Tutorials
How to Color Block with 2-Part Resin Tutorial + Video
Learn how to create a color blocked piece like these samples.
Learn How with this Tutorial!
This written tutorial walks you through the pendants that I created in the video shown below.
Materials Need:
Open Frame Large Hexagon Single Loop-Antique Copper
Open Frame Mini Hexagon Single Loop-Antique Silver
Nunn Design 2-Part Resin
Castin’ Craft Opaque Pigment-Black
Castin’ Craft Opaque Pigment-White
Other Supplies:
Flush Cutters
Packing Tape
Extra Mixing Cups
Stir Stick & Toothpicks
Scissors
Business Cards
Step 1:
Cut a small piece of thick packing tape and apply it to the back of the Open Frame Large Pendant Hexagon. Press firmly onto the Open Frame Pendant and rub it against the hard table surface, burnishing the frame to the tape by rubbing it back and forth on your work surface. This solid connection between the tape and the frame will prevent resin from seeping out. Trim around the packing tape to remove any excess. The tape is sticky and can easily disturb wet resin, so best to minimize any chance of that happening.
Step 2:
Using your flush cutters, cut off the loop of the Open Frame Mini Hexagon Single Loop-Antique Silver and place it in the center of the Open Frame Large Pendant Hexagon and burnish it to the tape as well.
Step 3:
Read the resin instructions for safety concerns regarding the Nunn Design Resin.
When I work with resin, I always:
- Place a large plastic bag over my work surface and tape it down.
- I make sure I have ventilation in my workroom.
- I wear gloves.
- I wear glasses (readers because I can’t see anymore. Plus it protects my eyes!).
- I have a pile of wet wipes handy.
- This is a great blog post that covers 20 Habits for Successfully Using Nunn Design 2-Part Epoxy Resin. Even if you are a seasoned resin mixer, this might be worth a read.
- You can also watch this great video on How to Mix Nunn Design Resin
Step 4:
Mix your resin. Place one cup (included in the Nunn Design Resin Kit) onto your table. For curing purposes, it is very important that the resin be an exact 1 to 1 ratio of Part A and Part B. I suggest getting your eyes level with the resin so you can see the lines on the measuring cup. Pour Part A of your resin kit up to the ½ fluid ounce mark on your measuring cup. Pour Part B of your resin kit into the same cup until it is filled to the 1 fluid ounce mark.
Step 5:
Set your timer for 2 minutes. Using the stir stick from your kit (a popsicle stick or coffee stir stick will work great too), slowly and carefully stir your resin scraping the sides as you stir. Stir for a minimum of 2 minutes. If your resin is still cloudy continue to mix until clear. After mixing is complete and your resin is clear, scrape both sides of your stir stick on the edge of your resin filled cup. Set the mixture under a warm lamp for 5 minutes. This aids the air bubbles in the resin to rise to the surface and pop.
Step 6:
After your resin has been under the lamp for 5 minutes, pour a small amount of the mixed resin into two measuring cups. Add in a couple drops of the Castin’ Craft Opaque Pigment-Black to give the resin color in one of the cups and the Castin’ Craft Opaque Pigment-White into the other. If the resin isn’t as opaque as you would like, add in another drop of the Opaque Pigment. You can mix the full 1 fluid ounce measuring cup of resin if you want, but I transfer the resin into smaller cups because it is easier to stir and less messy to move around when less full.
Tip: Be sure that the colorant does not equal more than 10% of your resin as having more than 10% could cause issues with curing!
Step 7:
Once you are satisfied with the color, place your Open Frame Pendant with the taped back onto a business card. This will help you move the piece around without the risk of disturbing the wet resin. Use your stir stick to drizzle your colorized white resin into the Open Frame Mini Hexagon Pendant, drizzling just a small amount very slowly. You will want only enough to completely fill the lip of your pendant creating a solid looking surface. Use your toothpick to move the resin around if it isn’t flowing over to the edges.
Step 8:
With the black resin, fill the Open Frame Large Hexagon. Take your time and apply the resin slowly, using a toothpick to move the resin around if you need. Fill until the resin is level with the side edges, but not domed. We don’t want to risk the black bleeding over into the white.
Step 9:
Let your Open Framed Pendant cure overnight or until hard to the touch. I like to place a dish or a plastic cup over the drying resin to prevent dust or animal fur from adding to my design.
Step 10:
Once your resin is cured, remove the packing tape. If there is tape residue you can rub it off using a wet wipe – if the residue is too sticky you may use something like Goo Be Gone to remove the residue.
Step 11:
If you have resin that has seeped out you may use a pair of scissors to trim away the excess resin – be sure the resin is fully cured!
Download the Tutorial!
Watch the Video!
[youtube]https://youtu.be/bn5OPjNQ-pU[/youtube]If you would learn better from watching me create this technique, here you go!
Shop the Supplies!
Be Inspired!
Here are some other samples of using other techniques within the Open Frame Pendants.
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