Using Ice Resin, Molds and Color Dyes to Make Jewelry

[AgentBlackBlood]

Goop that turns into plastic? Awesome.

[mrkellydoodle]

How do you get printed images to look transparent in resin?

[Beadaholique]

@mrkellydoodle To get images to look transparent in resin, you need to use image transfers - There's a link for them in the video description underneath the video. The way I do it is I pour a thin layer of resin, let cure fully, apply the transfer image onto the cured surface (just treat it as any regular flat surface), then apply another layer on top of the transfer and let fully cure. Beadaholique has a video on using image transfers if you have not worked with them before.

[mrkellydoodle]

@Beadaholique thank you

[lufilafa]

if u had more hardener, does it dry more quickly

[Beadaholique]

@lufilafa Unfortunately if you use more hardener, your resin will not set up at all (the opposite effect of what you want) You must measure exactly equal amounts of part A and part B in order for the chemical reaction to occur which results in your hardened, "glass like" resin.

[rcowham]

How bad does this resin smell?

[Beadaholique]

@rcowham It's a little hard to quantify scent. Here is my experience: I have worked with resin for a long time and have never really felt that the odor is that bad. I find that E6000 has a stronger scent then resin, especially in the amounts I mix up (usually 2 oz). HOWEVER, several people in the office here at Beadaholique find the resin scent to be quite strong and they ask that I only pour at the end of the day so it can air out overnight.

[Beadaholique]

@Beadaholique I think it really depends on how sensitive you are to scent in general, I would say that it is a lot weaker then nail polish as well as liver of sulfur. Hope this helps!

[Bustinski09]

How much is your Ice Resin on your website, because I'm thinking of buying. And I was also wondering how much resin comes in 1 bottle? Thank you please respond :)

[Beadaholique]

@Bustinski09 Beadaholique sell three different sizes of Ice Resin. It comes in 8oz, 16oz and 32oz. To find out the cost of all three, please click on the Resins and Glazes » Resins link located in the video description underneath the video.

[arich1100]

Hello. Are the bottom of the molds flat?

[Beadaholique]

@arich1100 The bottom of the molds are open, so that you can easily remove your resin piece once it's cured. Place your molds on a flat, level surface while you use them to ensure that the bottom of your finished resin piece will have a flat, level bottom.

[Mariaswallets]

How do u clean the big measuring cups?

[Beadaholique]

@Mariaswallets I am sorry but there is no way to clean the measuring cups. They are single use. Once part A and part B of resin have been mixed, their curing process begins. This means that the resin will harden in your cups. If you tried to scrape it out or extract it in some way, there would always be some residual left behind and would affect your next batch.

[Beadaholique]

@Beadaholique When I run out of cups, I use medical measuring cups - they are great because they are inexpensive and have the measurements printed on the side.

[nomesy81]

hmmm what if i wanted to make 3d charms? say for instance a round ball or orb, could i use a mold i have made myself ? and if i want to attach or put a hole through it for an eye pin? i'm thinking of making 3d charms but don't want to use polymer clay,

[Beadaholique]

@nomesy81 Yes, you can make 3-d charms with resin and molds. If you are wanting them to have a design on both sides or be a completely round shape, you will want to use a product such as Easy Cast Silicone Molding Rubber - SKU:TRC-62 (Available on Beadaholique's website). This will allow you to make those dimensional objects.

[Beadaholique]

@Beadaholique f you are just making one sided objects, an easier solution would be Mold Putty - SKU:TRC-60. In order to get a hole into the resin for later attachment, you are going to need to drill through the resin. Make sure you wear a mask when you do this so that you do not breath the resin dust. You might be able to actually insert an eye pin into the resin while it is curing as well.

[Beadaholique]

@Beadaholique I have been able to do this before, it just involves careful placement and finding a way of keeping the eye pin straight while you wait for the wet resin to harden and cure (I used tape). If you want to stick an eye pin into the resin, you need to do it while it is still wet. Once it is cured, you will not be able to insert anything into the resin without drilling and gluing.

[Beadaholique]

@Beadaholique  If you are using a mold, I would suggest placing the end of the eye pin into your wet resin and then carefully taping the protruding portion to the plastic of the mold. The tape should stabilize the pin until the resin cures.

[MikeilaM]

When and how do you stick an eye pin in it? Would I do it when it's half dry or when it's completely dry? Please reply!

[Beadaholique]

@MikeilaM If you want to stick an eye pin into the resin, you need to do it while it is still wet. Once it is cured, you will not be able to insert anything into the resin without drilling and gluing. If you are using a mold, I would suggest placing the end of the eye pin into your wet resin and then carefully taping the protruding portion to the plastic of the mold. The tape should stabilize the pin until the resin cures.

[mawntica]

What kind of ink and stamp did you use for one of the objects mentioned in this video?

[Beadaholique]

@mawntica The name of the ink that was used in this video is "Tsukineko StazOn Acid Free Jet Black Color Solvent Ink Pad For Rubber Stamps" and that stamp is called a "Wood Peg Mounted Rubber Stamp 3/4 Inch Mini Branch Design". You can get them on Beadaholique's website. The links for the supplies in this video including those two are located in the video description underneath the video.

[ashieboo02]

I see that your back lair of resin has buubbles how do we fix that not to be rude

[Beadaholique]

@ashieboo02 Hi! You are not being rude at all, bubbles are a constant challenge with resin, especially when using molds. Traditionally if you are using resin in a bezel setting, bubbles can easily be removed with a micro-torch or butane lighter. Unfortunately you can not use these heat sources with molds (which would melt). You can try carefully removing bubbles with a sharp pin but this is quite tedious.

[Beadaholique]

@Beadaholique The best method we have found is to 1.) let your resin sit for 5 minutes after mixing to remove some of the bubbles before you pour. 2.) Let your poured resin settle for about 10 minutes and then try to vibrate the bubbles out. Each artist I know who uses the vibration method has a different way of going about it. I use a back massage mat and place my resin on top of it for 10 minutes. It shakes the bubbles to the top and then they go away or can be popped with a pin.

[ashieboo02]

@Beadaholique thank you im a beginer

[1ckyV1cky]

Can you place things such as family photos inside?

[Beadaholique]

@1ckyV1cky You most definitely can place photos in resin but you need to seal them first. Check out our video "How to Prepare Images in Pendants for Resin Using Mod Podge" to learn how to do this.

[TheCHiZziES]

cool! cant wait to try it! :)

[MrSugarholic]

I bought easycast resin, and it came out with small bubbles and a bit yellowish. I´m guessing because it´s really cold where I live, something like 13ºC . Is there any type of resin that work great even with cold weather?Thank you!

[Beadaholique]

@MrSugarholic Hi! I have yet to find a resin that works well in cold temperatures, however, that doesn't mean that you can't still use resin and have it turn out well, even if it is cold outside where you live. Try this: Decide on a room to pour your resin in where you have a heat source, such as a radiator, space heater, central heat, etc. For about an hour before you pour, warm up the room to a little over 70 degrees.

[Beadaholique]

@Beadaholique Pour your resin and then make sure that the heat source stays on for at least the first 12 curing hours. Also make sure that you are not pouring near a drafty window or some area that might suddenly drop in temperature. For the bubbles, you might also want to try letting your resin sit for 5 minutes after you mix it but before you pour it - this can reduce the bubbles.

[kelmarie1985]

This is a really silly question, but I hope you can help. I've read resin cures at 70+ degrees, but does it have to be exactly 70? Because in our house it's usually 67-69 degrees. Will that affect it any?

[Beadaholique]

@kelmarie1985 Not a silly question at all. It just needs to be around 70 degrees, not exact. I actually live in a 100+ year old building and there is no temperature gauge, just an old heater. I just make sure that the room air feels pleasant and somewhat "warm" and then I am ok to pour. If you are even questioning that the air might feel a bit cold and you maybe need to put a sweater or socks on, then it is too cold to pour.

[Beadaholique]

@Beadaholique You also don't want it to be hot. Avoid pouring when it is really humid, this can affect the curing too. It all sounds complicated, but once you do it a couple times, you won't even think about it anymore. Have fun!

[kelmarie1985]

@Beadaholique Makes sense :-) Thank you so much for the quick reply!

[Hozzer00]

Thanks for the great video. I haven't made resin jewelry before but it seems quite easy with practise. Was just wondering if there was a time delay between when you did your first pour of resin to adding the embedments? Or was this done immediately after pouring? Thanks for your help.

[Beadaholique]

@Hozzer00 We added the findings right after we were finished pouring the resin in the molds.

[ShorDiiNena18]

How much is the resin

[Beadaholique]

@ShorDiiNena18 You can buy resin on Beadaholique's website. The links for the supplies in this video are located in the video description underneath the video. Click on those links to see the prices.

[TheVolley34]

Is there any metals that don't mix well with resin or dye? I just got into this when I was web-browsing about polymer, and now I want to know everything!

[Beadaholique]

@TheVolley34 Resin and polymer are both wonderfully addicting! What are you going to be doing with the metal in combination with resin and dyes? Once I have a little more information, I can better help.

[vjosi]

Can you tell me where to find the mold for the bracelet

[Beadaholique]

@vjosi you can find the molds on our beadaholique website!

[Tina090408]

how do you use such resins? is it possible to drill holes in these?

You work is very neat.

[Beadaholique]

@Tina090408 You can drill through resin, but it is dangerous to breath in the dust, and you would want to wear a facemask an eye mask, and good ventilation. You would also need a special drill bit designed for use with plastics.

[Minajahn]

How does it smell and does it still smell when it is finished?

[Beadaholique]

@Minajahn Great question! Yes, it does smell so you will want to work with it in a well ventilated area. Every person I know describes the smell differently. To me, it smells like a cleaning agent, such as a tile or counter spray. Other people have told me it smells like a moldy kitchen sponge. The smell is not pleasant, but I don't find it too offensive either.

[Beadaholique]

@Beadaholique I create all my personal resin projects in my dining room and my house smells for about an hour or two and then it goes away. When dry, the resin doesn't have a noticeable smell.

[Beadaholique]

@balletcharm It's a Sony Handycam - HDR-SR11

[akashia29]

what is the difference between Ice Resin and Easy Cast Resin

[Beadaholique]

@akashia29 Ice Resin and Easy Cast Resin work almost exactly alike in terms of how you prepare them (although Easy Cast you should use a second mixing cup. So mix your resin, then pour into a clean cup and mix some more) and their set-up and cure times are pretty much the same. Easy Cast is a more affordable option and is great if you want to add dyes and pigments to it. Ice Resin is a little more expensive but dries crystal clear and I find that it has fewer residual bubbles.

[lyricalstarz]

You used a stamp on one of the charms? Does the ink dry well on the resin? or would it look funny if you added the finishing layer?

[Beadaholique]

@lyricalstarz Certain inks will dry well on resin. I used StazOn Ink. This particular ink adheres well to non-porous and semi-porous surfaces. I do like to still seal the ink - either with another layer of resin or a product like Nunn Sealant (if it's on the top of the final resin layer). I would recommend doing a test piece first, then proceeding with a larger batch of projects. All products are available on Beadaholique's website.

[lyricalstarz]

@Beadaholique Thank you very much. :)

[sydsnow2]

whats the difference between resin and ice resin

[Beadaholique]

@sydsnow2 Ice Resin is a brand name of resin. So it Easy Cast, Envirotex, Gel du Soliel, and Magic-Glos (to name a few). All these are resins but they have a different formula and some are 1 part resins and some are 2 part resins. The results also vary just a little from each other as does the set-up/cure times. Resins start out as a clear liquid and harden to a transparent solid coat.

[Beadaholique]

@Beadaholique As you work with resin and try out different brands, you will find the one you like the best and that works the best for you and your needs.

[sydsnow2]

@Beadaholique o i get it now. thank you :)

[TwiggyPunky]

These are so beautiful! I just have a question. If you were to store the already-mixed resin somewhere, while waiting for layer 1 to harden, where would you store it? And also, how would you attatch these to necklaces?

[Beadaholique]

@TwiggyPunky Unfortunately you can not store already mixed resin. Even as you are working with it, you will notice its consistency starts to change, becoming thicker and more tacky. I try to mix only enough resin needed for each layer but not mix less then 1 oz at a time. So this means that I usually wait on my resin pours until I have several pieces ready to go.

[Beadaholique]

@Beadaholique Then I mix up a new batch 24 hours later for the next layer (if you do a pour in the morning, you can probably get away with doing the second layer that evening). To attach the resin pieces to a necklace, you have several choices:

[Beadaholique]

@Beadaholique - you can glue them into a bezel setting which then has a hoop at the top for the necklace, you can use a glue-on bail (use E6000 adhesive for a permanent bond), you can drill the resin and then attach a jump ring or bail to the hole, or you can place a piece of wire into the resin before it hardens and then form this into a hoop for a bail once your resin has fully cured. I am hoping to do a video soon on this last method :)

[TwiggyPunky]

@Beadaholique Oh, I see :) Thank you!

[honeybeeglass]

can you clean, and reuse the larger cup for future mixing?

[Beadaholique]

@honeybeeglass Unfortunately you can not reuse mixing cups when working with resin because the resin is going to harden and you will be unable to get it out of the cup. If you tried to clean it right away (which is really hard since it is so gooey) you run the chance of a residue remaining in the cup and that getting into your next batch of resin. It's also not good to put resin down the drain.

[Beadaholique]

@Beadaholique For mixing small batches of resin, little medical cups work great since they have measurements along the side.

[GoodToKnow4Ever]

can you use food coloring?

[Beadaholique]

@GoodToKnow4Ever Hi! I am not sure if the physical reaction needed for the resin to set up (when you mix part a and b) would change if food color was added. I have never heard of it being done, nor have I tried it so I am unsure of outcome. The pigments and dyes we use are specifically made for resin. If you were to try food coloring, I would suggest just a single drop and try it with a small batch on a test item.

[GoodToKnow4Ever]

@Beadaholique OH! okay! thanks!

[stenseng]

@GoodToKnow4Ever I've tried food colouring in another brand of resin. Unfortunately, I didn't mix it, I just added a drop after it had entered the shape form. Because of the color was strong in the middle and weaker in the edges. I think it work well if you actually try to blend it, but it isn't as clear, but will probably work well if you want a light color.

[toocute4u306]

Great video! I make polymer clay jewelry now and I've been wanting to start working with resin. It seems fairly easy but I'm confused on how to add the findings to the resin. So can you do a video showing how to connect eye pins or bails to the resin?

[Beadaholique]

@toocute4u306 Hi! I am so glad you like the video! Resin is really addictive once you get into it and even combining fired polymer clay with the resin would be interesting. There are several ways to add eyepins or bails to the resin: 1.) The most common way bails are attached to resin is simply by glueing a flat back bail such as those put out by Aanraku onto the back of the resin.

[Beadaholique]

@Beadaholique 2.) You can drill the resin with a dremel type tool or pin vise and then add a bit of E6000 adhesive and insert the end of the bail or eye pin. 3.) You can actually set the end of the eye pin or bail into the resin itself before it cures and this will secure it. This method (as opposed to drilling) does mean that the wire or edge of the bail will definitely be coming out of a side of the piece (or back depending on the orientation) vs. the middle.

[Beadaholique]

@Beadaholique I will try to tape a video on this third method in the next week. I think I might just start on it today! great suggestion!

[XxMusicXxFreakazoidX]

What is the cheapest place to buy resin?

[Beadaholique]

@XxMusicXxFreakazoidX Go to Beadaholique's website to purchase resin. There's a list of supplies and links in the video description underneath the video.

[XxMusicXxFreakazoidX]

Thank ya!

[XxMusicXxFreakazoidX]

Could you put finished polymer clay charms into the resin?

[Beadaholique]

@XxMusicXxFreakazoidX Absolutely! Just make sure that the clay is baked and cooled down first. If you are planning on painting the clay, make sure to use a sealant of some type over the paint (and let dry) before you place into the resin. Have fun!

[bravecat100]

I notice it could be rounded on both sides. Just pour in a 1/3 of resin. Three days later, pop it out, flip it over then pour in new resin then pop it back in. You now have no sharp edges. If my pet spider dies I might put him in a coffin like this. :)

[puppyprincess12345]

can you use just regular food coloring to color the resin?

[Beadaholique]

@puppyprincess12345 Hi! I am not sure if the physical reaction needed for the resin to set up (when you mix part a and b) would change if food color was added. I have never heard of it being done, nor have I tried it so I am unsure of outcome. The pigments and dyes we use are specifically made for resin. If you were to try food coloring, I would suggest just a single drop and try it with a small batch on a test item. Let me know the outcome, I would love to hear!

[mrsAbbyBieberr]

amazing

[Animeangel45]

just pure awesome!! This is really a great tutorial! Thank you so much!!

[MiZzRiVeRa86]

great video..I need to get some more resin , where could i get molds?

[Beadaholique]

@MiZzRiVeRa86 Go to Beadaholique's website and search molds. There's a list of supplies with sku numbers in the video description.

[beadsrock00]

What type of ink do I use when using a stamp on resin, as in this tutorial? is it just a regular stamp pad?

Maggie

[Beadaholique]

@beadsrock00 Hi Maggie,

Thanks for your question. We used StazOn in jet black. It is recommended that you seal the ink before you pour the resin, for this, you can use Nunn Permanent Protectant Sealant. Experiment though because I did find that I really did not need the sealant, but I would hate for any of your projects to bleed so maybe try a test one or two first. You can find these products on Beadaholique's website.

Have fun!