How to Make Glass Ornaments with Resin
Making glass ornaments with resin can be a creative and rewarding craft project. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make glass ornaments with resin:
Materials Needed
- Clear Glass Ornaments: These can be purchased from craft stores and come in various shapes and sizes.
- Epoxy Resin: Choose a clear epoxy resin designed for crafts. Ensure it’s suitable for use with glass.
- Resin Pigments or Dyes: Optional, for adding color to the resin.
- Mixing Cups and Stirring Sticks: Disposable cups and wooden or plastic sticks for mixing resin.
- Disposable Gloves: To protect your hands from resin.
- Crafting Tape: Optional, for masking off areas or creating designs.
- Glitter or Decorative Elements: Optional, for adding sparkle or texture to your ornaments.
- Silicone Mold Release Spray: If using molds for resin shapes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare Your Work Area
Cover your work surface with a plastic tablecloth or wax paper to protect it from resin spills. Ensure good ventilation in your workspace.
Prepare the Resin
Follow the instructions on your epoxy resin kit for mixing ratios. Typically, epoxy resin requires mixing resin and hardener in equal parts. Use disposable cups and stir the resin mixture thoroughly but gently to avoid creating bubbles.
Add Color (Optional)
If you want coloured ornaments, add resin pigments or dyes to the resin mixture. Mix until the colour is evenly distributed.
Prepare the Glass Ornaments
Remove the metal caps or tops from the glass ornaments. You can tape off the tops if you want to keep them clear of resin.
Pour Resin into Ornaments
Carefully pour the resin mixture into the glass ornaments. You can pour directly from the mixing cup or use a small funnel for precision.
Add Decorative Elements (Optional)
If desired, drop in glitter, tiny beads, or small charms into the resin-filled ornaments to create decorative effects. Use a toothpick or skewer to position them as desired.
Remove Air Bubbles
Use a heat gun or a kitchen torch to gently pass over the surface of the resin-filled ornaments to remove any bubbles. Be careful not to overheat or touch the resin directly with the flame.
Cure the Resin
Place the ornaments on a flat surface in a dust-free area and allow them to cure as per the resin manufacturer’s instructions. This typically involves letting them cure for 24-48 hours at room temperature.
Reattach Tops
Once the resin has fully cured and hardened, reattach the metal caps or tops to the glass ornaments.
Clean Up
Clean your tools and work area with isopropyl alcohol to remove any resin residue.
Optional Finishing
If desired, you can add a clear coat of resin over the entire ornament to give it a glossy finish and added durability.
Tips
- Work in Small Batches: Epoxy resin has a limited working time, so mix and pour in small batches to avoid wastage.
- Experiment with Designs: Use masking tape or create patterns with resin layers to achieve different effects.
- Safety: Wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when working with resin.
Making glass ornaments with resin allows for endless creative possibilities, from personalized gifts to unique decorations for holidays and special occasions. Enjoy the process of creating beautiful, custom ornaments with this versatile crafting technique!
