This week I thought I'd share a little insight into working with resin and just what can be achieved with it.  The possibilities are enormous!

It's possible to have coloured or clear resin, so the jewellery can be vibrant or clear with items or keepsakes inside the setting.  For anyone who's not a silversmith and can't make their own, then you can buy silver or plated settings.  Specialist companies offer a range and the resin. 

Accuracy to temperature and weight is the key with resin.  The resin and the hardener must be mixed with 2 parts resin, 1 part hardener and if the mix is not exact, then the resin won't set. Likewise if working in temperatures below 18 degrees, so if you work in an area where it's likely the temperature will drop below this overnight - bring the settings into a warmer area as they need to set for 24 hours.

Here's an example of a coloured necklace:

As you can see from this image, the resin needs a vessel for it to be captured as it's a liquid before it finally sets; albeit a 'sticky' liquid.  Being sticky, it has a tendency to get everywhere!  So a simple wet wipe will clean the setting from any excess dripped on the outside.  Mix the resin and hardener slowly in a small pot for at least a minute before using and avoid air bubbles being created because this will affect the finished product.  If air bubbles are present - pop them with a cocktail stick and resume mixing - very slowly.

To incorporate items within the resin - they have to be dry.  Paper will also need a protective coating.  Spray it with hairspray on both sides and allow to dry.  Then it needs to be glued wtih epoxy resin (again the importance of getting the correct measurements of 50/50 cannot be underestimated) - to the item it is being set in.   Give at least 5 minutes for the glue to set and then the resin can be poured on. 

Although it's wonderful what effects can be achieved - this is a long process, but looking at this example of a ring with an image encapsulated within - it certainly sets the imagination running doesn't it?