"Exploring Resin Jewelry" - Review

Exploring Resin Jewelry, simple techniques for 25 projects, by Heidi Boyd

Amazon:  amzn.to/V4cN31
Barnes & Noble:  bit.lyZhl2WH 

Normally, I’m prone to knitting.  But now and again, I do like to try other crafts.  You need a little palate cleanser if you will.  It clears your head and makes everything fresh again.  So, I was flipping through this book on creating your own resin jewelry.  I’ve always loved going to the store and seeing the glossy smooth jewelry that sometimes had little items encased in them.  How did they get that flower or photograph in there?  Sometimes your just walking through life and it never occurs to you, that you can make it yourself.  This book gives you one of those ah-ha moments.

When you read through the pages, you will find out just how simple, yes it’s in the title, it can be to make resin jewelry.  Once you learn how, your projects are endless.  Heidi Boyd even gives you 25 projects to start you off.

She starts off by saying, “Resin is that irresistible drop of clear plastic that beautifully magnifies a tiny treasure or image.  You’ve seen it in hundreds of commercially made jewelry pieces or in stunning one-of-a-kind creations featured on Etsy, in craft shows, or in galleries.”  This book, like other technique books starts off by showing you what materials you will need and then launches into just how to do it.  I’ve tried it myself and it really is easy.  It starts off  with a two part resin that you mix together.  There are many on the market, but the one I bought was “Glaze Coat.”  You mix equal parts of each according to manufacturers directions.  Do it slowly so you won’t create extra air bubbles.  Then the most important tip:  proper ventilation.  Unless you want to be zig-zagging all over the road for the next couple days, HEED THIS ADVICE.  Then I covered my projects with an upside down box (to keep out dust) and kept it in the garage for a couple days.  Heidi goes beyond these tips.  Don’t think you got away Scott-free and now you don’t need the book.  Her other tips are worth it.  From coloring the resin, bezels, drilling, to finishing techniques, this book seems to cover the gamete.

Are you a bit of a pack-rat like me?  “Oh I have to save this, I’m sure I can use it in a craft project someday.”  Next thing you know you have drawers and boxes full of these useless items.  For instance, when my VCR broke this winter.  I was devastated!  Even took it apart hoping I could fix my beloved friend.  But what did find inside?  The circuit board.  So cute with all those tiny parts.  I kept thinking I should save this.  Maybe I could make jewelry out of it.  Earrings I was thinking.  Sigh!  I gave in and threw it out.  Now I’m kicking myself.  Guess what’s in this book?  The Short Circuit Pendant!  Circuit boards encased in resin, surrounded by a silver frame and hanging from a simple black cord.  It looks fabulous.  Like something I would find in a store…and purchase.  I find this is one of those projects that can use up all those useless items I tend to collect for “one day.”  So, for this book, I say…try it.  You’ll like it.