SUPPLIES

• Two-part epoxy resin

• Mixing cup for resin and a stirring stick

• Toothpick

• Tweezers

• Dried flowers

• Silicone pendant mold

• Craft mat or parchment paper to protect your work surface

• Plastic gloves

• Bead cap with loop

• Silver chain with clasp

• Sandpaper

• Jewelry glue

• Optional : Fine clear or white glitter by Sara Naumann

STEPS FOR RESIN PENDANT WITH DRIED FLOWERS

1 . Pour one part resin into the measuring cup . 2 . Add an equal amount of hardener into the cup . 3 . Mix thoroughly , stirring gently for about three minutes until all the striations are gone . Add a small amount of glitter to the resin , if desired .

4 . Place the mold on a level surface . Use the stirring stick to drizzle a bit of the resin into the mold , filling it 1 / 3 of the way . Place a dried flower in the mold , using the toothpick to guide it into position . Add more resin and another flower , if you wish .

5 . When you ’ ve finished filling the mold , let the resin dry undisturbed . With most resins , this will take about twenty-four hours . You can cut a small slit in the foam part of a kitchen sponge , or a foam packing piece , to create a more stable holder for the mold .

6 . After the resin has dried , you can remove it from the mold . Adding a bit of warm , soapy water to the mold and twisting it back and forth will make it easier to remove the resin piece .

7 . If the top of the resin piece is uneven , simply sand the surface with sandpaper or an emery board . Take care not to inhale resin debris — a mask is recommended .

8 . Use jewelry glue to adhere the bead cap to the top of the resin piece ; when that ’ s dry , slide the piece onto a chain to make a necklace .

Note : Because this craft involves chemicals , please ensure you ’ re working in a room with lots of ventilation . Tie back long hair , protect your clothes with an apron , and wear latex or rubber gloves . Please read the manufacturer ’ s instructions carefully before mixing the resin . There may be some differences between manufacturers . The resin I use , ArtResin , works on a 1-to-1 ratio .

CURRENTS 25