Having been a lab tech for most of my working life I have a real appreciation for science and the way experiments can make you think. Recently I was helping out at my old workplace and came across an article about resin casting - and this was followed up with an email discussion with Mo Manning about me trying to cast some of her gorgeous Christmas images into resin like the bugs and "other things" that are lying around the lab.I chose Mo's adorable Christmas elves - Lil Elf Pipa and Lil Elf Mim to create some resin ornaments for my Christmas tree. I found the casting resin at my local hardware store - and you need to get some catalyst too. And here's a word of warning - this stuff may look great but it's pretty smelly and ate through the 3 layers of plastic cup we mixed it in - so TAKE CARE!!! Before cutting my images out I backed them with some Christmas DP to hide the ink splotches on the back. You also need to seal your images with a couple of coats of matt mod podge on both sides before casting. I added some star dust stickles to the elves after sealing for some Christmas bling!
For a mould I found some oversized silicon muffin pans - you can see the ridges on the side from the pans so be aware of the patterns if you're looking for moulds. I also had to get my moulds before printing off my images so I'd know how big I could make them! Luckily I placed my images face up as the silicon had a slight texture to the surface making the end result look like frosted glass. I also have a couple of fingerprints in the surface of one thanx to he who shall remain nameless touching one too early. They take a good 48hours plus to dry! And DON'T cast on a rainy or humid day as your resin may end up cloudy! I also think I could have made these a bit thinner but it looked like the images were floating up to the surface and we wanted them embedded - in fact we did push them down with a stick a couple of times - live and learn!
Once done I simply hot glued on some gold cord, a bow and a little flower (to cover the glue) and there you go - 2 glass like Mo Manning original Christmas ornaments! FYI this are about 3"(7.5cm) in diameter across the top.
Copics used as pictured plus skintones E08, E00, E000, R20, R11. Ciaos in picture are YR23, R37, R35, R32xXx
29 comments:
Wow! Looks awesome!
Wow Debbie! Thats super adventurous but it came out good! What a cool idea. I don't do Xmas but I think they would make really awesome window decorations, they'd catch the light and all. I'm gonna have to bookmark this one! (In the meantime I'll have to wait til our new Lowes Hardware is finished being built. The tornado in April destroyed the present one.)TFS!
I am blown out my sock Debbie, this is a fantastic idea, tomorrow morning i am off to the hardware to see where i can get resin, you are a genius, hope you wont mind us humble bloggers using your fabulous idea, PHENOMENAL!!
smiles
Paola
You are one smart little cookie Deb, these are absolutely GORGEOUS and a FABULOUS idea!
xo
This is a great idea!!! Thanks so much for sharing your tips and tricks!
These would be great to make as gifts for the grandkids each year as a keepsake ornament. Yours are beautiful.
Wow, Debbie!!! These came out FANTASTIC!! I think you could also flip a second image horizontally, color them and paste them back to back to hide ink splotches as well as have then having the image on both sides!
xoMo
How clever now that is an awesome project...LOVE it Debbie so glad I came by!
Wow Debbie,this is awesome!
Hugs Heidy
OMG these are gorgeous, what a great idea.
hugs
Sue xo
Just picking myself up off the floor! They are just amazing, thank you so much for sharing such a fab idea.
Jane
Woww this is soooo gorgeous Debbie! Looks great!
Hugs Kristel
Lots of 'WOW!' comments and I can see why!! These are amazing, very clever idea...wayyyy too much effort for me, I'd probably melt the worktop or cause an explosion so I'll leave this one to you... the Expert ! xxx
These are brilliant, Debbie! I may have to try this!
I knew you were the most clever girl ever!! Wow! What a great idea. This is so adorable and looks so professional! YOU GO GIRL!!!
Hope all is well with you!
Hugs, Dena
Hoi Debbie
Dit ziet er prachtig uit Debbie.
Echt super mooi.
Gr Leny Hempen
These are great Debbie!! ~jeni :)
OMG Debbie - your talents know no bounds!! What a fab idea - they look stunning and would cost a packet to buy from a store!!! I bow down in awe!! Hugs, Juliexx
Wow, what an amazing technique you used to create these beautiful oranments - they would make just wonderful Christmas gifts for your friends as well. Gorgeous!
Oh Debbie, this is so adorable! I wish I could make something so great. I have trouble using shrinky Dinks. lol... Great job. Are you going to make a ton for little Christmas gifts? Hugs, Lisa
You continue to amaze with your creativity and talent. These are exquisite, Deb...so clever! Xx
oh bugger, another thing for the "I totally have to try that one day list!" LOL!! Thanks for the fabulous idea Debbie, I love them, they are too cute :)
So Debs, are you going to try them again ??:)
Luvya
You never cease to amaze me, Debbie! You just have the most creative mind! These are stunning. Hugs xxaxx
Oh so amazing.....must be so much fun in your household. Love the images and the way you have coloured them too.
Very cool Deb, I think its a bit too complicated for me, but very coolxx
You have the patience of a saint and so uberly talented!! You're such an inpiring lady to copy ah er um I mean 'follow', yes follow! lol. they look amazing!!
Hugs, xoxo
I cannot really add much to what has already been lauded Debbie....WOW. I love these to bits. I guess they cld also make a funky and cute paperweight?? I can see these taking pride of place on the Pamment family tree. Dontcha just love it when science and creativity come together?? ooxx
Debbie, wow you are so creative, you are such an inspiration, they turned out amazing and I too can't wait to try these. Thanks for sharing. Hugs Jodie from Oz
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