Fun with resin!

First off, let me say, playing with resin is very very fun. But also, very very dangerous. So if you try this, be very very careful. Make sure to do it in a really well-ventilated area (I did mine outside), and preferably wearing gloves. This is stuff you do not want on your hands.

That being said, let's get into the fun part.

A while ago, I bought a package of Castin' Craft EZ Cast Epoxy Resin. It comes with two bottles: the resin, and the hardener. Unlike other resins, which require measuring a ratio of resin to hardener, EZ Cast makes life, well, EZer. It's a 1/1 ratio. Simple enough. If you're using the same cup to measure, make sure you wash it out reeeally well in between, though. Otherwise it'll gunk up and just be overall not very fun. I've also read that it's better to clean the cup out with rubbing alcohol instead of water to prevent gunking, but unfortunately I read this afterwards, so I haven't tried it yet. Once you've mixed, keep mixing. And mixing and mixing and mixing. Let it sit for a while until the bubbles settle. Then mix some more. Then let sit. I recommend using popsicle sticks for mixing, because you're going to need to throw them away after.


After you're all mixed up, it's time for the real fun part. First, you're going to need a mold. I've been using a Castin' Craft one with a lot of pendant designs in it, and it's been working really well for me. I've read that you should get mold release/conditioner, but I've been doing fine without it. If you're using any kind of mold that wasn't specifically made for resin (ice cube trays, candy molds), you should definitely invest in some, though.

Yeah, that's the one.

You can also buy resin colorants. They sell them in most craft stores. You only really need a few drops per batch, so they last a long time!

Now, pick out some objects. You can use toys, clay figurines, coins, teeth, glitter, stickers, leaves, flowers, food, broken jewelry...to name a few. Your imagination is the only limit! (And the size of the mold, I suppose). Mix up your colors (if you so choose), pour into the molds, and sink in your objects!

And now, we play the waiting game. This kind of resin takes about 24-48 hours to cure completely. Try popping it out of the mold after 24. If it doesn't come out with a bit of pressure, it's not done yet. Wait another few hours. Try again. Become impatient. Try again every few hours until they pop out. Squeal in glee.

I know you're all waiting with bated breath, so without further adieu (ado?)...my finished products!


Close up on my favorites:


Long story short, resin may be one of my new favorite crafty adventures, and I plan on taking full advantage of the temporary nice weather to get as much toxic chemical crafting in as possible!