2017 #6 She Sees Clearly {by Lynne Moncrieff}

2017 Topic 6: Resin

And now for a fabulous idea that works for charms, jewellery and all sorts of dangly bits that might just add the perfect finishing touch to your crafty projects! Lynne has the perfect solution!

Hi everyone, Lynne Moncrieff (Adorn) here this evening, delighted to be sharing a blog post for Topic #6 Resin. 

Resin had me hooked from the first outing even though our relationship has had one or two bumps in the road, it being the more temperamental character in this relationship!  I still view it as early days in our relationship, we have only been working side-by-side for a year or so.

The beauty of resin is the possibilities.  Although it was the prospect of so many possibilities which hindered me in my decision making of style of project. As I prepared for this project, I did not actually know what type of project I would make, would it be a resin paper journal or some form of wearable art, I could not decide. The designated stamps, the latest Lynne Perrella Stamps, ultimately made my decision for me.  Studying the details made me realise how suited the stamps are for bezels which would become part of a pendant.

In the photos, you will see items (bezels, stamped images) which do not appear on the completed project.  I wanted to show the process as I approached it, which meant I prepared items which I subsequently decided not to work with.  This is how I work all the time, a very fluid approach. I am very relaxed about this as I never see it as time wasted preparing those items because I can always save them for another project.

ICE Resin was used in two ways on this pendant, to fill bezels and to create resin paper. 

LPC035 and LPC037

I wanted the paper with the stamped images to retain opacity so I applied ICE Resin Paper Sealer.  If I had not applied it, the paper would become transparent once the ICE Resin was applied and the stamped detail would be lost. 

This project was an opportunity for me to have my first play with Iced Enamels. You can see the comparisons with the bezels straight from the package. I decided to add a layer of Ivory onto the Torched Copper (square bezels).  This was really a play session from beginning to end because at no stage did I know for certain what my plan was.

The stamped images placed inside the bezels, ready for resin time!

Following manufacturer's instructions is key to successful resin.  If I have a spell away from working with resin, I will refresh my memory of the do's and don'ts. 
With the mixing spoon, the resin is gently dribbled into bezels.  A doming effect can be created with ICE Resin which is so beautiful and the clarity of the resin is exquisite.

Normally I apply resin to full book pages, this time I tore pages to approximate size I would require. It was only at this stage,  I knew the direction for incorporating resin paper into this pendant.

The resin is applied with a piece of household sponge, to both sides of the paper, ensuring resin soaks into paper fibres.  

Alongside the vintage book pages, resin was also applied to more stamped pieces.  Some of the stamped pieces were first prepared with paper sealer
Now.... time to step away from the resin.  Be patient, allowing resin to dry/cure.

You do not want to move filled bezels, the less you disturb them, the better.  I place a plastic container over the bezels, to avoid any airborne dust particles floating into the resin. Ideally, you want to leave everything in situ until dry/cured.  If you have furry friends, ensure they cannot get access to your working area.

Leaving everything overnight, when I returned the next day, the resin paper easily peeled off the craft sheet.

Look at the clear, shiny results with the doming effect of the ICE Resin on the bezels.

Gathering various  jewellery findings, I set about forming the pendant.  I was indecisive as to how I would bind the resin papers but as I was digging through my vintage key collection, I happened to stumble across an Idea-ology clip. There was my answer for binding.  Applying enamel to the clip allowed the appearance to be more cohesive to the rest of the pendant.
 

LPC003

Layered on top of the paper bundles, front and rear, are two pieces of stamped papers. Using paper sealer (left) with paper sealer applied randomly for an interesting effect (right).

I shied away from working with resin for the longest time, an unopened package lay unloved for 2 years. What was holding me back... my own self!  If you have any inclination of experimenting with resin, dive on in because I doubt if you will regret it. When incorporating stamping, you can see how the exquisite details are magnified in the bezels by the ICE Resin. When you consider that you can tint resin, work with inclusions, incorporating all manner of interesting items, stamping onto resin paper, working with fabric... the sky is the limit! 

If planning on working with bezels/frames, I suggest getting up close and personal with your PaperArtsy stamp collection.  View stamps with new eyes, seeking out the smaller design details. 

I now wish I had continued this project further, making ear-rings or a ring - something else to add to that lengthening To Do List!

Visit HERE for videos, FAQs, Tips and Techniques on ICE Resin and related products.

Blog: Adorn 
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Oh this looks very addictive Lynne!! Thank you so much for sharing this and I really think those Lynne Perrella stamps are the perfect choice too! There is lots of amazing details!! I had no idea about the 'paper sealer' product! That will be very useful indeed! ~Leandra

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