How to create epoxy resin jewellery

Creating epoxy resin jewellery can be a fun and rewarding craft. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make epoxy resin jewellery:  Gather materials: Prepare the following materials: epoxy resin and hardener (choose a jewellery-grade resin for safety and durability), silicone molds or bezels, release agent (optional), pigments or alcohol inks for colouring, stirring sticks, mixing cups, jewellery findings (such as jump rings, earring hooks, or necklace chains), and any additional decorative elements like glitter, dried flowers, or beads.  Prepare the molds: Clean the silicone molds or bezels thoroughly and ensure they are dry. Apply a release agent (such as a mold release spray or a thin layer of petroleum jelly) to the molds if desired. This can help in releasing the cured resin easily.  Mix the epoxy resin: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix the epoxy resin and hardener in the correct ratio. Use a clean mixing cup and stir thoroughly to ensure the components are well combined. Take care to minimize the introduction of air bubbles while stirring.  Add colour (optional): If you want to add colour to your resin jewellery, you can mix in pigments or alcohol inks into the epoxy resin mixture. Start with a small amount and gradually increase until you achieve the desired colour. Stir well to ensure the colour is evenly dispersed.  Pour the resin into the molds: Pour the mixed epoxy resin into the prepared molds or bezels. Fill each mold to the desired thickness, leaving some space for any additional decorative elements or layers. If you wish, you can layer different colours or add decorative elements like dried flowers, glitter, or beads between the layers. Use a stirring stick or toothpick to arrange the elements and ensure they are submerged in the resin.  Remove air bubbles: To remove any air bubbles that may have formed during mixing and pouring, use a heat gun or torch on low heat. Pass the heat source over the surface of the resin in a sweeping motion, keeping it a few inches away. This will help the bubbles rise to the surface and pop. Continue this process until most of the bubbles are eliminated.  Allow curing: Place the molds in a dust-free area with minimal disturbance and allow the epoxy resin to cure. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the curing time, which can range from several hours to a day or more depending on the resin used. Ensure the molds remain level during the curing process to prevent any unevenness.  Demold and finish: Once the epoxy resin has fully cured, gently flex the molds or bezels to release the jewellery pieces. If you applied a release agent, they should come out easily. If any pieces stick, you can carefully push them out from the bottom or use a mold release spray around the edges. Inspect the jewellery for any rough edges or imperfections, and use sandpaper or a rotary tool to smooth them if needed.  Attach findings: Once the jewellery pieces are demolded and finished, you can attach findings such as jump rings, earring hooks, or necklace chains using jewellery pliers. Make sure to securely attach the findings to the resin pieces.  Enjoy your resin jewellery: Your epoxy resin jewellery is now ready to wear or share as unique handmade pieces. Be sure to store them properly to protect them from scratches or damage.  Remember to read and follow the instructions provided by the epoxy resin manufacturer for the specific product you are using. Take necessary safety precautions, such as wearing gloves and working in a well-ventilated area, throughout the process. Allow yourself to experiment and explore different designs and techniques to create one-of-a-kind epoxy resin jewellery pieces. Download PDF here