Interested in making your resin jewelry? Here are 6 easy steps you can follow to get started on your creative jewelry-making journey!
It’s no secret that jewelry can be made out of different materials if you’re creative enough. However, there’s one particular material that’s unlike any other – resin.
Whether you have a mold or not, this material can be formed and shaped into just about anything. It lets you go wild with your imagination and create something spectacular.
So, if you don’t have molds but still want to make resin jewelry, how to proceed in such a case? Well, that’s where we step in. We’re providing you with 6 easy steps to make resin jewelry without using molds. So, let’s dive right into it:
Choosing the Right Resin
It’s vital to understand how the resin you’ve chosen works. This includes safety measures, cure time, mixing ratio, pot time, and the minimum amounts you can mix in one batch.
So, there are two basic types of resin. The first one is an epoxy resin that you have to mix with a hardener, and the second is a pre-mixed type that you can pour straight from the bottle.
You’ll find that some epoxy resins have a one-to-one ratio and are easy to work with. This is the best choice for beginners. You get plenty of pot time to cast and mix the resin before it begins to harden.
Instead of polyester, we propose utilizing polyurethane casting resin. This is because the polyester resin is more poisonous and has a distinct odor when cured. Learn more about it here on this resin-expert website!
Getting the Ratio Right
When it comes to mixing resin you have to be careful with the ratio. Otherwise, there’s a chance of it not setting properly. This is why the one-to-one ratio type is so popular as it’s fail-proof.
Be careful when you’re mixing resin and hardeners. Read the instructions on the package thoroughly. The proportion has to be precise for it to be set properly. Get yourself some measuring instruments because you’ll need them!
Step 1 – Gathering Supplies
For our first step, you need to place your bottles of resin and hardener in a hot bowl of water. This technique helps to mix the resin better and avoid forming bubbles.
While your bottles are warming up, gather your supplies such as flowers (both dried and fresh), pearls, gems, stones, glitters, etc. Since you are not using molds, you’ll need some support to keep the shape of your resin till it cures.
This is where bezels or old pieces of jewelry come in handy. Unlike molds, bezels are open-ended, empty, and don’t need to be treated before pouring the resin.
If you can’t find bezels that match your style, then you can create your own with a rhinestone chain or gold. You also have to protect yourself, so make sure you have safety goggles, masks, and rubber gloves.
Step 2 – Preparing Your Decorations
The next step is to prepare your decorations. You can do this either by trimming and sealing them.
Mod Podge is a great and popular choice for this, because not only does it dry clear, but it also dries very quickly. Apply several coatings if you need them, and for cleaning, just use soap and water.
Regardless of what it says on the bottle, differences such as humidity in the air, room temperature, and other factors play a big role in how resin acts.
As a result, you’ll have to work quickly when putting up your decorations. Before you combine and pour in the resin, make sure everything is trimmed and sealed.
Keep in mind that loose gems, crystals, or facets will get obscured completely in the resin once it sets. Choose fat or flat pieces, small or large for your resin jewelry.
Step 4: Prepping Your Bezels
As we’ve mentioned earlier, bezels are open-ended and empty. So to use it, you have to put something on the back first. Otherwise, you’ll have resin running out from the sides.
That being said, some bezels come with a back. If yours doesn’t, then there’s no need to panic! All you need is a strong piece of tape (preferably duct tape) and carefully stick it on one side of the bezel.
Just make sure that the tape is fully secure and there are no gaps in between. Once your pouring is done and the resin has set, you can take the tape off and that’s it.
This is why bezels are amazing and so easy to use. Whereas with a mold you’ll have to remove it after the resin sets and that can become a hassle.
Step 5 – Mixing and Measuring
First, read and follow the instructions on the resin bottle well before mixing. It’ll have instructions on how to properly measure and mix the resin and hardener.
You’ll be needing a measuring cup to measure both the components into the cup. Next, you have to figure out the quantity of resin you’ll be using. Since resin doesn’t stay in a liquid form for long, whatever is left will go to waste.
Once you’ve got your exact amount (or close to exact), combine the resin and hardener in a clean, small plastic cup.
Stir continuously and slowly for about two minutes with a wooden stick to prevent forming air bubbles. Scrape the edges and bottom frequently to make sure the mixture is fully combined.
Then, pour the mixture into a cup and add in the appropriate amount (according to the type of resin) of the catalyst, and keep stirring slowly.
Step 6 – Pouring, Popping, and Curing
Pour the resin mixture into your bezels slowly in the final stage. You need to do it slowly, not only to prevent spillage but also to prevent forming air bubbles as well. If you see any forming quickly pop them.
Next, add your decorations, and it has to be done quickly before the resin gels. If you’re going for a layered look, don’t forget to apply some resin between the layers or else, your ornament may reach the bottom.
So, place your decoration on the first layer and then keep adding a little more resin each time your layering is done. Once you’re satisfied with your design, it’s time to let it sit and cure.
It can take up to 24 hours for the resin to fully harden, so make sure your creation is covered and protected from fire and dust.
Faster Curing Methods
However, if you’re the impatient type then you can use other methods to cure your masterpiece faster, like using a UV light.
When you use a UV light, it only takes a few minutes for the resin to fully cure. So, you can make as much jewelry as you want and have them cured within just minutes of making them.
When the curing is done, you can move on to buffing or sanding the surface of your jewelry to give it a matte finish. This can also help to hide any bubbles or mistakes that you might have made. Or you can just draw or paint over them too. Whatever works best for you!
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, once you get the hang of the techniques to make resin jewelry, you can let your imagination go wild. Soon you’ll be making pieces that are unique and beautiful.
We hope the 6 steps we’ve suggested here will help you to understand the process better and give you the confidence and inspiration to start making your jewelry!
