Creativity In A Nutshell

I found this fantastic resin casting idea from ResinObsession - a fun blog dedicated to casting resin (supplies and projects). For my first resin experiment, I decided to play with this idea.

http://blog.resinobsession.com/2009/06/how-to-make-resin-jewelry-with-swirly.html

(You can see on the Resin Obsession blog that this project actually came from another blogger, Monika Rose, and her blog is: http://monikarosecrochets.blogspot.com/)

I got all my supplies in order, making sure to cover my work table, which, was a really good thing as I tend to make a mess and resin casting is no exception. As always, I opened the windows and turned on a fan.

• Pearl Ex Pigments
• Casting Resin and necessary mixing supplies
• Molds (I used ice cube trays) and Mold Release (I used cooking spray)
• Toothpick or unfolded paper clip
• Extra cups to mix different pigments in
• Popsicle Sticks
• Heat Gun
• Gloves
• Any extra embellishments or inclusions (I used a seashell)

Basic Procedure:

• Mix your resin, following the directions. For Ice resin, it's a 1:1 ratio of resin to hardener. I used a recycled plastic baby food container to mix the resin and hardener together. 
• TIP: Fold/mix together gently to prevent lots of little bubbles. I didn't pay attention to this and so I got... lots of little bubbles. For this project though, I kind of think it works.

• Using a dry popsicle stick, measure out tiny amounts of Pearl Ex Pigment into different cups. I used the lids of recycled plastic baby food containers. 

• TIP: The fewer pigments you use, the more pronounced each color will be in the finished product. 
• TIP: A little big goes a long way, baby. The amount I show in the picture was really too much for what I was doing. Mix up smaller batches - you can always make more.
  
• Pour a small amount of the clear resin into the mold. Then, using either a toothpick or the paper clip, swirl in a few drops of pigmented resin. Experiment with different amounts of color.
• TIP: Too much pigment, and the colored resin will sink in the clear resin.
• You can add any extra embellishments you like. I organized all the embellishments I thought I might want to play with on the broken mancala board - I think it's quite handy. I decided to add a small seashell for this project.
• Once you are satisfied, let the resin begin the curing process in a warm, dry, non-dusty place. (Sorry about the blurry pic). You may want to put your molds under a clean cardboard box.