Last week at my University course, was the resin jewellery setting.  I left with mixed feelings.  I had looked forward to practicing it and had dozens of ideas of what I wanted to do.  So much so that I'd spent my week earlier making silver settings and creating images to be set inside these settings. 

My overriding feeling was that it was an awful lot of 'fuss' and mess and time to create something beautiful.  Initially the settings need to be clean, gloves worn and images sprayed with hairspray (and dried) and then using expoxy glue stuck to the setting.  The resin and hardener need to be mixed and stirred adequately and air bubbles avoided.  Then the mixture has to be poured.  It's such a sticky mixture that I seemed to get it everywhere and as the scales weren't working properly it was pure guesswork whether I'd mixed them accurately.

Clearly when I arrived to see my items (which had to be left to dry for 24 hours) - I hadn't guessed correctly as only one of mine had set!  Maybe this is something that I will try again in my studio - one day, but for now I've decided it's not for me.

On a positive note, I have fallen in love with the process of what can be achieved with hand dyed anodised aluminium and mixing it with the silver.  Although there are elements which are frustrating because of not being able to solder components together, I have been developing my new range.  The heart earrings above are an example of a pair of earrings which will be launched soon.  These ones I have kept for myself - and am currently wearing.... as I decided that they went with my top, but there will be plenty more to choose from - including pendants, stud earrings and charms - so keep watching this space and the 'what's new' section of my website as the range will be launched before the end of April.

I'd be interested to hear comments on how other people have found working with resin.

Lesley x

This week I thought I'd share a little insight into working with resin and just what can be achieved with it.  The possibilities are enormous!

It's possible to have coloured or clear resin, so the jewellery can be vibrant or clear with items or keepsakes inside the setting.  For anyone who's not a silversmith and can't make their own, then you can buy silver or plated settings.  Specialist companies offer a range and the resin. 

Accuracy to temperature and weight is the key with resin.  The resin and the hardener must be mixed with 2 parts resin, 1 part hardener and if the mix is not exact, then the resin won't set. Likewise if working in temperatures below 18 degrees, so if you work in an area where it's likely the temperature will drop below this overnight - bring the settings into a warmer area as they need to set for 24 hours.

Here's an example of a coloured necklace:

As you can see from this image, the resin needs a vessel for it to be captured as it's a liquid before it finally sets; albeit a 'sticky' liquid.  Being sticky, it has a tendency to get everywhere!  So a simple wet wipe will clean the setting from any excess dripped on the outside.  Mix the resin and hardener slowly in a small pot for at least a minute before using and avoid air bubbles being created because this will affect the finished product.  If air bubbles are present - pop them with a cocktail stick and resume mixing - very slowly.

To incorporate items within the resin - they have to be dry.  Paper will also need a protective coating.  Spray it with hairspray on both sides and allow to dry.  Then it needs to be glued wtih epoxy resin (again the importance of getting the correct measurements of 50/50 cannot be underestimated) - to the item it is being set in.   Give at least 5 minutes for the glue to set and then the resin can be poured on. 

Although it's wonderful what effects can be achieved - this is a long process, but looking at this example of a ring with an image encapsulated within - it certainly sets the imagination running doesn't it?