worked but I learned a lot. Many months ago, I posted this 1960's inspired resin based go-go pendant design on my Facebook page :
Some followers asked me for the tutorial. It has taken me a while to get around to writing the how-to, so thanks for your patience! The go-go cut out feature tutorial will be out later this week.
I have tried many brands of resin but my favorite has to be Little Windows' Brilliant Resin. Like ICE Resin, it's designed for jewelry making - nice doming. Both are also low bubble producers. But unlike Ice Resin, Brilliant Resin is completely colorless. I suspect the process of making it so clear and colorless also involves taking out more impurities. This probably accounts for the longer shelf life.
Brilliant resin uses a 2: 1 ratio of the parts. I have to remember the difference when I use other resins which are often 1:1! There is a benefit to the 2:1 as it is usually Part B which goes off with time. Little Windows also sells Part B separately for those who do not use resin a lot and need to replace the yellowed part. Note : You can color the resin if you find the cured resin is yellowish but there will be a point with old resin when the combined parts will fail to cure.
It's not that other brands are bad. They just vary in price points, formulations and shelf life. So pick the right kind for your purpose. For example, I really like the colorless ArtResin brand (below right) which is uv stabilized (non-yellowing). But unfortunately the polymerization reaction of this brand creates a ton of bubbles. It is great for the purpose it was designed for - covering art work. So the bubbles tend to pop on their own if the resin layer is thin. The rest can be blown off or chased off with a few waves of a small handheld torch. I found getting rid of the Art Resin bubbles was much harder when working with deeper molds. So it is worth it to get a low bubble producer in the first place.
Recently, Fran shared her paint, punch and resin tutorial which also uses the cut out feature. Her tutorial uses gorgeous metallic paint on paper. Her funky necklace is just super. Her post here also shows an easy hair barrette idea.
Giveaway
Want to play with resin and come up with unique designs of your own? Then here is the chance to
win $50 worth of resin jewelry making supplies from Little Windows, please make a comment below. Make sure you leave contact info below if you do not have an online shop or blog.
Little Windows is offering a special 15% off discount for all readers! Use this code : BG1516
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 for US and Canadian readers only.
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. (The exception is Facebook - just like/comment on the giveaway status there!!)
It ends in a week's time at 6 pm EST Monday, September 26, 2016. 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
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.
Photography
All final project images were captured in natural light using my iPhone 6S, the camera+ app and the Modahaus TS320 Tabletop Photo Studio. Studio pictures were captured using artificial lights. Photo editing was done in-app with final tweaks in Adobe Photoshop Elements. Click for more information on my How to Photography Jewelry Webinar.
Before You Go :- Really Cool Photo Jewelry Tutorials
- How to Make Snowflake Resin Jewelry Tutorial
- Twisted Wire and Resin Flower Pendant Tutorial
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Wire JewelryTips -Jewelry Business Tips
Very cool, Pearl! I'd love to give it a try.
ReplyDeleteI've never tried making resin jewelry before and winning this package would give me a chance to experiment. The various effects are very cool! I am a blog subscriber. Christine cmcoconatgmaildotcom
ReplyDeletePretty, pretty please! I would absolutely love to have this giveaway! There are so many wonderful resin project ideas floating around my mind at the moment, so the timing is perfect.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to each post on your blog & Facebook. Thanks, Pearl!
Would love to try making some resin jewelry. I think that it would be so much fun to do. Thanks for the opportunity to win this prize.
ReplyDeleteReally nice!!
ReplyDeleteI have never done this work, but was always wanting to give it a try!! It would be so awesome to win this!! And I could even have beautiful Christmas Gifts to give to the Family!! Thanks Pearl :) Love everything about your work!! Camilla
Jewelry & Gems by Camilla
facebook.com/jewelryandgemsbycamilla
I am still waiting to try resin, this could be my opportunity. Thank you Pearl. Blog follower: zoowatcher10@yahoo.com.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like so much fun. I would love to try it.
ReplyDeleteThese projects look great & the tutorial is easy-to-follow. I'm ready to create! I am a blog subscriber & look forward to opening my email every day. besamenyc@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win this! I love LW products & would love to give this technique a try. woolsonramona@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to try using resin but the craft stores around me never seem to carry any. But I must find some since I found a very unique way of making a basket bottom by casting with resin and then drilling holes that can be crocheted with.
ReplyDeleteLOVE HOW THIS PRODUCT LOOKS! Watched your video and would love to try it!
ReplyDeleteTalk about amazing timing. I'm about to put in an order to Little-Windows. I love their product. Winning a gift certificate would be such a boon! I'm a long time Beading Gem subscriber. Will give a shoutout about the giveaway on Facebook and Instagram. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI've never tried resin. It would be really interesting. beadcontagion@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI get their emails as weel as subscribe to this one. I've always wanted to try their products. Jenn butterfleye919 at Aol
ReplyDeleteSigh......
ReplyDeleteI've got resin here that's been sitting for a couple of years I think and all because my studio never is consistently warm enough to use it. My dried flowers sit in their plastic containers waiting to see the light of day again...poor things..
I might as well make up some of this and colour it - then see if it cures or not. If not - I guess I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed for a warm summer next year and order from LW!
I have to say I think your pieces are stunning Pearl! First thing I thought of is "Those will sell!" I'm looking forward to that tutorial as well.
Watching Fran's tutorial just kicked off tons of ideas! Her button technique alone made me think that you could embed an earring post in resin on the back and have instant studs or whatever design you wanted. I bet it would work!!
Even though I'm held back by a cold studio I like to watch the tutorials. I find that I often learn something that I can apply elsewhere even if I can't do resin most days. Watching the tutorials always kickstarts my designing abilities and I often come away with this desire to race to the studio and sit down at my bench!
I'd love to give Fran's technique a try! Maybe if I design some sort of small work space with a heater nearby....hmmmm......
Yes I would like to play with resin!! The product looks and great and I would love to try it...thank you for the giveaway! judy@rosewind.ca
ReplyDeleteWould like to try this medium and have not done this before.
ReplyDeleteWould love to win this one!
ReplyDeleteFantastic giveaway!!! Thanks
ReplyDeletemarlene strait
mlsjewel@yahoo.com
Enter me for the give-away. I'm a subscriber. I do want to take the opportunity to tell you how much I appreciate your comparative and unbiases analysis of the different products. Thanks
ReplyDeleteThank you. I do try and given my past life as a scientist, I love testing and experimenting.
DeleteWhat a great giveaway! And something new to learn. Thank you for this opportunity.
ReplyDeleteVicki Fisher
Vicketsa@gmail.com
This makes me so happy! With Pearl's guidance, I know you'll all have such fun making with Brilliant Resin. A quick note: while working in a nice warm space is best, with Brilliant Resin the temperature in your creative space isn't nearly as important as it is with other brands. As long as your Part A is warm, your pieces should set up just fine. Thin resin = easier mixing and bubble release, so warm up your Part A following the tips on the label (brief microwave or warm water bath), and have fun :)
ReplyDeleteWould love to win this....thank you for the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteWould love to win this. Have always wanted to try out resin.
ReplyDeleteIt would be ecstatic to win this giveaway!!! Learning something new everyday or getting to try a new product - It doesn't get any better than that!!! Thanks for the opportunity!
ReplyDeletePlease enter me in the drawing and thank you for sharing this great opportunity!
ReplyDeleteThose designs are amazing, all of them. Would love to try out resin. Still on my bucket list. I am a blog subscriber
ReplyDeleteMona
This is the best resin. I love using it in jewelry projects. This would be an AWESOME win!
ReplyDeleteswillert@new.rr.com
These resin projects are absolutely gorgeous! I would love to try this. Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely love the versatility of resin. Saving up so I can try the ideas swarming in my head. This drawing may be just be the ticket to try them. Samantha (sunshinewhispers@msn.com)
ReplyDeleteOooh resin, would love to experiment with different kinds! and this Little Windows one :) nellielaan.com
ReplyDeleteLittle Windows giveaway? Oh please! Oh please!! I look and drool often at their website after seeing them here first. Thank you Pearl. One of these days I will be able to afford to actually get some of their products. Fingers are crossed!
ReplyDeleteI have watched a few videos on little Windows resin and have been thinking about purchasing some since my Ice Resin has gone bad. This would be a great opportunity to win the package.
ReplyDeleteIt's been so long since I've played with resin - I would LOVE to do it again! :)
ReplyDeleteWinning this contest would enable me to try resin. Thanks Pearl for this opportunity.
ReplyDeletekathy@beadify.com
Hey Pearl, I still haven't tried resin.... I know I'll get around to it one day! So many ideas, not enough time!
ReplyDeleteLove ya' Patricia B
Since watching this video the other day, I have so many ideas floating in my head! Thanks for continuing to show new ideas and expand creative possibilities.
ReplyDeleteWow! So inspirational -- I used the discount code and can't wait to get started! I love your articles (and I hope I win)!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful things that can be made!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to try Little Windows Resin. I've used Ice Resin in the past with my steampunk designs but always wanted to try this brand. Maybe I will!
ReplyDeleteI love using Little Windows Resin. I would love to win this certificate to buy more of it. It is very easy to mix and use. I love the accessories you can use with the resin. Definitely going to take advantage of the discount code, as well. Thank you for offering the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI have never tried their products but I would love to be able to try them out thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeletesally0630@frontiernet.net
I'm an email subscriber
ReplyDeletesally0630@frontiernet.net
Facebook
Sarah Scott Oswald
pinterest.com/sally0630
I shared on Twitter
ReplyDeletehttps://mobile.twitter.com/sally06301/status/779541888000937984
sally0630@frontiernet.net
I would love to try this resin. Just starting to get back into the studio after a long surgical rehab. Need to try something new to get my creative juices flowing.
ReplyDeleteNice giveaway. Pearl always has the best stuff! Yes, I've also tried Ice Resin. Would like to try this too. Hopefully I'll win.
ReplyDeleteLove this post! I love Ice Resin and have wanted to try other brands!
ReplyDeleteI am always inspired by the resin creations I see at shows. Would love to win to try this medium. Thanks for offering, Pearl.
ReplyDeletetigers628@hotmail.com
Great looking pearl.
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to make my own resin jewelry! Yours looks fantastic!
ReplyDeleteserenap95(at)hotmail(dot)com
Thanks for the chance
ReplyDeleteI have been wanting to give this a try since I started seeing the amazing projects that you make. This would be a wonderful way to get my feet wet. Thanks for the chance to win. Follow you on Facebook, pinterest, blog, email, :-) would love to win this. Have a Nunn piece still waiting for just this application
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to try working with resin and no one in my area is doing it. Hope it is for beginners! twokeltoi *at* msn *dot* com
ReplyDeleteThis would be fun to do!
ReplyDeletedlatany at gmail dot com
Ooooh! I've seen this and have been wanting to try it out!
ReplyDeletebethelderton59 at gmail dot com
My daughter is artsy and I'm crafty...so I would love to win and experiment.
ReplyDeletetallulahjane65(at)yahoo(dot)com
I'd love to try my hand at making photo jewelry! Especially with Christmas coming up, they would make great gifts!
ReplyDeleteI would try to do this with my daughter!
ReplyDeleteid love to try. eclairre at ymail dot com
ReplyDeleteI enjoy jewelry making (beading) and would LOVE to try crafting with resin! glindathegood@bellsouth.net
ReplyDeleteI would love to win!
ReplyDeleteEmilyannogle@yahoo.com
I have just started dabbling in jewelry making with beading, clay, and incorporating yarn/crochet but I have yet to use resin! I would love to try it out and I think it would be a great way to make christmas gifts!
ReplyDeleteoops forgot to say my email amandapatterson01@gmail.cp,
ReplyDelete