YES! Very often people inquire when they see my resin for sale, “You made that?” Well of course I did… but what does that really mean? By now we have all watched countless YouTube tutorials, and tampered with our share of DIY projects from Michaels, but what actually goes into making a one of a kind resin sun catcher or wind chime? Let me share some of my process with you….
Epoxy resin or resin is a material that can be used for many different purposes and is created by mixing two components that are matched to each other. After the components have been mixed, not only heat is radiated, but the material is also converted from a liquid to a solid / cured state. At this state the epoxy can mimic many different materials, even glass and stone. The curing process can timelessly encapsulate anything that is mixed or poured within the resin. I seem to love the process of mixing, because like henna, resin must be mixed slowly and continuously following manufacturers’ instructions until the chemicals have bonded together, then the race begins for the “working time” - how long the resin will remain liquid before it begins to cure.
However before mixing the resin I have to have a plan. This plan requires some kind of mold or container to pour the resin on/into. I utilize many different surfaces when pouring resin, and prefer to make my flatter moldings with silicone caulk and pipe the shapes onto a smooth surface.
While the silicone dries, I collect my materials. I could be picking flowers to press to preserve in the glass- like substance, sea glass or crystals, or I could be coloring the liquid with powder pigments and alcohol inks.
As I plan my pour, I delegate cups and dyes to molds, flowers to some, and whatever else I choose to freeze in time. Each dye must be mixed into a smooth confection of color, well thought out as to how it will mingle with its neighbor. Intention and intuition combine as the pour happens ; expectation and reality solidify as it hardens. And then you patiently wait for the cure. It could take a day, or three. Heat, UV exposure and light are all factors that make the time vary.
Eventually the resin is hardened and is popped out of the mold and... It’s not perfect!!! It will require some gentle sanding on the edges, maybe a cut or some smoothing to get just the right balance….
Once the surfacing is complete, the engineering begins and holes must be drilled, copper is cut, beads are strung and edges are enameled. Lastly the chime is assembled and accessorized with painstaking care. The resin will be polished one more time before it is ready to hang. The labor of love and selection that goes into the pieces make each one original and attractive in its own way.
I hope you enjoy your Resincarnations as intentionally as they were made.
With Love,
Hasna
