Earrings with fresh flowers inside. MK Earrings with epoxy resin part 1. Decor crafts with dried plants

Designers and needlewomen have learned to preserve entire worlds frozen in glass. In fact, all these shells, tiny buds, leaves and insects are forever frozen not in glass or amber, but in a simple and accessible to everyone epoxy resin. And you do not need to have a laboratory or a separate room to create it yourself. Today we will learn how to create epoxy resin with your own hands, and then make your own masterpiece with it.

Advantages of epoxy resin and its difference from epoxy adhesive

Despite the fact that the word "resin" is present in the name, you will not find natural components in its composition, because it is a fully synthetic product created in laboratories for many areas - from construction to needlework.

Epoxy resin- This is a mixture of two components: a hardener and the resin itself. Depending on the ratio of parts of the hardener and resin included in it, it can be thick, liquid or even dense. Therefore, it is very important to follow the instructions on the labels when mixing epoxy at home.

Epoxy resin properties

Epoxy resin is great for making jewelry, decorative items, and even covering large surfaces. It has the following properties:

• she is very strong
• not subject to abrasive wear,
• transparent
• well waterproofed,
• absolutely non-toxic after curing.

Do not forget that you can also find epoxy glue on store shelves, which is completely unsuitable for us. Let's start with the fact that the glue itself is a derivative of the resin. It includes not only epoxy resin, but also a solvent, plasticizer, hardener and filler. Therefore, it is also durable, not subject to wear and firmly holds the parts to be glued.

Differences between resin and glue

There are significant differences between resin and glue, which reveal disadvantages that are unacceptable for our purposes:

1. The adhesive has a specific curing time that cannot be controlled, while the curing of the resin can be accelerated.
2. The resin retains transparency for a long time, while the glue quickly begins to turn yellow.
3. Epoxy glue is less flexible and cures faster, while resin is more pliable and allows you to work with it more accurately.
4. Glue can only be used to connect parts, while resin is suitable for making beads and other shapes of a given shape.
5. Depending on the proportion used when mixing resin and hardener, we can get the right consistency that suits our needs, while the adhesive is sold as a ready mix.

Resin Safety Rules

In order not to be harmed by the fumes that are generated when the hardener and resin are mixed (the polymerization process entails substantial allocation heat), some safety rules must be observed.

1. Arm yourself with gloves.
2. Wear a protective mask or respirator to protect yourself.
3. Ventilate the room while working.
4. Warn household members not to enter the premises while you are busy, or be sure to wear a mask.
5. Before you start, organize your workplace so that you don't get distracted afterwards.

If you do not have a special surface for work, you can use a film or a simple file so as not to worry about the table and what can happen to it during the work.

How to make DIY epoxy resin

After reading the instructions, having prepared all the materials and the workplace, as well as following the safety precautions, you can begin to create an epoxy resin for your ideas.

So, to create an epoxy resin with our own hands, we need:

• resin and hardener
• disposable syringes or measuring cups,
• stirring stick (toothpick, skewer or other piece of wood of suitable length).

Carefully read the instructions for the components of the epoxy resin

First, mix the components in one small container.

It is necessary to mix the components while observing the temperature regime not higher than + 25 ° C.

It is most convenient to measure the right amount of resin and hardener with disposable syringes, so you will know the exact proportion and will not lose a drop when pouring them into a common vessel. Or use measuring cups, given that from now on they cannot be used for anything else.

Do not try to stock up, as polymerizing, the mixture becomes unsuitable for further use.

Gently mix the resulting composition in a circle to reduce the likelihood of bubbles, because they can spoil appearance epoxy resin crafts.

If the bubbles could not be avoided, then they can be dealt with. To do this, you must first let the mixture settle, and then warm it up. The bubbles will definitely rise to the surface, allowing us to gently remove them. After that, the mixture can be used for your ideas.

Resin processing after curing

Once the resin has cured, it may need to be processed as the compound may appear cloudy or uneven. Due to the elasticity of the composition, we can bring it to mind, and not disappointedly throw it into the trash, believing that we did not succeed.

Resin becomes cloudy after curing

Sandpaper is suitable for grinding the product, or even a milling cutter for polishing nails.

Since there will be a lot of dust during grinding, it is worth putting on a respirator, and it is best to moisten the sandpaper with water.

In this tutorial from DreamWorkshop you will find step by step photos the resin making process and some great tips on how to make cured resin transparent and smooth with the simplest of tools.

DIY Epoxy Resin Crafts

So, we learned how to get epoxy resin on our own, talked about precautions and organization of the workplace. It's time to try your hand further. After all, creating crafts from epoxy resin with your own hands is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance.

To begin with, it is worth noting that a material such as epoxy resin is quite versatile and can be used in needlework in different ways. It is used to create both separate decorations and accessories, which are complemented by works made in other techniques. It is great for figurines, cabochons and even stained glass.

Creating crafts using molds

The most common use of resin is to fill silicone molds with it. The resulting blanks can later be used as pendants, beads, pendants on or, key rings, etc. A variety of molds allows you to create even rings and bracelets from epoxy resin.

Such molds should be made of high-quality platinum silicone, which will be resistant to the poured solution and make it easy to remove the frozen product from it.

Benefits of molds

The advantages of such casting molds are that:

• You can buy them at any craft store these days.
• they are plastic
• do not react with resin
• don't stick to it

What decor to use when creating crafts

Molds are great for pouring dried flowers, foliage, moss or shells into them - any volumetric element. To do this, you only need epoxy resin, a suitable silicone mold, as well as pre-prepared decorative elements.

Be sure to pay attention to preparation! Leaves, flowers and buds must be thoroughly dried so that they do not turn black over time, spoiling the finished product with their appearance. Shells, crystals and stones are best degreased with alcohol or solvent, and then dried too.

In the resin, you can add not only dense decorative elements, but also potal, gloss and even stained glass paint, but not much (so as not to spoil the ratio of the main components and not disturb the desired consistency).

Epoxy resin crafts can be decorated with plants ...

... sequins ...

With this method of pouring, decorative elements are most often unevenly distributed over the shape of the product. This is clearly seen in the bracelet example:

In the case when the decorative elements are small, heavy and / or you just want to place them in the center of the mold, it is first recommended to fill the mold with resin, and then dip the necessary decor into it - leaves, small shells, dried berries - whatever your heart desires!

Method 2. When the resin settles, pour it into the mold in a thin stream, evenly distribute it over the entire form, and then immerse the selected decorative elements in it, helping yourself with a toothpick.

If you are limited in time or are afraid of the appearance of bubbles, you can send the form to the oven, preheated to 80 ° C (turned off and ventilated) for 15-20 minutes. After that, let the workpiece stand in the mold for at least a day, so as not to damage the surface of the resin. Carefully remove the bracelet, sand it from the top side and varnish it for better preservation.

To get started, prepare the clay by rolling or twisting the strips to the desired length using a pasta machine, rolling pin, or extruder. After that, wrap the form you like with the resulting blank to make a frame, and send it to the oven, following the instructions indicated on the clay pack.

When the frame for your future jewelry has cooled down, free it from the mold and you can start pouring epoxy.

In more detail with the technology of manufacturing frames from polymer clay can be found in the master class of the author Rusalina.

Method 2: wire frame

If you are familiar with the basics of the Wire Wrap technique, then a wire will come to your aid, which can be twisted into any frame or base to surprise those around you with your author's vision of jewelry.

Method 3: working with wood

Working with home-made molds allows you to go beyond the limits invented by the hardware manufacturers. But still, such a combination of techniques requires more perseverance, accuracy and time, because now you are creating frames and frames yourself, which is a laborious, but at the same time very interesting process.

Natural wood is naturalness ...

…beauty…

…and style

However, such products are not so easy to make, besides, they require a whole arsenal of special tools, because the tree itself needs to be fully processed and cleaned so that the result does not disappoint.

But if difficulties and painstaking work are your passion, and there are already tools for woodworking in the house, then be sure to try yourself in a unique technique for creating crafts from epoxy resin different sizes and appointments.

Jewelery is all that epoxy can do?

And yet, despite the fact that these days we most often meet epoxy only as decorations, it continues to be popular in other directions. So it is used to fill the handles of knives, to decorate flash drives, key rings and even pens.

A experienced craftsmen went even further by using epoxy to pour large surfaces. Tables with an incredible imitation of water in the middle or a simple and even surface, from under which the original image protrudes, no longer subject to fading - this is a reality created by those who love to challenge their talent.

Wooden top with transparent epoxy resin insert

The tabletop is completely filled with epoxy resin.

Those who remain faithful to small forms have also found their own style: pocket mirrors and even articulated dolls! It turns out that resin can realize any of our ideas.

As you can see, epoxy is capable of a lot and is limited only by the imagination of those who are seriously interested in working with it. Try it and you will go from your first cabochons and beads to masterpieces worthy of world museums of epoxy crafts!

List of everything you need:

• Epoxy resin, two-component
• Two syringes without a needle (sold at any pharmacy)
• Container for mixing resin and hardener (plastic cup)
• Stick for this very mixing (wooden)
• Ceramic tiles or cardboard (in general, any flat hard surface, preferably on a flat table)
• Scotch tape (wide one-sided)
• Accessories for jewelry (connectors, earwires, connecting rings, bases)
• Mini drill (sold in almost any construction store, take the cheapest one, I personally use the DREMEL 300)
• A set of nozzles for it (a small drill and an emery head for turning)
• Good mood for yourself;) Well, gloves with a respirator would be nice

Advice: Before you shop, make sure you have a suitable workspace. If you live in a odnushka with your grandmother and mother, you will have to wait a little while making resin jewelry. Need at least separate room, where you can inhale the harmful fumes of resin (if you do not take care of ventilation) in splendid isolation.

This work is dirty, noisy and generally not conducive to health, but a few simple manipulations will reduce negative influences creativity to a minimum.

Epoxy Resin Safety Precautions:

• if you are not a drug addict, at least open the window
• always keep a rag handy - believe me, it is much easier to wipe the resin than to chip it off the linoleum later
• don't want thrills? Then remove all carpets in sight
• take pity on your neighbors in living space, do not turn jewelry while they are at home. Wear a respirator while doing this.

Speaking of leaves

Leaves (petals, flowers) must be well dried. This is not a quick business (4 weeks), so prepare them in advance. I put fresh petals in folded white paper, then in a book (this is so that letters are not imprinted on the flowers). The thicker the book, the better (old Soviet textbooks are great). To store dried leaves, you can use magnetic photo albums.

If you decide to work with buds (for pouring into balls), you will need a dark, dry space, such as a closet. You thread the needle, tighten the knot thicker at the end of the thread and pass the needle through the legs of the buds (it is for this operation that these same legs should be left). We tie the resulting garland to two hangers and hide it in the closet. Four weeks and the material is ready.

It is worth bearing in mind that many petals visually change during operation, and completely cease to resemble what you picked in the garden. Some shrink to something awkward, some blacken or completely discolor. And if you don’t feel sorry for the stupid chamomile, then the ruined expensive hydrangea flowers will definitely make you sad.

accessories

The lion's share of the pleasure of working with jewelry is precisely the choice of accessories. It's simple: the more expensive it is, the better it is. In the whole process of creating jewelry, you can save money, but not on accessories, this is exactly the case when the miser pays twice. Not only do the fasteners made in China regularly break, but they also look frankly pathetic and, most likely, your hand will not rise to stick something like that on your hard-cultivated leaf.

Resin preparation

Well, all the preparations are completed, we can begin. To get started, read the instructions for your resin - mixing ratios vary from brand to brand. I personally use Crystal resin, 4 ml of resin per 1.2 ml of diluent.

We collect both resin and hardener with syringes without needles, naturally different. After use, it is better to throw them away, they cost a penny. It is better to carefully lower the hardener along the wall of the cup so that it does not splash.

After that we start mixing. There is nothing phenomenal here: you can interfere with even a finger, 3-4 minutes. Do not be embarrassed by the abundance of bubbles in the resin, let it settle and they will go away.

Stir the resin periodically. The mixture, ready to use, should resemble honey in consistency. It is difficult to explain on the fingers how much to mix it, it naturally depends on the number of petals prepared, their size and, noteworthy, the density of the resin. Fresh instantly spreads and it turns out that you have pitched the tray itself more than the petals. So it's important to seize the moment here.

While the resin is settling - prepare the workplace. Clear the table, take out the tray and flowers. It is desirable to do wet cleaning, because there is nothing more offensive than a potentially beautiful decoration, smeared with dust.

Tray preparation

Requires a flat table, which is not a pity to splatter, and a tray. The key point here is the choice of coverage, which should have a number of properties, such as:

• cheap
• accessible
• should not stick to the resin
• must be glossy (matte surface mattifies cured resin)

A store-bought plastic bag immediately comes to mind, but to my deep regret, it does not satisfy point 3 and sticks tightly. At one time I used food bags for baking, but they also periodically let down and ruined entire trays of jewelry.

Advice: Tape the tray with tape and forget about such a problem as sticking decorations forever.

fill

So, the resin has thickened, the petals are laid out on a surface covered with adhesive tape, we begin to create. We take our battle stick, dip the tip into the resin and put a drop on the petal.

In principle, you can smear it on it, holding the leaf with your finger (in latex gloves, so that there are no greasy marks left), but it itself spreads well. Here you will check how even your table is. Having covered all the prepared petals with the first layer of resin, cover our miracle tray with a lid and leave it all for 24 hours. Then we apply another layer of resin (for now, both layers fall on the front part).

After a day, we turn the petals over and apply the last layer, but already on the back sides of our products.

Turning

Now these shapeless epoxy blots with petals inside need to be processed.

It's time to uncover our mini drill. Attach an emery nozzle to it and grind the jewelry (with a shudder I remember how I sharpened them manually with a nail file). Keep the edge of the product perpendicular to the drill. After turning, you can varnish the edges of the products or make another fill.

If the resulting decoration suits you, make holes for attaching the rings. We make holes with the same drill, but with a drill (diameter 0.5 mm).

In general, we have done the most difficult work, now it remains only to attach the fittings. We thread a ring into the drilled hole, and a fastener into it. Our real flower petal earrings are ready!

Rules for the storage and care of flower decorations

1. Products coated with jewelry resin should not be wiped with alcohol or any other solvent, as this may damage the glossy surface. Epoxy is not chemical friendly at all, so keep it away from detergents, air fresheners, etc.
2. Put on jewelry after applying decorative cosmetics, perfumes, deodorants. Do not expose the glossy surface to acetone. It is better to wash off nail polish without rings, since acetone is a volatile substance, and it is not so far from the nail to the ringlet with the leaf.
3. Do not wear jewelry while playing sports and do not go to bed in them.
4. Attach brooches to clothing before putting it on (this way you will be sure that the pin is well fastened).
5. The cured epoxy itself is very strong, but with the right degree of diligence, you can break anything, and in this case it is no exception, store the products in caskets.
6. Do not leave them in the open sun for a long time.

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One of the largest fashion trends in the fashion and beauty industry is the creation of hand-made jewelry. Therefore, I bring to your attention a trendy technique for creating original jewelry from epoxy resin.

To create epoxy resin jewelry, you will need:

Silicone molds (molds),

A variety of natural materials (dried flowers, shells, etc.),

epoxy resin,

- container for stirring, toothpicks, disposable gloves.

So, epoxy resin - what is it? This is a product that consists of two components: the resin itself and the hardener. When they are mixed, the material hardens with its subsequent polymerization. The hardener is a significant component in the working mixture, so it is added at a ratio of 1:1 in relation to the resin and more (depending on the type of resin). Epoxy resin, after hardening, turns into a transparent and very hard plastic, externally imitating plexiglass or even real glass, only unbreakable.

Epoxy resin has high strength (much higher than conventional glue), it resists wear better, and its ability to take the desired shape when polymerized even at low temperatures is what is required when making jewelry at home.

Dried flowers, pebbles, shells, beads are original decor, which is used in epoxy resin jewelry. These natural materials add variety and set color scheme decoration.

Epoxy bracelet making tutorial

And now I bring to your attention a simple master class on making an epoxy resin bracelet from the needlewoman Ekaterina, known under the nickname Devona Sun Design.

Materials:

Bracelet mold (available at craft stores or online stores that stock epoxy resin)

Disposable Resin Mixing Cup

mixing stick

dry leaves

Toothpick, scissors

So, first, wash and dry the silicone mold (mold). Mix the resin with the hardener (in this case, in a ratio of 1:3, but each manufacturer has its own proportions, so you need to carefully read the instructions for the resin). Mix well until smooth and set aside to let the bubbles out.

Prepare the dry leaves by cutting off the excess with scissors so that they do not peek out of the mold.

After 10 minutes, when the resin settles, pour it into the mold. The more carefully you pour the resin into the mold, the less you will need to grind the finished product later.

Then, using a toothpick, lay the leaves in the resin. Straighten them carefully. In order for the remaining bubbles to come out of the resin and for faster solidification for 10-15 minutes, put the mold with the bracelet in the oven, heated to 80 degrees and turned off. Then you should remove the mold from the oven and leave it to harden for a day. When the bracelet is completely dry, carefully remove it from the mold.

The sharp edges of the bracelet should be sanded with fine sandpaper. Then the bracelet must be opened with varnish (any acrylic will do). The bracelet is ready!

Bracelets made in the same technique.

In addition to natural materials, you can use photographs

and other materials.

Master class on making pendants, rings and earrings with rose buds from epoxy resin

From epoxy resin, you can make not only bracelets, but anything you like, any unique jewelry. I offer you a master class on making pendants, rings and earrings with epoxy rosebuds from the wonderful craftswoman Rusalina.

Materials:

Silicone forms

Two-component epoxy resin (with hardener)

dried rose buds

Metal fittings

hot glue gun

Prepare silicone molds: wash with soap and dry well. Rose buds should be taken with a color transition or interspersed - they will not change their color after complete drying. Dry them upside down.

Epoxy resin must be diluted with a hardener according to the instructions using a wooden stick to a homogeneous transparent consistency. To avoid bubbles in the resin, you need to put it in an oven preheated to 60 degrees for 5 minutes.

Then, with a syringe or with a wooden stick, half fill the silicone molds with resin, place the rosebuds in them head down and add the remaining resin to the brim.

Then you need to leave the form to dry completely in a warm, dry place for a period of 24 to 72 hours (depending on the depth of the form).

After complete drying, you can remove the product from the mold, it is easiest to do this under running water. The edges of the product, where there was an open space not hidden in the form, need to be sanded with sandpaper. Then take the desired fittings and use a hot glue gun to glue the epoxy product to it.

Master class on making epoxy resin jewelry with dandelions

And another interesting master class from the craftswoman Anastasia Parfenova, known under the nickname NikaLiza. This time there will be dandelion parachutes in the epoxy resin. Dandelions in jewelry evoke associations with lightness and serenity.

Materials:

Two-component epoxy resin (with hardener)

Silicone molds (molds)

Dandelion Parachutes

Disposable gloves, cups, syringes, mixing stick

First you need to wash and dry the molds. Then, wearing gloves, pour resin and hardener into cups. Having measured the required amount of resin and hardener using syringes, pour them into another cup and mix with a wooden stick. You need to knead thoroughly, in a circular motion, so that all the air comes out - it will take about 10 minutes. After that, leave the epoxy for half an hour.

Then place a dandelion in the mold and carefully pour resin on top of it. For complete solidification, we wait exactly a day and remove the product from the mold. If necessary, sand a little with fine sandpaper.

More similar decorations can be made with sea pebbles, shells, glass, potal, etc. And if you add a little stained glass paint to the resin, you can get products of various colors.

Jewelry made in the same technique.

Flowers, shells and insects in transparent capsules catch the eye, regardless of whether we like such bracelets, rings, pendants and souvenirs. But few people think that you can make such a miracle with your own hands, devoting some time to mastering the technology for the phased production of epoxy resin jewelry.

This liquid synthetic polymer, when subjected to a certain temperature regime for thickening and curing, successfully imitates glass, providing almost unlimited freedom in the choice of forms and filling.

How to choose epoxy for pouring

The range of epoxy resin is quite wide, so the first tip for beginners is to read the product description to choose it according to its purpose.

The best choice is a special resin paired with a hardener for mold casting and glazing. As a rule, such a product has the additional properties of increased transparency, UV resistance, and the like.

The second selection criterion is the authority of the manufacturer, which is reflected primarily in the price. To begin with, you need a small volume, so you should not skimp and it will even be logical to purchase several different sets of epoxy resin at once to test the master class on decorations.

Workplace and safety rules

Before making the first attempt to create jewelry from epoxy, you need to choose the right workplace and read the instructions for the safe handling of polymers:

• It is necessary to work with the polymer composition in a well-ventilated area, preferably in a workshop, fenced off from the residential part of the house.
• It is necessary to avoid getting the resin on the skin and mucous membranes, so gloves, a medical mask and goggles should be used.
• Grinding of the finished product is carried out in a respirator.
• If the resin gets on the skin, immediately rinse it under running water. If the solution gets on objects, it must be immediately removed with a dry cloth.

It should also be taken into account that during the manufacturing process and during the use of finished products, contact with food should be avoided.

Epoxy resin decoration can be made by both pouring and glazing, but in both cases, it is important to have a perfectly flat work surface.

Containers and tools

To mix the solution, you need a heat-resistant plastic container and a stick, which are usually attached to the kit. For accurate work with the polymer, disposable syringes are used, for the correction of fillers (flowers, insects, stones, etc.) - you need tweezers.

For pouring, you need to stock up on silicone molds. An alternative method is to apply the thickened mixture directly onto the dried filler. In this case, two layers are made on the front side, and one on the back.

The filler is placed on a tray with a glossy surface that prevents sticking. This procedure will take more time: to dry each layer, you need to wait 24 hours.

Rough edges and roughness are removed with sandpaper or with a grinder.

In the process of mastering the process of working with epoxy resin, you can also master the technique of creating interesting silicone molds with your own hands for original jewelry and souvenirs.

Preparation of fillers

Before making your own model, you should familiarize yourself with photos of similar epoxy jewelry with various fillers. For plant theme it is necessary to dry the fillers in advance, 3-4 weeks before the start of work.

Leaves can be placed under pressure in a book, as for a school herbarium. Bulk vegetable fillers, such as buds or berries, are strung on a thread and dried in the air.

Almost any item of decorative value can be used as a filler - shells, tree bark, rhinestones. The epoxy capsule can contain images printed on matte photo paper. For an additional effect, special dyes are used.

Note!

Stages of work

Mixture preparation. At this stage, it is important to carefully observe the proportions recommended by the manufacturer. Mixing with the hardener is carried out for 10 minutes, with uniform and smooth circular movements.

Seizure process. The chemical reaction with the hardener takes from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the parameters stated in the product instructions. After mixing, bubbles form in the solution, which should disappear during the chemical reaction.

Pouring into molds or creating layers on the filler must be done exactly according to the timer and as quickly as possible.

The hardening process is completed after 24 hours. The workpiece must be placed in a stable and dust-free location.

Note!

Even the most best ideas epoxy resin jewelry can remain in dreams without careful observance of technological subtleties and when using low-quality material.

Therefore, it would be more correct to first master the process of creating a solid and transparent capsule, and then start experimenting with fillers and combining epoxy parts with metal fittings for jewelry.

Photo of epoxy resin jewelry

Note!

Epoxy resin is very popular among jewelers. This material is great for making brooches and bracelets, pendants and pendants. Transparent plastic mass is ideal for handmade, and everyone can learn how to make jewelry. Jewelery resin in finished, solidified form imitates glass, crystals, precious stones, looks elegant and original.

Description of jewelry resin

Epoxy resin - modern polymer material, actively used for construction, installation work, as well as casting haberdashery, jewelry, household items. Epoxy is very popular in needlework, it allows you to create real masterpieces with your own hands.

In appearance, jewelry epoxy resin is a transparent liquid with a rather thick consistency. This is a two-component product, it consists of the resin itself and a hardener. The latter is the most important component that triggers the polymerization (curing) reaction. Without a hardener, the resin remains fluid, only this substance gives it certain properties. Here are the main ones:

• resistance to ultraviolet, moisture, household chemicals;
• strength, lack of response to shock, vibration;
• heat resistance.

Before polymerization begins, various dry fillers can be added to the mass - for example, dyes, modifiers, plasticizers, wood chips or cork. They change the properties of the glaze in the right direction. The hardener is added strictly in a certain proportion with the resin. Usually the ratio is 10:1 or 8:1, but may vary depending on the particular brand.

You can buy transparent jewelry resin in any store of building materials, repair goods, creativity and needlework. It is quite budgetary in cost, easy to work with, and the end result is always pleasing. Domestic brands are cheaper, while they have excellent quality. Foreign jewelry resins are most often equipped with additional accessories - gloves, cups, kneading sticks. Sometimes molds are included - molds for pouring epoxy. Better buy quality material, otherwise it may turn yellow, become cloudy over time.

Precautionary measures

When working with resin, safety precautions must be strictly observed. You need to immediately buy personal protective equipment:

• respirator;
• gloves;
• apron;
• protective glasses.

Do not work in an unventilated area. If there is not sufficient ventilation in it, you will have to breathe fumes, which is harmful to the body. Vapors may cause an allergic reaction, irritate Airways. The strong chemical smell is unpleasant, although some expensive brands of epoxy don't smell that bad. After curing, the epoxy resin is completely safe, various rings and brooches can be given even to children.

If resin or hardener comes into contact with skin, wash immediately with soap and water, then liberally warm water. Do not use epoxy for products that come into contact with food. When polishing, you also need to wear a respirator - so the smallest particles of the substance will not enter the respiratory system.

Working with jewelry resin

Jewelry is the most popular use of epoxy among needlewomen. In order to make jewelry, you need to purchase the appropriate molds. This is the name of the casting molds, which are made of silicone or other materials. They are easy to use, the finished product is easily removed from them.

When working with resin, you must strictly observe temperature regime. The polymerization reaction proceeds with the release of heat, while the epoxy is heated to +60 degrees. When overheated, it irrevocably deteriorates.

Workplace preparation

To work with jewelry resin, you need a flat place - a small table, a tray. The base coat should be glossy and not stick to the resin. The use of plastic bags is inconvenient, resin drops stick tightly to them. It is best to glue the tray with paper tape with a shiny surface. Can also be placed on the table ceramic tiles, a sheet of cardboard.

Before work, it is important to prepare all the necessary fixtures, fittings, decor. Of the basic materials, you will need resin and hardener (usually included). Also useful:

• two syringes (needles are not needed);
• dishes for mixing resin (you can take a disposable cup);
• wooden stick for mixing the mass;
• mini drill;
• nozzles for a mini-drill for grinding, polishing, a nozzle-drill, a head for turning;
• individual protection means;
• sieve;
• vegetable oil or vaseline;
• tweezers.

Accessories are selected depending on the type of jewelry being made. These can be bases, connecting rings, fasteners, connectors, frames. You can’t save on accessories, otherwise the fasteners and fasteners will quickly deteriorate. Decor for products is chosen independently. These can be such items:

• cones;
• leaves;
• flowers;
• shells;
• dried flower;
• rhinestones;
• beads;
• glitters;
• sequins.

Natural material - plants, flowers - is preliminarily dried between the pages of the book. It must be prepared in advance, because the drying process can take up to a month. The buds are put on a thread through the legs with a sewing needle. The resulting "garland" is hung in a dark closet, it dries for 3-4 weeks.

Resin preparation

Before you work, it is important to read the instructions for jewelry resin. It will indicate what temperature in the room must be maintained, what are the proportions of resin and hardener. Usually the manufacturer advises to work at +25…+30 degrees and low humidity - up to 55%.

Since small portions of resin are used to make jewelry, there will be no strong heating during polymerization. Therefore, it is recommended to warm up the resins of many brands a little - this is done by placing the tube in hot water(60 degrees). After 5-10 minutes, the resin is removed from the water and mixed with the hardener.

Operating procedure:

• dial epoxy and hardener with different syringes without needles;
• pour the required amount of resin into a disposable cup;
• add the hardener in small portions in the indicated ratio, immediately mixing the mass thoroughly;
• stir the product for 3 minutes, but not too intensively - this will cause the appearance of air bubbles.

Bubbles are the main difficulty faced by beginners. To maintain the transparency of the glaze, allow the mixed resin to stand for 10 minutes. Bubbles will come to the surface and can be pierced with a needle. The finished mass should have the consistency of thick honey.

If required, fillers are added to the product at this stage. Everything is done quickly, until the resin has entered the polymerization stage. Usually add wood shavings, sawdust, chips, cork. It should be noted that they immediately fall down, so they must be distributed carefully.

The total weight of the filler should not exceed 50%. The more foreign substances in jewelry epoxy, the more fragile the finished product will be. It is better to introduce a little plasticizer into it (a couple of drops of castor oil are suitable).

fill

To begin the process of pouring resin, you should prepare a fine strainer. This method is not suitable if there are fillers in the mass. Previously, the form is lubricated with petroleum jelly, parquet mastic. This is only required for molds homemade from improvised materials. Forms made of silicone, plexiglass do not need lubrication, the finished product is removed from them without difficulty.

Next, the epoxy resin is poured into the mold, its depth should not be more than 30 mm. In the first 60-120 minutes, the composition will remain liquid, but will gradually begin to thicken. If you need to enter the decor, this is done with tweezers. It is important not to pour too thick a layer, otherwise the glaze will not be able to harden completely. If the decor is large, then pour ½ of the mixture, lay the decoration, then add the remaining resin. The form must be covered so that dust does not sit on the surface. Drying time of the product - 24 hours.

Polishing

The resulting resin products need . To do this, use a mini-drill with an emery nozzle. Jewelry is turned in the right way, while the edges are held perpendicular to the drill. Next, the edges can be varnished or the resin can be diluted again and smeared with a brush. After polishing, holes are drilled to secure rings, fasteners. The drill diameter should not exceed 0.5 mm.

Master class on making jewelry from jewelry resin

How to make various jewelry, jewelry? There are a number of subtleties in the manufacture of rings, earrings, brooches, pendants, they will be described below.

Making rings

A master class on creating rings should begin with the preparation of forms and accessories. You need to purchase resin, hardener and a standard set of additional materials, including glitters and other decorative elements.

The work is done like this:

• pour water into the container with a temperature of +60 degrees;
• lower the sealed tube of epoxy (it is important that not a drop gets inside), leave for 10 minutes;
• collect resin and hardener, mix with epoxy in the right proportion;
• usually 3 ml of the finished mixture is enough for the ring;
• to remove bubbles, a glass with a well-mixed mass is placed again in a container with hot water;
• again knead the mass directly in a container with water until all stains and bubbles disappear;
• the remaining bubbles are blown out with a cocktail straw;
• pour the resin into the mold, do it in 2-3 steps, in order to put the right amount of decor in each layer - powders, glitters, sparkles, dried flowers, needles;
• layer-by-layer filling is done after 2-3 hours from the previous one, so each time a new portion of resin is added;
• leave the ring to harden not far from the battery for a day;
• the product is taken out of the mold by hitting it from the back;
• sharp edges are polished, you can do it with a nail file.

The ring made of wood and epoxy resin looks original. To do this, you can take chopsticks for sushi or any scraps of wooden furniture, cut them. The pieces of wood are laid on the bottom of the mold, poured with finished resin. You can pre-paint the material with special pigments, they are introduced before applying the hardener.

DIY resin pendants

You can make artificial amber from resin, very beautiful pendants are obtained. You can also make other crafts with the addition of paint of any shade, sparkles or other decorative elements. For pendants, wire must be prepared. The usual darkens over time, so a material with a special coating is used. Suitable soft, but not thin aluminum wire 1.5 mm in diameter. To secure a chain or lace, you need to roll up the wire ring and cut off its tail close to the junction.

The ring itself is glued to a double-sided wide adhesive tape, which is glued to a flat surface (tile, cardboard) with the other side. After laying out the decor in the mold, they fill it with ready-made epoxy resin with a hardener, the epoxy is preliminarily aged for 20 minutes. Pour one layer into the "lenses" to create a bottom and fix the pattern. Leave the product for 8 hours, then make another layer, then the third. In the latter, a ring rolled from wire is carefully immersed. Final drying lasts 24 hours. You can also drill a hole in the finished pendant and simply insert a wire ring there, the effect will be the same.

Making earrings

The technology for making earrings can be even simpler, even special molds are not required. It is only important to buy high-quality resin and good fastener hooks, as well as get dried flowers, twigs, any decor.

The work is as follows:

• prepare epoxy resin, knead it, leave for 2 hours to gain viscosity;
• draw oval, round or other stencils on paper;
• cover working area with oilcloth or rinse and wipe dry, lay out stencils, cover them with stationery multifors on top;
• start pouring the thickened resin directly onto the multifora, carefully distributing it over the stencil with a toothpick;
• the height of the workpiece should be no more than 1 cm;
• from above, cover the blanks with domes from dust, leave for a day;
• after hardening, give the earrings the desired shape with a nail file;
• knead another portion of the resin, stand for 2 hours;
• put decor on the blanks, drip a little resin, let it dry a little;
• then perform several more layers with a brush, each should dry for 2 hours;
• at the end of the work, let the earrings dry for a day, then sand and drill holes for the hooks.

Resin brooches

To create brooches, you may additionally need acrylic dyes. After the resin and hardener are combined, the mass is allowed to brew for 2-3 hours, then poured into special molds for brooches. Previously, the edges of the forms can be coated with a mixture of PVA and dyes, then the products will acquire original look. Inside the brooches, a composition of dried flowers looks beautiful. So that they do not float to the surface, they perform the first layer of filling, let it dry for 2 hours, and then glue the decor with PVA. Finally, the products are dried for at least a day.

Cabochons at home

Cabochons are understood as a way of processing stones, in which they acquire a smooth convex surface without facets. The cabochons are flat on one side and look like a lens on the other. The easiest way is to pour them into special forms, diluting the epoxy according to the instructions. She smears the walls of the mold with a thin layer, and after solidification, the workpiece is removed. Now you can put any decor into it, then it is filled to the ground. After drying, the medallion is polished to perfect smoothness.

If there is no time to wait for a long drying of jewelry, the process can be accelerated. To do this, the product is heated in the oven at a temperature of up to + 50 ... + 60 degrees. Many craftsmen, if a drill is not available, insert a cord into the product while the decoration is still soft. This will help avoid drilling.

When pouring, be sure to ensure that the form is absolutely smooth. In this case, you do not have to grind jewelry for a long time. Do not wipe the finished product with alcohol, this will spoil the glossy surface. Careful handling will allow you to wear rings, earrings or pendants for a long time without complaints.