Long Time - No Post...Resin Cont'd

So sorry for the long time without posting. Alot has been going on but still no excuse. I thought I would be good about keeping it up but "life" got in the way.

The great news is that the economy has not hit my business yet as I have still been just as busy as always. In fact, I think I'm selling more. Alot of people tell me it's because my prices stay pretty much the same and are still affordable. I do try to keep expenses down so I can give the savings to my customers. I know I need to make money to stay in business so I don't give it all away but I also don't multiply the cost out the roof either.

Anyway...I have some new items to show you and I have also been working on some tutorials upon request and will be posting those as well.

I decided the Resin experiment wasn't for me for quite a few reasons. Number one: I'm not patient enough for all the processes you have to do and Number two: it's something I have to do outside because I don't have very good ventilation in my basement studio. The weather just doesn't hold out long enough around here to do things like that. Number three: I'm just a metal kind of gal...ha ha!! I just love metal and gemstones and lampwork and....well...you understand (I hope).

So...with that said I'm selling off the lot of items I purchased to do this. It's a long list but everything you need to get yourself on the way to some really gorgeous resin jewelry. I put about $250 or more in it if you included all the things I bought to drop in the mix and little this and thats at Michael's and AC Moore. I've decided to sell it all including shipping for $175.00 so if you're interested.....it sure is a great way to get started.

Here is the list of Items Included:

Resin (2 part epoxy) 1 gallon each minus 1 cup (each gallon)
4 resin molds with spray on mold release/conditioner
Glitter diamond dust .50 oz
Glitter Metallic mixes multi
Glitter Metallic mixes brass
Glitter metallic mixes copper
Glitter prisma tallics fuchsia
Opaque pigments 1 oz in the following colors (these will last a long time) Never used any but pearlscent (can't even tell I used it, 2 drops), Black, blue, brown, green, pearlscent, red, white, yellow
I got all the primary colors so they can be mixed to make secondary colors
Resin finishing spray
High Quality Embossing Heat Tool: Used for getting the bubbles out of the resin and smoothing it out without moving anything.
(I used this one time)
Book: The Art of Resin Jewelry by Sherri Haab - $19.95 value. read one time. Very helpful to make resin jewelry.

2 bottles with tips to easily pour resin into molds
I also will add any extra items I bought from Michaels to do these like brushes, stir sticks, cups, gloves, decorative papers, etc.

Feel free to drop me a line if you're interested. I'm not going to leave you hanging so here are some pics of the final results after they cured:

I have to admit....for my first time, I think they turned out pretty darn good. I know the pic is not that clear but if it was you could see how cool they are. By the way....I'm selling this lot of resin cabs on Etsy as soon as I can get them uploaded so if you see anything you would like for one of your jewelry designs....give me a shout!

Well, it's late and I have to get some things done before hitting the hay. I can't wait to show you my new jewelry. Thanks to Deb Wiess...I have some awesome turquoise to show you.

Nite!

Resin...Second Phase

Okay, so here I go. Making a horrible mess! I've learned some things from this first experience....It's impossible to pour resin from these cups into teeny molds without dripping no matter how careful I am. So....for my next step I will be using a bottle with a tip on it. I also learned that the gloves I bought are not thick enough for resin. I took my gloves off and my hands were coated with it, so I immediately washed then two or three times. Yikes!

I managed to get them all filled about 1/2 way and cleaned up the molds from drips.

Then I used the heat gun to get rid of the bubbles. It works great and I would highly recommend getting one. It's hard to see the resin as it is clear. I added some color to a few and also some glitter just to see how it would turn out.

I'm going to leave these covered out in the sun until it goes down and then I will bring them in and put them up for drying in a warm, dry spot.

After they dry, I will get some of the cutouts that I did and put them on top of the resin and cover it the rest of the way. Hopefully, it will turn out!

Pierce's Ballgame

My 9 year old son, Pierce is a pitcher in the minor leagues. We are so proud of him. He had a game today and is now at 56 strike outs for the season. I just had to put on my bragging hat a little. :) Here is a pic of him pitching. He told me that he just closes all the noise out and can't hear a thing. I have to admit, he is pretty consistant with each pitch. People actually come just to watch him pitch. Maybe we'll be parents of a pro someday! Never know....

He had a slow start with hitting. No matter what he did, the ball just would not make contact with the bat. He finally got a taste of it when he hit a really good pop up at the last game and now he is unstoppable. Hi hit a line drive today and it was awesome.

Today he made it home with a slide. I just happen to get a picture of it. The grin on his face was unforgettable when he came into the dug out. I was so glad to see him finally get to home. I know he was too.

AND HE'S...........

SAFE!!

Resin...First Phase

Okay...I finally got to start on my project last night. I decided to save some product and steps by doing several at a time. So.....I got a little carried away with papers and clips and stamps, etc. I went through all my scrapbooking supplies, stickers and anything that I thought would be cool as a charm, pendant, etc. under resin. This is what I ended up with.

Yes...I know....I got a little carried away but I figured that if I went ahead and did alot then they would be ready for my next project. You have to do two coats of Modge Podge on each side so that when the resin is poured over it, it doesn't soak in. I have accomplished two coats on one side and one coat on the back side. I'm now waiting on those to dry for the last coat. I should have that done sometime tonight. Meanwhile, I am going to go ahead and pour the first coat of resin in the molds. I'll take a pic of that when I get them completed today.

Plans change on a dime....

As usual, my plans got changed yesterday so I didn't get to start on my project.....sorry all. The deck took much longer than planned and then Pierce had a make up game which lasted way into the evening so I decided it was a little too late to get started last night. So, with that said...I'm going to try again today.
Along with the project for my nephew, I'm going to do one for my niece too. She needs some items for teachers so I will be adding that in. I think it will be quicker and more productive.
The weather here is beautiful again today so I will hopefully be doing most of my work outside for ventilation. I've been told the resin is toxic if not well ventilated so I'm going to make sure and follow all recommendations to be safe.
Till later on my progress....

Resin Supplies are here!!

I'm so excited! I've received my supplies to start work on my resin jewelry. My first project is going to be a gift for my nephew. I have a teeny lock of hair that my sister snatched when they weren't looking.....no abuse was not involved..hee hee. Check out the adorable little fella....

I'm going to make a resin charm with his lock of hair and then take a pic and do picture transfer on metal for another charm with his birthdate on it. I'll show you my results.....well...if they turn out ha ha. That or I'll be telling you what I did wrong.....
It will take me two days to complete so I'll post each day to show you my progress.
I have to stain the deck this morning..ugghhh...so I won't start on it till this afternoon.
I must go to work on the deck now so I'll post later..have a great day! It's beautiful and sunny here.

New to Etsy

I decided to take the plunge and try Etsy. I've added some things and will be working hard to get the store full of goodies. I hope you will stop by and take a look and please...please...please...add me to your favorites shop. How sad is it to look and see only one favorite. Of course, I did just start today but I'm not used to not having linkage! My website has been my only means of exposure until this blog and now Etsy so I'm having expansion withdrawal! Is that a word? Who knows.....
I would love to hear from some of you out there that have had a blog for awhile. Connect to me...talk to me or just tell me how dumb I am for trying this. Ha ha.
My problem with this blog is that I have never kept up with a journal, etc. so this will really take some discipline to keep doing. I'll do my best.
To come......I'm experimenting with photo transfer AND resin combined with my stamping and metal work. Check back soon to see my new "treasures"!
Night!

Something new...

This is a new thing for me....blogging. Normally, I am not a blogging type of person but I think this is great to share experiences and I have enjoyed reading others. I hope that I can help others understand the world of artistic jewelry.

Since blogging is new for me, it will take a while for me to get my page the way I want it. I'm still learning the settings, layouts, etc. so if anyone would like to throw me some tips or tricks, I'm always open for constructive criticism. Ha ha.

Going to bed now. I have finally researched enough on my next topic to write a book. Stay tuned.....I have some fun things to add.
Nite!!