Heavy-duty packing tape allows you to use resin with an open finding, like a hoop. The finding must have no openings around the edge, so a large jump ring would not work, as the resin will seep out of the break. The tape also needs to be completely sealed to the finding, so make sure you press and rub the finding down on the tape really well to seal it before adding the resin.
Skill level: Easy
Time: 15 minutes plus curing time
Supplies
♦ Disposable gloves
♦ 1 oz. (30ml) plastic measuring cup
♦ Disposable wooden stir stick
♦ Marker
♦ Two-part clear resin
♦ Protected work surface
♦ Wet wipes
♦ Metal hoops or other open findings
♦ Heavy-duty packing tape
♦ Butterflies printed on transparency paper
♦ Scissors
♦ Small drill bit (3/32"/2.4mm) and drill
♦ Jump rings
♦ Chain
♦ Lobster claw clasp
Gay Isber
1. Cut the butterflies, or whatever you’re using, to fit into the circles.
Gay Isber
2. Cut pieces of packing tape that are bigger than each circle. Press a circle onto each piece of tape really well. Using your fingertips, press and scoot the findings around on a solid surface to make sure the seals are secure.
Mike Mihalo
TIP:
I have two sizes of tape on my workbench, 2" (5cm) and 3" (7.5cm), to make sure I have the perfect coverage on whatever findings I use. Don’t try to double up the tape to fit a large finding—it won’t work.
Gay Isber
3. Add a little resin into each circle first so that both the back and the front of the butterfly will be covered in resin.
Gay Isber
4. Carefully place each butterfly cutout into a circle. Then pour a small amount of resin on top of each butterfly. Watch for leaks! If you have any, stop. Check for bubbles and pop any that you can. Then let it cure.
Gay Isber
5. Once everything has fully cured, gently remove the packing tape from the backs of the circles.
Gay Isber
6. If you need to remove any sticky adhesive left by the tape, use your favorite adhesive remover and a paper towel. Drill holes into each charm and link them together with large jump rings. Add to a necklace chain and finish with a lobster claw clasp.
VARIATIONS
Hang cameos that seem to “float” in resin in descending sizes from a necklace chain for an intriguing effect.
Gay Isber
Two hoops and six mini cameos make a classic set of earrings.
Gay Isber