If you dry out the flowers in silica gel first, then they won't lose their shape, and they won't lose their colour. It's almost like a very fine sand, it's reusable, and it dries flowers out really well, and although the colours of some flowers might change, they don't just lose their colours completely. Using silica gel to dry out the flowers, also makes them a little stronger, and they don't fall apart as easily. It makes them almost feel like a delicate paper, but they look as good as when they were first picked, and they don't lose their shape at all.
Keepsake Crafts by Sandy Huntress the silica gel for drying flowers is a lot finer than the stuff that comes in little packets in shoes and purses, ect. It's like a very, very fine sand. You need it that fine, because you need to literally surround the flowers in it, inside them, and out, so they don't lose their shape. When I'm drying flowers, I'll take a container, and pour some of the silica gel 'sand' in it, then I'll put the flowers into it, usually stem side down, although for some leaves I'll lay them flat, then I'll slowly pour some more over it, around it, and inside the blossom, so it keeps it's natural shape. Depending on the size of the flower, it'll take a few days, to about a week, to dry completely. Then to reuse the silica 'sand' gel I just leave the container open for a few days to dry it back out. It slightly changes colour as it draws the moisture out of the flowers, but it'll go back to its regular colour once it dries back out. You can probably find it online. It'll specifically say it's for drying out flowers.
Keepsake Crafts by Sandy Huntress no problem. I had actually never heard of it before, then I was looking for a flower press, and I found someone who was selling some second hand ones, and she had a container of the silica gel sand in the bundle too. When I picked them up, she explained to me what it was, and how you use it, and so I tried it out, and I absolutely loved it. Unlike drying the flowers other ways, like hanging them upside down, or pressing them, they don't lose their shape with the silica gel sand, and they don't become really brittle either, and although some flowers change colour a bit, they don't lose their colour. I've found sometimes purple flowers turn a red colour after they're dried. Anyway, I absolutely loved it, so I thought I'd mention it.
Awesome video! I love how you mentioned all the ways to keep keepsakes this way. In victorian times they would even keep hair like this in designs to honor loved ones that have passed on. I have just recently started providing this service with pet hair
My cat passed away and I was looking for a way I could remember her. I wanted a fur jewellery keepsake but they’re so expensive online. Thank you for providing this tutorial, now I can cherish her and she can be by my heart forever.
We have a side yard where we get some of the prettiest blooming weeds. I’ve wanted to use them in resin projects, but never seem to get around to drying them. I’m thrilled to know I don’t have to dry them first. I have several brands of resin to try, including Lisa Pavelka’s UV type. Gonna try next spring when they come back in bloom. TFS!
Thanks, Sandy. I'm really looking forward to it. Gonna do a deep dive in my supplies too in case I come across some stuff I think I have that will work.
Some of them do lose their color, but some of the flowers retain their color even without drying. My buttercups stayed a lovely bright yellow, and the lavender lost only a bit of brightness, but the smaller purple flowers went totally brown. I'm thinking it has something to do with a chemical reaction with the resin.
The flowers that lost their colour, that is because they weren't dried. When you resin fresh flowers, they are likely to lose their colour and turn a brownish colour. I know other people are saying they will rot - they won't. It's just the browning. You can easily dry flowers using silica cat litter (nice and cheap!).
I know that's what several people have said, but it's been over 6 months since I encased the fresh flowers and they have not changed at all. I think perhaps sealing them off completely from air is what is preserving them. Also, maybe they don't react with the UV resin the way they would with another type?
You can always sand the edges if you go over the lip of any mold and have extra resin. Just use a bit of water on a super fine grit sandpaper, then polish after it's sanded down and smooth.
Hej there. Thank you for your great video. I actually found your video looking for an answer and by viewing your video I see you have the same problem:) I am a beginner but have made several pieces. At first I tried out all sorts of stuff with resin but I love nature so I started looking for anything I could use. I have normal 2 part resin and 2 kinds of UV resin and one is the one you are using. I started out with the UV but I use the 2 part at the moment. Oddly enough I haven't really had problems with bubbles with my flowers at least not like the ones you showed and I don't dip but I will from now on use your method to hopefully prevent any tiny bubbles. THANK YOU!! My problem is that only few flowers keep their color. I used a big purple flower and it turned green I used Pansys and the purple one turned yellow and some violet tiny flowers in one flower also went green. It's driving me nuts haha. But not all purple or red changes color. I am wondering if it could be because I'm using fresh flowers. It seems that the kinds that don't change color are the ones that are a dryer kind like heather. Heather keeps it's color and also some dried orange flowers I used as a sprinkle behind a fresh flower. I also have the problem you talk about with things not covered on the back of a pendant. But I have found a way to deal with that. I often use small berries the kind that is not for eating. So once it is cured I will take a sharp pair of scissors and simply cut as close as I can anything sticking up. I use a lot of different things in each pendant. After doing that I will use the UV resin and put the pendant on a flat suffice on top of the tray in a nail curing box and pour UV resin over the back side of the pendant down the middle and use a toothpick to make sure it gets all the way to the sides. I will then cure it in the box 2 or 3 times 2 minutes and then if anything still sticks out I will add another layer until it is smooth. This works great. The nail curing box is a must with the UV resin. You just have to cure it in layers because if you fill up a mold it won't cure. I haven't used it with the UV resin you use but with another kind. But this also means that you can only use smaller molds like the mod podge ones. I have something I got from England where you get 7 small stick of this stuff and you put a stick in very hot water for a few minutes and then you can use it like clay for a while. You can then use any object you want and press it into this claylike stuff and make a mold that way. It will harden quickly and then you have your own mold. You can reuse this stuff anytime just by putting it in hot water again. In my country it's a challenge to get a good mold or even anything that you can get in other countries like resin. But thank you again for your video I will subscribe for more great tips:) Oh and by the way even though the 2 part resin is past it's shelf time and the hardener har turned tea color I can still use it and it's still transparent and only in some pieces it will have a light tea color but nothing dramatic. Just hate to throw anything out and use it for the practice:) Sorry about the very long comment:)
I have had some trouble with some flowers losing color also. I have heard that drying them before adding them to resin helps retain the color but I have not tried it myself. Also drying supposedly helps with less air bubbles but again... I don't have enough patience usually to wait for the flowers to dry. :) - Heidi
Yes, I wondered if there would be any negative effects from not drying them. It's been about 4 weeks since I recorded this video and I checked the resin pieces today. They all seem fine and unchanged.
It is wiser to dry them first, some press, some use silica gel. I've just learned to use regular table salt to dry flowers. Use un- iodized and not sea salt. A lot of time, the color will change, between drying and resin. Last night, I was coloring my dried flowers with alcohol ink and came up with some beautiful colors. I love true blue and I will get that, thanks to the inks.
Sounds like a good tip. It's now been over 2 months that I made mine and they all still look fine. The only problem was with a flower that didn't get completely encased in the resin. It has turned sticky. All the others look and feel great!
i seen that you use a knife to clean edges. I am getting ready to do these just for gifts but im such a perfectionist. I was at Harbor Freight yesterday and i bought a bench grinder/polisher. it was $28 dollars and i used a 25% additional coupon so yea, im going to start doing this today lol i just did mt nails so im in the mood to craft!!! just a suggestion.
Yeah, I've been thinking I need to appropriate my husband's Dremel for sanding & polishing. The more I do, the more I want to do even better finishes. Happy creating!
I've never seen anyone use fresh flowers. I don't mind small bubbles in these pieces too much, in my rose pieces they look like dew drops on the bloom 😊 That mold is not the best one as it is very matte and not shiny. With this mold I usually use the up side as the front as it is very shiny. I wonder how these fresh plants will do in there over time.
I like putting a marijuana leaf or nug in the middle and wearing it to work! Its awsome having the little old ladies complimenting my necklaces not knowing its weed 🍀
Hi, thanks for the tutorial, really thorough. I want to get into making jewelry and art with resin, but I don't know much about it. Does the resin yellow over time?
Hi Andrea, I'm glad you like the tutorial. Thank you for the kind words! I'm not a resin expert, but I don't think the Magic Glos type of resin yellows over time. Some other types might, but I'm not certain as I don't use them. Anyone else with knowledge on this?
Hi there my fingers skipped some letters ok I should've said brushing a light coating of decoupage, mod podge on your fresh or dry flours . Lots of luck cynthia from reno nv.
Thanks for the tip on filing, Katarina. As for drying the plants first... it's been 18 months and the plants look just them same as the day I made them. Check out the comments for some lively discussion on this topic! :-)
I loved this tutorial ! best one i've seen. I was wondering, after you dip the flower in (to get bubbles out) you said to wait 10 - 15 minutes then put in the sun.... after this part do you add abit more resin in ? or is dipping the flower in resin and putting it in the mold enough ? i hope this question makes sense.... basically do i add more resin after dipping it in and putting in the mold? Thanks so much!
Hello, I have a question and maybe you can answer me. I've been making some resin parts .. I tried with some green flowers / foliage. All were yellowing .. would you know any technique to '' keep '' their original color?
Hello, I'd like to know if we have to use an hardener as we usually see in the tutos? I never did it but I'd like to start.. How long do we have to wait for the first coat to dry?
Hi Nancy, If you use UV resin like I did, you don't need a hardener. If you use another type of resin you'll need to very carefully follow the directions.
this was great, thank you!! real quick: do you recommend dipping even if the flowers are pressed flat for a few weeks? Can bubbles still form with them being flat? thank you :)
That's a good question, Channy! I would think you would have a lot less chance of bubbles forming on flowers that have been pressed flat. Since I was using flowers that were whole and three dimensional I wanted the resin to fill in the spaces where bubbles would likely form. It would be interesting if you experimented with and without dipping in resin first to see if there's any difference in the amount of bubbles that form.
Thank you for the nice comment. :-) That's a great question, Valleria! You really have to do the research regarding your particular brand of resin. I think the Magic Glos is one of the easier ones to work with, but you should still experiment on small pieces. Many of the other brands, the ones with two-parts or catalysts, can be more finicky about having things added in to them and may not cure properly if there's an unexpected chemical reaction.
You can drill the holes with a 1/16-inch drill bit, like this one: amzn.to/2wLlhHg. Be sure to make a starter hole with an awl, then take your time drilling through. Since the pendants are clear, the hole will show through and will appear white, so plan your placement accordingly.
Wow, that's an interesting idea! I do wonder how compatible they'd be in the long run. Some folks advocate using nail polish on polymer clay, but over time it turns sticky.
So I fallow a page on I.G. who also has a youtube. She uses alcohol ink from the craft store to drop into the resin and you do it just like water marble, when doing nails. It looks so good. I think you can find her if you look up "resin coasters" she makes coasters from Petri dishes. Its amazing
so it has to be direct sunlight do you have a link where to get one from Sandy do you have the light to? just wondering about the cost for the light and the resin
There is a link to my blog post with the supply list in the description box, in the annotations on the video and in the video cards (click the "i" in the upper right of the video.)
If you live somewhere dark what would you recommend instead of sunlight? If it's a UV lamp, how big? I know you can buy the mini ones used by salons to dry nail polish. Thanks!
Jess Wrong Jess, since I haven't bought one myself I'm hesitant to recommend anything. You could try looking at Amazon and at the reviews, but most of the reviews are for using those UV lights with nails, not polymer clay. If I ever do get a light of my own I'll be sure to add it to my recommendations list!
Hi there.. when there is no sun, I also use a UV lamp.. I bought a cheap light that is used to test whether money (notes) are real. Has a purplish light. Works very well.
hi, I would like to make a fishing fly paper wait . can you advice the best way to do it. Also where do I purchase the materials. Looking forward to hearing from you, Giuliano
You'd first need to find or make a mold for the shape. Then add the resin in layers so your fishing fly won't fall to the bottom. There's a link in the description box to go to my blog where I have links to supplies.
Ifiyenia Spiliotopoulou You know, I think I forgot to use the mold release several times, but never had any problem. Perhaps it was because I was using UV resin and not the other type?
Camille, I don't do much coloring of resins, but I believe only certain things will work. You'll want to do your research on that or your resin may not cure.
I noticed that when you were showing the results, that the side that's supposed to be the front is a little fuzzy/blurry/not clear. but the back side is almost like glass. are there other options or methods so that the front side will stay clear ?
I think it was the mold I used that made one side slightly frosted. I'm not an expert on resin, so you might check out www.resinobsession.com. She has LOTS of answers. :-)
I have the same mold, and it's just not as clear as other molds I have. It's some frosting effect, or the material. I find the molds provided by Little Windows yield better results
Mariska, this is an interesting issue which keeps coming up! First of all, I suggest you read the comments on this video as many are quite helpful. It's been over a year since I made these pieces and they all look just the same as the day I made them. The only problems are with those I did not completely encase in resin. They are now a bit sticky at the points where the plant material is not enclosed.
It's interesting that several folks have said that, but it's been over 6 months since I encased the fresh flowers and they have not changed at all. I think perhaps sealing them off completely from air is what is preserving them.
Keepsake Crafts by Sandy Huntress Everyone's an "expert" and has an opinion on something, but guess what? I did the same thing with many different non-dried/pressed items (some were the changing leaves in autumn- gorgeous!) and they turned out amazing *and have stayed that way*. I think it's worth trying because if it does stay beautiful inside the resin then it is well worth it. I'm ecstatic about what I was able to preserve. People with pushy opinions can buzz off:)
I think it depends of the brand (the ingredients) of the resin you used. Because I used epoxy resin and put flowers into it and it was terrible, and the flowers died in the resin (they become green or brown) and it is really ugly. Rusalina is not wrong epoxy resin doesn't work for flower unless they are dried. But you didn't use epoxy, so you are also not wrong :) So... nobody is wrong actually.
All that information is always in the blog post which you can link to from the description box or the link in the upper right of the video. Happy creating!
It depends, Gemma. I've found that it seems to take a bit longer when it is overcast. If it's really overcast I usually don't even try, just cover it and save for another day. You can check to see if your resin is cured by dropping a bit of the resin onto the tile or a scrap of paper and put it out at the same time as your project. Then you can touch the extra and not risk marring your project to check to see if it's done.
I have a two part epoxy called Amazing Clear Cast, not sure if that matters. I looked yours up online and it's much more expensive than mine so I assume it's better. Mine are taking a while (this is my first time) so I was thinking of speeding up the process with a hair dryer on low. Will that work?
I don't believe heat is what cures resin, it's a chemical reaction. So, no, I'm pretty sure a hair dryer won't help. The brand of resin you have gets good reviews, but you have to be rather precise in your measurements and stirring or it won't work. This is the main reason I pay the extra for UV resin! I'd recommend checking out the Resin Obsession channel, she has lots of basics videos that I think you'll find helpful. ruclips.net/user/ResinObsessionvideos
I genuinely think the flowers would need to be dried before setting in resin, even if they appear to keep their colour at first. There has to be moisture trapped inside, and that would seep around the flower and destroy it over time. Objects encased in resin generally need to be inert.
I know, you would think so! And yet every time someone makes a comment such as yours I pull out those pieces and check them. They look exactly the same today as they did when I first made them 10 months ago.
Perhaps certain colours will keep, like the yellow, because it's an "earthy" colour, whereas vivid blues and purples tend not to. Which coincidentally explains why artists ages ago needed to grind semi precious stones to get those colour paints.
Me gustaría aprender hacer cada una de las piezas porque quiero hacerlo como mi negocio, pero hay un gran problema estoy en Mexico y no sé ingles y, todo es en ingles. Hay alguna solución?
they are pretty now but from experience they will rot inside the resin. it will take a few weeks maybe a month but they will turn brown. that's why people who sell these online use pressed flowers the flowers can't have any moisture left in them.
Hi Indy, thanks for your input! I wondered if that would happen, but it's been 5 months since I did this project and they still look just the same as the day they were preserved. I'll certainly keep checking and report if I see any changes, but so far so good. :-) Is it perhaps that the resin seals the flowers away from air, which would contribute to them decomposing?
Asha, it's a drill bit that fits into a regular power drill, so perhaps your local hardware store? Wherever they sell power drills I would think you could get the the drill bit.
It might work for some applications, Saul. I avoided it because I thought the scuffing would create more problems than it would solve. I'm sure folks who are better at sanding than I am would be able to make it work!
Well, you could try but I'm not sure how it would come out. Glue usually doesn't dry as clear as resin, plus you might have trouble with bubbles. I'm also not sure how hard it would be once set up. But, like I always say, you should experiment! Who knows, you might just come up with the next cool thing. :-)
please, can you tell me whats the reason to set this in sunlight? And why use uv resin, if it is not Uv resin then what will happen when we take it in the sunlight?
UV resin is one of the types of resin that sets in sunlight or under a UV light. Other resins require careful mixing of two different components which can be tricky to get right. If you do it right those resins set because of a chemical reaction and don't need sunlight. (Sunlight doesn't effect them in any way.) I like to use UV resin because I think it's easier not to have to do the careful mixing.
You DO have to be careful, as the fumes are rather nasty. Always be sure to read and follow all the safety information! That's another reason I prefer the Magic Glos UV resin. Although it's not non-toxic in the least, it's not quite as tricky or hazardous as the 2-part types of resin.
The flowers I use are fresh, but you might want to read the comments below, as there's been some discussion about the advisability of drying your flowers first.
That's a bummer, Reece! If you have limited sunlight, or want to work at night, I'd suggest getting a UV lamp like this one: amzn.to/2ET3ArA I've been happy with it and plan to do a review video soon.
I'm glad she rightfully assumed it's just me and my cats doing crafts and that I need tips on keeping cat hair away
Haha! I suspect most of us cat lovers have that issue. :-D
If you dry out the flowers in silica gel first, then they won't lose their shape, and they won't lose their colour. It's almost like a very fine sand, it's reusable, and it dries flowers out really well, and although the colours of some flowers might change, they don't just lose their colours completely. Using silica gel to dry out the flowers, also makes them a little stronger, and they don't fall apart as easily. It makes them almost feel like a delicate paper, but they look as good as when they were first picked, and they don't lose their shape at all.
Good to know! Can you use the silica gel that comes in packets with shoes & such?
Keepsake Crafts by Sandy Huntress the silica gel for drying flowers is a lot finer than the stuff that comes in little packets in shoes and purses, ect. It's like a very, very fine sand. You need it that fine, because you need to literally surround the flowers in it, inside them, and out, so they don't lose their shape. When I'm drying flowers, I'll take a container, and pour some of the silica gel 'sand' in it, then I'll put the flowers into it, usually stem side down, although for some leaves I'll lay them flat, then I'll slowly pour some more over it, around it, and inside the blossom, so it keeps it's natural shape. Depending on the size of the flower, it'll take a few days, to about a week, to dry completely. Then to reuse the silica 'sand' gel I just leave the container open for a few days to dry it back out. It slightly changes colour as it draws the moisture out of the flowers, but it'll go back to its regular colour once it dries back out. You can probably find it online. It'll specifically say it's for drying out flowers.
Thank you for the info! I'll definitely look into this in the coming months. (Like, in the spring or summer, lol.)
Keepsake Crafts by Sandy Huntress no problem. I had actually never heard of it before, then I was looking for a flower press, and I found someone who was selling some second hand ones, and she had a container of the silica gel sand in the bundle too. When I picked them up, she explained to me what it was, and how you use it, and so I tried it out, and I absolutely loved it. Unlike drying the flowers other ways, like hanging them upside down, or pressing them, they don't lose their shape with the silica gel sand, and they don't become really brittle either, and although some flowers change colour a bit, they don't lose their colour. I've found sometimes purple flowers turn a red colour after they're dried. Anyway, I absolutely loved it, so I thought I'd mention it.
@@magikdust2095 what is the name of the silica gel you use please? and where do you buy it/order it?
Awesome video! I love how you mentioned all the ways to keep keepsakes this way. In victorian times they would even keep hair like this in designs to honor loved ones that have passed on. I have just recently started providing this service with pet hair
My cat passed away and I was looking for a way I could remember her. I wanted a fur jewellery keepsake but they’re so expensive online.
Thank you for providing this tutorial, now I can cherish her and she can be by my heart forever.
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear kitty. 😿
I hope your memorial jewelry comes out wonderful and brings you special memories.
We have a side yard where we get some of the prettiest blooming weeds. I’ve wanted to use them in resin projects, but never seem to get around to drying them. I’m thrilled to know I don’t have to dry them first. I have several brands of resin to try, including Lisa Pavelka’s UV type. Gonna try next spring when they come back in bloom.
TFS!
Have fun experimenting, Michelle!
Thanks, Sandy. I'm really looking forward to it. Gonna do a deep dive in my supplies too in case I come across some stuff I think I have that will work.
I have done this craft before and my flowers lost color too. I figured it was the resin I was using. I'm inspired to try this again.....thank you
Let the flowers dry before you put them in Resin..fresh flowers will loose the color.
Some of them do lose their color, but some of the flowers retain their color even without drying. My buttercups stayed a lovely bright yellow, and the lavender lost only a bit of brightness, but the smaller purple flowers went totally brown. I'm thinking it has something to do with a chemical reaction with the resin.
Instead of carving the edges, use a set of wet sand paper. Polish and shine after, to a great deep gloss.👍😁
Good tip, thanks!
I'm just learning about jewelry making but I'm so excited. Thanks for your video. I love your creations!
Thanks for the nice comment, Laura. I’m so glad you enjoyed the videos! Happy creating
I love the way these turned out. Awesome tutorial!!
Thank you!
Great video, answered a lot of my questions. Thank you
Thanks for the nice comment, I hope the video was hopeful to you!
The flowers that lost their colour, that is because they weren't dried. When you resin fresh flowers, they are likely to lose their colour and turn a brownish colour. I know other people are saying they will rot - they won't. It's just the browning. You can easily dry flowers using silica cat litter (nice and cheap!).
Good to know, thanks!
They are so pretty! I wanna put a flower my girlfriend give me in a necklace :D I’m so happy I watched this and thanks for inspiring me
Nice idea, Shanda! Be sure to do some testing before you use the precious flower from your friend.
I always was told that you have to use dried flowers. In think next summer I will give it try and try is with fresh flowers. Thanks for the tutorial.
I know that's what several people have said, but it's been over 6 months since I encased the fresh flowers and they have not changed at all. I think perhaps sealing them off completely from air is what is preserving them. Also, maybe they don't react with the UV resin the way they would with another type?
I don't know. Sometimes the bubbles look kinda nice. Depends.
I agree... sometimes. But it's good to know how to control them when you want to. :-)
You can always sand the edges if you go over the lip of any mold and have extra resin. Just use a bit of water on a super fine grit sandpaper, then polish after it's sanded down and smooth.
Great tip, Andrea, thanks for sharing!
Wow, awesome video! I find a lot of clovers and would like to make them into pendants!
Ooooo, clovers would look very nice in resin! 👍💚
Thank you Sandy! Very helpful.
I'm glad it was helpful, Caroline!
This video is so helpful. Thanks!
I'm so glad to know you found it helpful, Amanda. Happy creating!
Thank you for the video and ideas. Your works are beautiful. I am waiting to get my first resin in, hopefully today. I want to cover ceramic coasters.
Happy creating, Patricia!
Hej there. Thank you for your great video. I actually found your video looking for an answer and by viewing your video I see you have the same problem:) I am a beginner but have made several pieces. At first I tried out all sorts of stuff with resin but I love nature so I started looking for anything I could use. I have normal 2 part resin and 2 kinds of UV resin and one is the one you are using. I started out with the UV but I use the 2 part at the moment. Oddly enough I haven't really had problems with bubbles with my flowers at least not like the ones you showed and I don't dip but I will from now on use your method to hopefully prevent any tiny bubbles. THANK YOU!! My problem is that only few flowers keep their color. I used a big purple flower and it turned green I used Pansys and the purple one turned yellow and some violet tiny flowers in one flower also went green. It's driving me nuts haha. But not all purple or red changes color. I am wondering if it could be because I'm using fresh flowers. It seems that the kinds that don't change color are the ones that are a dryer kind like heather. Heather keeps it's color and also some dried orange flowers I used as a sprinkle behind a fresh flower. I also have the problem you talk about with things not covered on the back of a pendant. But I have found a way to deal with that. I often use small berries the kind that is not for eating. So once it is cured I will take a sharp pair of scissors and simply cut as close as I can anything sticking up. I use a lot of different things in each pendant. After doing that I will use the UV resin and put the pendant on a flat suffice on top of the tray in a nail curing box and pour UV resin over the back side of the pendant down the middle and use a toothpick to make sure it gets all the way to the sides. I will then cure it in the box 2 or 3 times 2 minutes and then if anything still sticks out I will add another layer until it is smooth. This works great. The nail curing box is a must with the UV resin. You just have to cure it in layers because if you fill up a mold it won't cure. I haven't used it with the UV resin you use but with another kind. But this also means that you can only use smaller molds like the mod podge ones. I have something I got from England where you get 7 small stick of this stuff and you put a stick in very hot water for a few minutes and then you can use it like clay for a while. You can then use any object you want and press it into this claylike stuff and make a mold that way. It will harden quickly and then you have your own mold. You can reuse this stuff anytime just by putting it in hot water again. In my country it's a challenge to get a good mold or even anything that you can get in other countries like resin. But thank you again for your video I will subscribe for more great tips:) Oh and by the way even though the 2 part resin is past it's shelf time and the hardener har turned tea color I can still use it and it's still transparent and only in some pieces it will have a light tea color but nothing dramatic. Just hate to throw anything out and use it for the practice:) Sorry about the very long comment:)
thx for the tips sweetheart.. i was having trouble with it..beautiful work..
thank you for those very helpful tips! I didn't know the one about dipping it! Also I thought the flowers have to be pressed. Thanks a lot :)
Well, I suspect you'd have a lot less trouble with air bubbles if the flowers were pressed. :-)
that's true. Maybe that's why people press them :)
You made a beautiful video! Very well done, and thank you for providing this info.
Thank you, it was very easy to understand. I will totally try it!
Happy creating, Gabriela!
These are really pretty. I think you can drill into those air bubbles and then add more resin to get rid of them. :o)
Good tip, thanks!
que trabalho linnnnndo vou fazer que aula maravilhosa Parabéns vídeo top
I have had some trouble with some flowers losing color also. I have heard that drying them before adding them to resin helps retain the color but I have not tried it myself. Also drying supposedly helps with less air bubbles but again... I don't have enough patience usually to wait for the flowers to dry. :) - Heidi
Yes, I wondered if there would be any negative effects from not drying them. It's been about 4 weeks since I recorded this video and I checked the resin pieces today. They all seem fine and unchanged.
It is wiser to dry them first, some press, some use silica gel. I've just learned to use regular table salt to dry flowers. Use un- iodized and not sea salt. A lot of time, the color will change, between drying and resin. Last night, I was coloring my dried flowers with alcohol ink and came up with some beautiful colors. I love true blue and I will get that, thanks to the inks.
Those sound like great tips, thanks!
get a vegetable dryer. that should solve your patience problem. and also a dehumidifier really works well inside of a small room
Sounds like a good tip. It's now been over 2 months that I made mine and they all still look fine. The only problem was with a flower that didn't get completely encased in the resin. It has turned sticky. All the others look and feel great!
What a cool craft thanks for sharing your very kind.
You are welcome, happy creating!
i seen that you use a knife to clean edges. I am getting ready to do these just for gifts but im such a perfectionist. I was at Harbor Freight yesterday and i bought a bench grinder/polisher. it was $28 dollars and i used a 25% additional coupon so yea, im going to start doing this today lol i just did mt nails so im in the mood to craft!!! just a suggestion.
Yeah, I've been thinking I need to appropriate my husband's Dremel for sanding & polishing. The more I do, the more I want to do even better finishes. Happy creating!
. Leather pad with cerium oxide would work wonders.... I do stone in the same way
I've never seen anyone use fresh flowers. I don't mind small bubbles in these pieces too much, in my rose pieces they look like dew drops on the bloom 😊 That mold is not the best one as it is very matte and not shiny. With this mold I usually use the up side as the front as it is very shiny. I wonder how these fresh plants will do in there over time.
That's a good point about the mold! I don't do a lot of resin, so I hadn't really thought about it.
I think you can polish the mat side with fine sand paper too, to have a shinier finish
Great work I love it!
I like putting a marijuana leaf or nug in the middle and wearing it to work!
Its awsome having the little old ladies complimenting my necklaces not knowing its weed 🍀
Lol!
Black White 😂 proof it’s just a freakin plant
😂
Hi, thanks for the tutorial, really thorough. I want to get into making jewelry and art with resin, but I don't know much about it. Does the resin yellow over time?
Hi Andrea, I'm glad you like the tutorial. Thank you for the kind words! I'm not a resin expert, but I don't think the Magic Glos type of resin yellows over time. Some other types might, but I'm not certain as I don't use them.
Anyone else with knowledge on this?
Keepsake Crafts by Sandy Huntress thank you for replying! Good to know! Hopefully I'll be able to try my hand at this soon
That weed is henbit, a close relative of purple deadnettle. Neither are poisonous, and the flowers are delicious. They are members of the mint family.
Thanks for sharing that info!
You're a great teacher
Thank you so much for the very kind comment, Dianna!
"to keep dust or cat hair out" 😂 seriously, I do love this though.
I have more cat hair around than dust. ha ha. Waiting to get my resin in, hopefully today. Never used it, but I want to try it on ceramic coasters.
Hi there my fingers skipped some letters ok I should've said brushing a light coating of decoupage, mod podge on your fresh or dry flours . Lots of luck cynthia from reno nv.
Thanks for the tip, Cynthia!
Thank you very much. I remember once I picked my own flowers and put them in my resin but the color changed after a while. What do you recommend me?
It will vary from flower to flower, you just have to experiment.
That means that not all flowers will change color when put in resin?
@@FreeAsAButterfly Right
Belo trabalho, o que fazer para que a resina não tire a cor original das flores
adorei! maravilhoso... ganhou uma inscrita no seu canal. bjs
Thank you! :-)
I like your video and try using m pod a nice light layer will protect your work.
What's "m pod"?
Where can I find these resins... I really want them
You can find them here, Alka: amzn.to/2pb0TKi I'd recommend getting the 6 oz. bottle if you are going to do a lot.
Use a cross hatch nail file to remove extra resin on pieces gives a smooth finish, and dry the plants or they will turn inside the resin going nasty.
Thanks for the tip on filing, Katarina. As for drying the plants first... it's been 18 months and the plants look just them same as the day I made them. Check out the comments for some lively discussion on this topic! :-)
The Magic Glos is far more expensive than I expected. Approximately how many pendants can you make with a 6 ounce bottle? Thanks!
Thank you very nice job ...
I loved this tutorial ! best one i've seen. I was wondering, after you dip the flower in (to get bubbles out) you said to wait 10 - 15 minutes then put in the sun.... after this part do you add abit more resin in ? or is dipping the flower in resin and putting it in the mold enough ? i hope this question makes sense.... basically do i add more resin after dipping it in and putting in the mold? Thanks so much!
Yes, you would need to add more resin in order to fill the mold.
Hello, I have a question and maybe you can answer me. I've been making some resin parts .. I tried with some green flowers / foliage. All were yellowing .. would you know any technique to '' keep '' their original color?
it is the first video for me to see on your channel and I subscribed
Thank you, Ana! I'm so glad you like my videos. :-)
Hello, I'd like to know if we have to use an hardener as we usually see in the tutos? I never did it but I'd like to start.. How long do we have to wait for the first coat to dry?
Hi Nancy, If you use UV resin like I did, you don't need a hardener. If you use another type of resin you'll need to very carefully follow the directions.
this was great, thank you!! real quick: do you recommend dipping even if the flowers are pressed flat for a few weeks? Can bubbles still form with them being flat? thank you :)
That's a good question, Channy! I would think you would have a lot less chance of bubbles forming on flowers that have been pressed flat. Since I was using flowers that were whole and three dimensional I wanted the resin to fill in the spaces where bubbles would likely form. It would be interesting if you experimented with and without dipping in resin first to see if there's any difference in the amount of bubbles that form.
Can you use acrylic paint or coloured powders in this resin? Thanks. Your pendants are beautiful.
Thank you for the nice comment. :-) That's a great question, Valleria! You really have to do the research regarding your particular brand of resin. I think the Magic Glos is one of the easier ones to work with, but you should still experiment on small pieces. Many of the other brands, the ones with two-parts or catalysts, can be more finicky about having things added in to them and may not cure properly if there's an unexpected chemical reaction.
Hi love them! Sorry to ask how do you do the wholes to make pendants n necklaces?🤔
You can drill the holes with a 1/16-inch drill bit, like this one: amzn.to/2wLlhHg. Be sure to make a starter hole with an awl, then take your time drilling through. Since the pendants are clear, the hole will show through and will appear white, so plan your placement accordingly.
Did you not watch the video???
I wonder if you could use nail polish to make a cool water marble
Wow, that's an interesting idea! I do wonder how compatible they'd be in the long run. Some folks advocate using nail polish on polymer clay, but over time it turns sticky.
I believe you can mix the resin with coloring ink like colorex. To be tested, because I'm not sure
So I fallow a page on I.G. who also has a youtube. She uses alcohol ink from the craft store to drop into the resin and you do it just like water marble, when doing nails. It looks so good. I think you can find her if you look up "resin coasters" she makes coasters from Petri dishes. Its amazing
so it has to be direct sunlight do you have a link where to get one from Sandy do you have the light to? just wondering about the cost for the light and the resin
There is a link to my blog post with the supply list in the description box, in the annotations on the video and in the video cards (click the "i" in the upper right of the video.)
Your voice is so soothing. Also, does this come out hard or soft?
Thank you for the nice comment, Olivia. The resin pieces are hard once cured.
Why would they be soft???
is there any substitute for resin? i can't find some here in the philippines
The pretty little [purple] flowers are creeping charlie, a common weed in the mint family believed to have medicinal benefits.
Thank you! :-)
I did not know the name of this plant for my entire life even if it covered my entire garden.
If you live somewhere dark what would you recommend instead of sunlight? If it's a UV lamp, how big? I know you can buy the mini ones used by salons to dry nail polish. Thanks!
Jess Wrong Jess, since I haven't bought one myself I'm hesitant to recommend anything. You could try looking at Amazon and at the reviews, but most of the reviews are for using those UV lights with nails, not polymer clay. If I ever do get a light of my own I'll be sure to add it to my recommendations list!
Hi there.. when there is no sun, I also use a UV lamp.. I bought a cheap light that is used to test whether money (notes) are real. Has a purplish light. Works very well.
You can also use Dan's paper too smooth the edges
Sand paper, lol not Dan paper...
dove posso acquistare quel prodotto? posso usare la resina bicomponent?
how long does it take to cure in the sun? and can u use a gel nail uv light? lovey idea
You can use any UV light. It takes about 10 minutes, but be sure to read the instructions on the resin you have.
hi,
I would like to make a fishing fly paper wait .
can you advice the best way to do it.
Also where do I purchase the materials.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Giuliano
You'd first need to find or make a mold for the shape. Then add the resin in layers so your fishing fly won't fall to the bottom. There's a link in the description box to go to my blog where I have links to supplies.
thanks, will check it out.
A got a similar mold and it was written on the packet that an unmolding agent is needed. What do you think?
Ifiyenia Spiliotopoulou You know, I think I forgot to use the mold release several times, but never had any problem. Perhaps it was because I was using UV resin and not the other type?
Keepsake Crafts by Sandy Huntress Thanks.
If I wanted to add colour to the resin, could I just use dye? Very informative video by the way! :)
Camille, I don't do much coloring of resins, but I believe only certain things will work. You'll want to do your research on that or your resin may not cure.
I wish you would've showed the front of resin bottle..what was the name of it again?
You'll find supply links in the description box.
I noticed that when you were showing the results, that the side that's supposed to be the front is a little fuzzy/blurry/not clear. but the back side is almost like glass. are there other options or methods so that the front side will stay clear ?
I think it was the mold I used that made one side slightly frosted. I'm not an expert on resin, so you might check out www.resinobsession.com. She has LOTS of answers. :-)
I have the same mold, and it's just not as clear as other molds I have. It's some frosting effect, or the material. I find the molds provided by Little Windows yield better results
Good to know, Jay, thanks for sharing!
Where can I get those supplies that the things you used? Please?
Links to the supplies are at my blog post, linked in the description box and in the video cards ("i" in the upper right of the video.)
does that resin have to be in direct sunlight I was thinking about the winter time
I've used it in winter, you just need a sunny day.
Or a UV light
try pre drying your flowers in a low light situation. it got bleached in the sun when it ejected the moisture
I will do that, thanks for the tip!
david lahey was
These look like fresh, un-dried flowers.... I read that dried flowers MUST be used?
Your thoughts.... Thank You!
Mariska, this is an interesting issue which keeps coming up! First of all, I suggest you read the comments on this video as many are quite helpful.
It's been over a year since I made these pieces and they all look just the same as the day I made them. The only problems are with those I did not completely encase in resin. They are now a bit sticky at the points where the plant material is not enclosed.
Thank you for your reply!
You can't put real flowers with an epoxy resin should be dried, otherwise they will rot in the finished product
It's interesting that several folks have said that, but it's been over 6 months since I encased the fresh flowers and they have not changed at all. I think perhaps sealing them off completely from air is what is preserving them.
it's impossible. air bubbles in any case remain between the leaves and flowers. And to show how they look now products.
I'll have to do a follow up video and show everyone how they look now. :-)
Keepsake Crafts by Sandy Huntress
Everyone's an "expert" and has an opinion on something, but guess what? I did the same thing with many different non-dried/pressed items (some were the changing leaves in autumn- gorgeous!) and they turned out amazing *and have stayed that way*. I think it's worth trying because if it does stay beautiful inside the resin then it is well worth it. I'm ecstatic about what I was able to preserve. People with pushy opinions can buzz off:)
I think it depends of the brand (the ingredients) of the resin you used.
Because I used epoxy resin and put flowers into it and it was terrible, and the flowers died in the resin (they become green or brown) and it is really ugly.
Rusalina is not wrong epoxy resin doesn't work for flower unless they are dried.
But you didn't use epoxy, so you are also not wrong :)
So... nobody is wrong actually.
" this is just GRASS " lol
Lol! 😂😂
I hope youu dont me asking where youu got your wonderful mold from? :D
I believe I got the mold at A.C. Moore. They have a section with resin supplies right next to the polymer clay supplies.
Best video!
How kind of you to say so, Ali. Happy creating!
Where can I find these resin and mould
Salam dari Indonesia. Thank.....
Very Nice.
I tried using the leaves and flowers that had just been picked into the resin, but the results were like burning or blister ... why?
What kind of resin did you use, Angga? I used UV resin for my pendants.
I was wondering can you give me the brand and name of the resin you used.
All that information is always in the blog post which you can link to from the description box or the link in the upper right of the video. Happy creating!
What do you do if it's not sunny out? Can they still harden if they're in overcast light?
It depends, Gemma. I've found that it seems to take a bit longer when it is overcast. If it's really overcast I usually don't even try, just cover it and save for another day. You can check to see if your resin is cured by dropping a bit of the resin onto the tile or a scrap of paper and put it out at the same time as your project. Then you can touch the extra and not risk marring your project to check to see if it's done.
I have a two part epoxy called Amazing Clear Cast, not sure if that matters. I looked yours up online and it's much more expensive than mine so I assume it's better. Mine are taking a while (this is my first time) so I was thinking of speeding up the process with a hair dryer on low. Will that work?
I don't believe heat is what cures resin, it's a chemical reaction. So, no, I'm pretty sure a hair dryer won't help.
The brand of resin you have gets good reviews, but you have to be rather precise in your measurements and stirring or it won't work. This is the main reason I pay the extra for UV resin!
I'd recommend checking out the Resin Obsession channel, she has lots of basics videos that I think you'll find helpful. ruclips.net/user/ResinObsessionvideos
Have to disagree
I love the bubbles, even on nature Crystals have bubbles, and imperfect ions that make them unique..
I genuinely think the flowers would need to be dried before setting in resin, even if they appear to keep their colour at first. There has to be moisture trapped inside, and that would seep around the flower and destroy it over time. Objects encased in resin generally need to be inert.
I know, you would think so! And yet every time someone makes a comment such as yours I pull out those pieces and check them. They look exactly the same today as they did when I first made them 10 months ago.
Perhaps certain colours will keep, like the yellow, because it's an "earthy" colour, whereas vivid blues and purples tend not to. Which coincidentally explains why artists ages ago needed to grind semi precious stones to get those colour paints.
Interesting thoughts! I'm glad we don't have to find our own pigments these days, lol.
Me gustaría aprender hacer cada una de las piezas porque quiero hacerlo como mi negocio, pero hay un gran problema estoy en Mexico y no sé ingles y, todo es en ingles. Hay alguna solución?
I believe you can have the captions translated for you. Click on the "CC" at the bottom of the video and look at the options. Hope this helps!
Aprender inglês...ademas es util para muchas otras situaciones
why my fresh flowers change the collor informacija resin?
thank you 😆
they are pretty now but from experience they will rot inside the resin. it will take a few weeks maybe a month but they will turn brown. that's why people who sell these online use pressed flowers the flowers can't have any moisture left in them.
Hi Indy, thanks for your input! I wondered if that would happen, but it's been 5 months since I did this project and they still look just the same as the day they were preserved. I'll certainly keep checking and report if I see any changes, but so far so good. :-)
Is it perhaps that the resin seals the flowers away from air, which would contribute to them decomposing?
Would cristallized tree sap stain the resin?
Well, that's an interesting question! Honestly, I have no idea. I would suggest you try a small test before committing to a larger piece.
where can i get that drill equipment in india?
Asha, it's a drill bit that fits into a regular power drill, so perhaps your local hardware store? Wherever they sell power drills I would think you could get the the drill bit.
Can anyone tell me if you can cast resin in a plaster mold? The kinds of molds that you cast ceramic pieces
Willie, I haven't tried this. If you experiment, let us know how it turns out!
If I have a deep mold then can I use resin to preserve a rose 🌹
Ooooo, that sounds lovely! Did you dry it first?
Now *_that_* would be pretty!
It is better to use sandpaper instead of using a carving knife to fix the edges.
It might work for some applications, Saul. I avoided it because I thought the scuffing would create more problems than it would solve. I'm sure folks who are better at sanding than I am would be able to make it work!
hello can you use clear gel tacky glue to make Pendants
Well, you could try but I'm not sure how it would come out. Glue usually doesn't dry as clear as resin, plus you might have trouble with bubbles. I'm also not sure how hard it would be once set up. But, like I always say, you should experiment! Who knows, you might just come up with the next cool thing. :-)
please, can you tell me whats the reason to set this in sunlight?
And why use uv resin, if it is not Uv resin then what will happen when we take it in the sunlight?
UV resin is one of the types of resin that sets in sunlight or under a UV light. Other resins require careful mixing of two different components which can be tricky to get right. If you do it right those resins set because of a chemical reaction and don't need sunlight. (Sunlight doesn't effect them in any way.)
I like to use UV resin because I think it's easier not to have to do the careful mixing.
oh thank you so much for information, you are really great :)
amna rashid Two part resins also can be dangerous, as they often create heat and fumes.
You DO have to be careful, as the fumes are rather nasty. Always be sure to read and follow all the safety information!
That's another reason I prefer the Magic Glos UV resin. Although it's not non-toxic in the least, it's not quite as tricky or hazardous as the 2-part types of resin.
hi .Please tell me What can liquid of Use?
I have a complete supply list here: keepsakecrafts.net/blog/2016/07/11/natures-treasures-resin-pendant-jewelry-tutorial/
Where can I buy all the materials?
There are supply links at my blog post, which you can link from the description box or the "i" in the upper right of the video.
the flowers will not wither and turn brown?
Nope, they are preserved in the resin.
Are fresh the flowers?.
The flowers I use are fresh, but you might want to read the comments below, as there's been some discussion about the advisability of drying your flowers first.
i wanted to try my first piece tonight but i did not know that it requires sun light, and theres been no sun for weeks since its winter.
That's a bummer, Reece! If you have limited sunlight, or want to work at night, I'd suggest getting a UV lamp like this one: amzn.to/2ET3ArA
I've been happy with it and plan to do a review video soon.
@@SandyHuntress thank you :)
I love it, where I can buy Resin?
Click on the link in the description box to go to my blog post, there I have links to supplies.
Keepsake Crafts - Sandy
Huntress
Try using a lighter to heat the resin and pop air bubbles.
Thanks, Tamara, that is a great tip, and it really does work! I forgot to mention it in the video.