DIY: Resin Jewellery 3

I can't stop! this stuff is addictive...but I promise this is the last..for awhile anyway. Though this one I'm really happy with. I have freakishly small wrist but I love chunky bangles. They are a must on beachy holiday, the way they make clanking sound as you walk. But sadly they don't make them small enough, there are child's size bracelet available but..that's just not cool. Can't wait to wear it on holiday x

Marble effect - made by adding white powder to make the resin cloudy and stir in metallic flakes.

Time piece - Half layer of clear resin embedded with watch pieces and gems. Other half ombre in pink and orange.

Beach - Bottom layer of assorted metallic. All clear resin embedded with miniature figures and infused slightly with blue ink. 

Fluro floral - Clear layer of resin and infused neon pink layer then resin roses beads.

Note: All my hand made resin are filed down with sand paper to avoid sharp edges. Make sure the sand paper is wet as it is unhealthy to inhale powdered resin. Then give the sanded side a coat of clear nail polish to restore the shine.

DIY: Resin Jewellery 2

Following the last test run here is another try. Because the mould are pebble shapes I decided, how about a beach theme? Using small Layout People Figures...they are so tiny and cute...with assorted golden beads to replicate sand. Now I have a set of jewellery inhabited with sand people..so weird...but I love them!

Colour can be used in resin to create many interesting effect. You can use liquid or powder form dye and they come in both translucent and opaque. I have experiment with a few liquid type like fabric and acrylic dye which are both translucent. The powder ones on the image above are opaque dyes and I'm excited to try them because they are so vibrant and against clear resin would give it a solid contrast.

Step: 1 Mix small amount of resin with no colour and pour into an empty mould. Only fill each 1/2 way up. Set a timer for 20 minutes.

Step: 2 Come back to check. The desired state of resin is most link gel consistency, I test it with a toothpick if it sticks a little its ready. Arrange the pieces of figurines and beads where you want baring in mind the front will be facing down. Push them in slightly and leave to set for another 10 minute. This process is to set things where they should be and not move around when you add the next layer of resin  

Step: 3 Mix some clear resin first in two separate cups. Add blue powder to one cup and yellow to another. The amount depend on how strong and opaque you want so start small and keep adding. Make sure to mix well otherwise they will show up in spots of colour.

Step: 4 Pouring from opposite sides of each mould simultaneously the two colours and let them set. The colour will seep into each other while setting to give it a subtle blend.

And what I did next...

Drill a whole for necklace

Glue it to hair band

Glue onto rings and hair clips

DIY: Resin Jewellery

So I have been busy this week making some resin stuff! I use resin before for other projects and it is a useful medium to experiment with as it sets crystal clear. Somehow you will never get the same effect twice which make each piece an original(ish). Resin is quite toxic and messy so make sure you work in a well ventilated area and wear gloves at all times. You can get resin form many craft shops or even hardware shops. I would recommend ones especially for making jewellery as they are UV resistant (they don't turn yellow over time). They are many effects you can achieve all you need is good timing as they set you can use this to make layers and depth.  Resin Obsession has a lot of information if you like to learn more. So here is my test run.

You will need:

Clear casting resin and catalyst

(make sure it says clear as they come in different types according to use)

Syringe for measuring catalyst

Disposable cups

Mixing sticks

Toothpicks

Jewellery moulds
Small beads and found objects

So I use about 125ml of resin to 8 drops of catalyst and mix well in a cup careful not to stir vigorously as this will cause bubbles in the resin. This is a common problem but most bubbles will rise though some do get trap so make sure you pour gently into the mould and use tooth pick to move around trap air. This takes about 30 minute to set. Setting time depends on amount of resin, catalyst, mould type and temperature. I leave it to set in room temperature and wait for 12 hours and it is ready to de-mould. Test it by touching on the surface lightly if it leaves finger print its not ready yet. Leave to cure for about a week to get rid of the resin smell and its ready to rock! 

Results...

Beads, hundred and thousands, watch parts and crystals imbedded in resin. I made it into hair clips and earrings. I think they will also look good as buttons.

DIY: Lace Transparent Clutch

 As people may have figured out that I have a thing for transparent things...like perspex, resin, pvc shoes etc. So this clutch idea was the inevitable next step. My idea came from Simone Rocha's collection that I have blogged about in the past here. Through research I found two blogs that gave great tutorial on how to DIY their transparent clutch. The first is Monoxious, this one is fast, easy and effortless. There is absolutely NO sewing required. The second one is a pair & a spare, you will need more tools for this but they have template which is handy.

Samira Boon “Furoshiki Shiki” Clutch

pinterest.com/dpluskharisma/

apair-andaspare.blogspot.co.uk

And now my version of the transparent clutch. I decide to do a lace trap to make it a bit more unique. You can use any type of colour or patten you like to make it your own. Where you place the lace is also up to you. 

You will need:

Scalpel knife
Ruler
Cutting mat
Clear PVC
Lace trim
Press studs buttons
Sewing machine
Glue or spray mount

First wipe the PVC clean of dust as this will make it easier to work with. Measure out the desired size of your clutch. I use an existing one to model, measure four folds of the length of the clutch like the image above. Leave an inch or two on the sides for sewing. Cut the PVC with scalpel and ruler on the cutting mat.

Then cut 1/4 of the PVC length and keep separate. The separate piece will be the front flap of the clutch. Cut the lace and place exactly how you want on the clutch and stick them in place with spray mount. Then to the sewing machine we go! Sew the separate piece to 1/3 of the rest of the material. Then lace trap inside sew up all four sides and you front flap is done.

Flip the clutch over (so the previously seperate piece is facing down) and fold the other end to meet in the middle, the fold will be bottom of the clutch. Sew the two sides and you have a clutch! I finish off with press studs button that I tried to glue but it wasn't secure enough so I sew it on instead. Bamm!

DIY: Perspex Necklace

Hi guys. It's been awhile, hope you are all doing well. As awesome as the Olympic was I for one am looking forward to things turning back to normalcy. Just got back from holiday!! Mexico was fun and met some really great people but now back to the nitty gritty...well...this is actually a really cool project I have been waiting to upload.

Walking pass Kibiri I saw a perspex and silver necklace sitting pretty in the cabinet window. The necklace was by Cabinet. Cabinet is the creation of Gemma Critchley and Zara Braganca, takes pride in working with highly skilled trade’s people in Britain. This piece stood out to me. I love the contrast of precious materials with sharp perspex giving it an exciting modern twist.

indtl.com/street-style/

So I then went home and draw out some shapes on Illustrator and send the files to a laser cut place in east London. Weeks later I finally got them back. So I guess this is half DIY? If only I have a laser cut machine in my basement...probably bridging all the heath and safely rules.

You will only need two jump rings as I already added all the holes I need in all my pieces. The perspex is blue on the edges (adds a cool glow).

With my trusty industrial glue I attached some found gems onto the perspex. Careful not to put too much on.

Wait for the glue to dry and its done. You can wipe it with a cloth to get rid of dust and maybe sand down the edges to avoid poking yourself when wearing it. This piece can be paired with a plain shirt or dress as they will stand out more. I also made a few in different colours.

 

DIY: Geode Jewellery

Hi everyone! Sorry I have been absent in the blog world for a while. I have been busy make some new things etc. I have been meaning to update this post for a while now so here it is. This DIY is so easy and fast. l love geode rocks as they are rough but sparkly and close up looks like stalactites caves. I glued on the miniature people I had left from my resin project on the inside. Turn the rock face down and spray paint  it gold (as the colour of the natural rock looks a bit like molds) wait for the paint to dry and stick on a blank ring base. I did the same with the necklace in stead of the ring I attach a jump ring on top of the rock and loop chain through.

 

 

 

DIY: Embellished Tights

 

Tights are my go-to staple in winter but nude tights I think are great for warmer weather also. For some people that don't want to go completely bare legs  they are great to covering up without being covered up. I got these assorted plastic pearls on eBay, they have nice pastel colours and many different shapes. Tights are a delicate material and extremely elastic so sew with care. I find them easiest to sew while I have them on as it stretches nicely though a few prickling is unavoidable. If the tights are new you can keep the rectangle cardboard on and sew with that. Embellishments can be done on opaque, sheer, coloured or pattern tights to get different effects. I use nude so that the pearls stand out more.

*Also not a good idea to work on your bed...beads everywhere! ...but I like to be comfy

DIY: Pearls Studded Shirt

 

The denim shirt is from American apparel. It is a nice khaki that gives it a utilitarian vibe different form the usual denim shirts I have. I bleached the top half slightly to reveal a slight brown undertone.  I think this will make a good base for where I want to add the pearls.

I use bigger size pearls on top and scatter them down to smaller sizes. You will want to mark where you want the pearls.  I like them to look more random than equally spaced. Each beads are applied individually as the spaces are too far apart so make sure you make a very secure knot on each one.
I don't have many selection of coloured thread otherwise I would use the same colour as the shirt...so light gray will have to do for this.