Hello and welcome to Resin Jewellery Tuesday! (Or for my fellow Americans, Resin Jewelry Tuesday. That extra “l” is just one of the differences between the Brits and the Yanks.)
Each week we’re going to explore a new project using ICE Resin® from Ranger. Because I’m a paper crafter, you’ll find that most of my focus includes paper in some way. These projects are based on the resin techniques covered in my latest book from Search Press, How to Make Resin Jewellery.
Let’s take a look at this week’s project, the Square Origami Pendant.
You know I love paper, and origami paper is ideal for resin…the designs are usually small, so they’re perfect for fitting inside a bezel. The paper is readily available at your local craft store, and it’s good quality without being too thick. Plus you can find some really unique designs, filled with lots of fashion-focused colors and patterns that pair well with clothing.
Square Origami Pendant with ICE Resin®, what you need—
- ICE Resin® two-part epoxy (includes cup and stir stick)
- Disposable gloves
- Drinking straw
- Toothpicks
- Baby wipes
- Origami paper (available at a craft store)
- Antique silver square pendant with loop—24mm (inner dimensions) from Nunn Design
- Silver toggle clasp
- 44cm of fine silver chain
- 2 small silver jump rings—4.5mm
- Tools: 15/16” square punch, jewelry pliers
- Clear sealer (ICE Resin® Paper Sealer or Mod Podge)
- Small brush
- Craft sheet
- Raised, flat surface (I use an old cutting board)
Square Origami Pendant with ICE Resin®, how to make it—
Note: I work on a craft sheet for all my resin projects. Ranger’s craft sheet is ideal as it’s non-stick even for resin. If any resin spills on my craft sheet, I can easily wipe it up with a baby wipe, or let it dry and simply peel it up. Dried resin is permanent, so take care to protect your table!
1. Punch a square of origami paper. Use the small brush (or your finger) to coat the piece front and back with sealer. I find this works best if I coat one side and let it dry on the craft sheet, then flip it over and repeat for the other side and the edges of the paper. You don’t want any resin to seep into the fibers of the paper, or it can discolor the design.
2. Use sealer to glue the sealed piece inside the bezel. Take care to apply glue to all four corners and the edges of the piece. Let the glue dry.
3. Because the bezel has a loop, it will not lay flat and the resin will overspill. Instead, place the bezel on a raised, flat surface with the loop hanging over the edge. I use an old kitchen cutting board.
4. Follow the package instructions to mix the resin in the measuring cup, stirring gently with the stir stick. Hold the drinking straw slightly above the resin cup and blow warm air toward the resin. This will eliminate any air bubbles. Pour the resin int the bezel. If you have air bubbles in the pendant, repeat with the straw, or gently pierce with the toothpick. Let it cure.
Note: You will have more resin than you need for this project. Make the most of your resin—since you can’t save it—and have a few additional pendants on hand!
5. Use the pliers to open one jump ring. Slip on the circle half of the toggle clasp and one end of the chain. Close the jump ring.
6. Slide the pendant onto the chain. Use the pliers to open the second jump ring. Slip on the bar half of the toggle clasp and the other end of the chain. Close the jump ring.
Like this project? Get all the info on creating resin jewelry with my latest book, How to Make Resin Jewellery, from the award-winning UK publisher, Search Press. You’ll find step-by-step instructions on mixing and pouring resin, plus over 50 project ideas with instructions. Check it out at Search Press!
