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DIY Epoxy Resin Jewelry

Crafts, D.I.Y. Project, DIY Gifts, Fashion, Homemade Gifts, Jewelry, Style
By Emma Chapman

DIY Epoxy Resin Jewelry (via abeautifulmess.com)Tips for making epoxy resin jewelry Hey, friends, got a fun little jewelry DIY for you today. I’m no stranger to working with epoxy resin, you can see a coffee table project I created with this supply some time ago. But, every time I work with epoxy resin, I feel like I learn at least one new tip or trick. These jewelry sets were no exception. So, I’m excited to share not only how to make these, but also some tips for working with epoxy resin for any small project you might have planned in the future.

But first, here’s a few more looks at the jewelry I made. I created a few different sets that had earrings, necklaces, rings, and a few pins as well.

Sprinkle Epoxy Resin Jewelry How to make epoxy resin jewelry How to make epoxy resin rings Tips for making epoxy resin jewelryI think my favorites were the ones that contain jimmy style sprinkles—too fun. So here’s how to make your own.

SuppliesSupplies:
–silicone mold
–epoxy resin set (usually sold in craft store jewelry making sections)
-jewelry hardware
-sprinkles, glitter, confetti, etc.
-crazy glue
-needle nose pliers
-disposable cups and spoons
-toothpicks

I tried using googly eyes in some of my pieces, but I didn’t feel they turned out very well. In order to remove bubbles, you need to apply heat, which I’ll explain more later. But this was difficult with the googly eye pieces as the heat seemed like it would begin to melt or burn the plastic eyes (I would stop applying heat as soon as it smelled like it was burning). Getting the bubble out of the resin proved difficult, so those pieces had more bubbles and you just couldn’t see the eyes very well. If anyone else wants to give it a try, maybe you can find a trick that works better. But for me, I found that sprinkles, glitter, and confetti worked best in my pieces, so that’s what I’d recommend.

How to make epoxy jewelry at homeStep One: Plan and prepare your molds. Decide if you are making earrings or necklace pieces, etc. If you plan to fasten pieces together, you’ll need to add an eye pin. So bend and add those pieces to the molds first.

Step Two: Mix your epoxy resin. Follow the directions on the package. I tend to use my own disposable cups and spoons as I feel like they do not give you enough in most kits, or they are too small. Also keep in mind that if you are only making a few pieces, you won’t need a lot, so only mix what you need (or a little more) but save the rest for another project. Once mixed, the epoxy resin is only good to work with for about 20 minutes or so. Fill the molds about half way with the mixed resin.

Step Three: Add your items to the epoxy filled molds. Use toothpicks to push or move the items around so they are evenly spread and under the surface of the epoxy resin. It’s also good to wait a few minutes, and then check them again and move with a toothpick again if you notice the items settling all in one area. I noticed the sprinkles tended to do this.

Step Four: Use a heat gun or kitchen torch to apply some heat to the tops of each piece to remove bubbles. Be careful as you work, as you don’t want to apply too much heat all at once. You’ll be able to see the bubbles disappear from the surface as you move the heat over each piece. Wait a few minutes and repeat this step, and then another few minutes after that. More bubbles will rise to the surface in between these intervals, and your goal is to remove as many of them as you can. The bubbles will make your piece look cloudy otherwise.

Assemble jewelryStep Five: After the pieces are set (check your epoxy resin package, but probably sometime between 12-24 hours), remove them from the mold and assemble your jewelry. Use crazy glue to add pin or ring backs, or flat posts for earrings. Allow to dry before wearing.

DIY Epoxy Resin Jewelry (via abeautifulmess.com) I like making sets of the same pieces. I don’t know if I’ll wear them as sets all the time, but I think it’s kind of fun because jewelry like this is so kitschy, so why not? 🙂

DIY Epoxy Resin Jewelry (via abeautifulmess.com) If you are making this as a gift, you could add the pieces onto some simple DIY  card stock jewelry displays—bonus points if you use glitter card stock.

How to make epoxy resin jewelry And here’s a photo to prove I can, on occasion, actually look up at the camera. Ha! Anyway, thanks for letting me share! If you guys make any epoxy resin jewelry, be sure to use the tag #ABMcrafty because I WANNA SEE. xo. Emma

Credits // Author and Photography: Emma Chapman. Photos edited with the NEW A Beautiful Mess actions. 

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