Getting Started With Resin. Warning, it's addictive!

Hello fellow bloggers,

I've been playing with resin again and lot's of it!  Over the next several weeks I am going to be sharing different ideas on things you can do with my favorites Stampendous, Spellbinder's Media Mixage Bezels, and Ice Resin.

I thought I would get the resin series started with a  easy project and some important tips.  Yes, this is an easy project just takes time.

The most important step is sealing!  You will be very disappointed when you pour your resin if you have not sealed almost everything going into your bezel.  Trust me, I know :(  Here are some sealing tips;

• Paper - make sure it is sealed front, back and sides.  Resin will find it's way into any areas not sealed.  the resin will make your paper transparent or ikie looking.  I like to use Fast Finish Decoupage and white glue that will dry clear.  You can also use Glossy Accents or a like product such as Aleene's Paper Glaze.  Clear packing tape is also popular.
• Embossed Pieces - Seal Them too

Here we go:

• Picture A
• You will need the following for this project
• Swirl stamp. I used the swirl from Damask Chair Perfectly Clear Set by Stampendous
• Round bezel 
• pattern paper
• Versa Mark or pigment ink pad
• Clear Bark embossing powder by Stampendous
• Aged Gold Embossing Powder
• Bronze Glass Glitter by Stampendous
• Champagne Glass Glitter by Stampendous
• Fast Finish Decoupage
• Glue that dries clear
• Jump Rings
• Sheer Ribbon
• Quilling tool
• Mixing cups and sticks
• Emboss swirl on print paper with Clear Bark
• Cut paper to fit inside bezel.  You will do this for both the large and small circles
• I used the die to fit with bezel.  If you don't have dies you can ink the edge of bezel and stamp image.  Then cut it out.
• Picture B
• With Fast Finish Decoupage seal both sides of papers.  Let dry
• Apply glue inside of bezel.  Enough that when you smooth the paper into the bezel glue will ooze around all of the edges.
• With you finger, smooth the glue as evenly as possible around the edges of the paper and bezel.  This is the point where I like to dampen my finger a little.  Now repeat smoothing the glue over the entire surface.  Doing this reminds me of caulking the tub or sink...LOL.  You are basically doing the same thing with the edge of paper and your bezel.
• Let this dry completely until it is absolutely clear.  I left it overnight.
• Do the same process for the small circle bezel.
• Picture C
• Add Champagne Glass Glitter, carefully place in desired areas
• Add Bronze Glass Glitter, carefully place in desired areas
• Not shown is the triangle bezel.  This was a last minute add to my project.  It is filled 1/2 way with Champagne Glass Glitter only.
• Do the same for the small circle bezel.

MIXING AND POURING RESIN - Don't be afraid of resin.  It is so easy to mix and pour.  The directions are simple and easy to understand.  I am going to refer you to the package directions for this part :)  Check out this VIDEO on using the Ice Resin Syringe.

My project has 2 layers of resin.  You are at the point now where you would add your first layer of resin only filling about 1/2 of the bezel.  You will set aside to cure for at least 6 hours.  I always let mine cure over night.  You will do the same for the small circle and the triangle bezels.

Now, we need to move onto the next step....

• Picture A
• For this step you will need
• Cream card stock
• Quilling tool
• Aged Gold Embossing Powder by Stampendous
• Champagne Glass Glitter by Stampendous
• Now that the first layer of resin is dry we can work on the 2nd layer
• Picture B
• Cut very thin slivers of cream card stock about 6" long.
• Quill them into swirls as shown
• Cover front and back with Versa Mark.  Dip in Aged Gold embossing powder.
• use tweezers to hold when heating
• you may want to repeat process until you have desired look
• Seal the swirls with Fast Finish Decoupage.  Let Dry
• Picture C
• Once dry, arrange swirls in the large bezel only.
• Add a little more Champagne Glass Glitter to both  circle bezels.  
• Add a little Bronze Glass Glitter to both circle bezels.
• Add a second layer of resin to all three bezels
• Notice how everything is magnified again!
• Set aside for 6-8 hours to let cure

Once it is dry, add your rings and ribbon.  It really is easy.  It just takes time to dry in between each step.