Creating Spectacular Faux Stones With Ice Resin

	By Janet Alexander
Sometimes I like to make my own creative stones out of resin. Using Ice Resin gives a non-yellowing clear look. Today I'd like to show how to create faux stones made from Ice Resin. Supplies Needed: Plastic candy molds (I used square molds) Ice Resin Popsicle sticks Toothpicks Small mixing cups Black eye shadow Silicone mold release agent Stuff to embed into the stone. Ideas include: Copper wire Screen mesh Glass frit (string) Mica Golden flakes (found at hobby store) Copper flakes Spices like parsley, Cilantro, peppers, and the like.
I use candy molds. The don't require using a release agent. Otherwise spray some silicone release agent into the mold.
The faux stone has 3 layers and is built from the top down in the mold. Make the first clear layer for the top of the stone. This gives the illusion of depth to the stone and keeps the embedded items from poking out of the top. 1.   Mix a small amount of resin per the manufacturer’s instructions. 2.   Pour into the mold until it is 1/3 filled.      Allow to set 24 hours. 3.   Cover the mold so that dust and debris   cannot accidentally get into the resin.
4.   Make the second (center layer). Decide what embedded item should be seen closest to the top of the stone. Don’t place anything large in this layer as it will block the view of the bottom layer. Place a few small items on this layer.  Here I added gold flake, egg shell, parsley, and black frit to different molds. 5.   Mix a small amount of resin and add to first layer. 6.   Cover the mold and allow the mixture to set 24 hours.
7.   Make the bottom layer.  Adding a few more items to this layer gives the stone depth. Place a few small items on this layer. Adding mica gives it an opal look. Mix a small amount of resin and add to second layer completely filling the mold. 8.   Cover the mold and allow the mixture to set completely per the manufacturer’s instructions.
9.   Remove resin from mold.  Placing it in the freezer makes removal easier.

Faux Cloisonne Enamel Using Ice Resin

In the previous report I showed creative ways to use Ice Resin.This report shows how to step by step create faux cloisonné enamel made from Ice Resin. Supplies and tools needed: Pre-made bezel cup Silver bezel wire (Its width should be the same height as the outside bezel’s height. Ice Resin Color pencils Paper Various colors of eye shadow or mica. Toothpicks Popsicle sticks Mixing cups Paper towels
1.   Plan ahead by making color cards. Mix a color with resin, place it on an index card, and write down what was used.
2.   It is best to draw a design on paper. Draw it full size to what you are making.  This drawing will be used as a template later.
3.   Choose the colors for your design.  Fill in the areas using color pencils that match the eye shadow or mica you have.
4.   Place the bezel wire on its side over the template. Using your fingers bend the wire into the same shape as each line in the drawing and cut them to length.
5.   Place the formed bezel wire into the bezel cup.
6.   Mix a small amount of resin in a mixing cup without adding any colorant.
7.   Glue the bezel wire in place. Place equal parts epoxy into mixing cup.  Stir with a popsicle stick for the amount of time listed in the product’s instructions. Partially fill all sections with the resin. This glues the bezel wire in place and seals the bottom so that when adding color it doesn’t cross contaminate the other cells.  Allow resin to set for 6 hours.
8.   Mix the first color and epoxy together and fill the sections with the appropriate color.  Place equal parts epoxy into mixing cup. Add a small amount of colorant to the mixture until the resin is the color you want. Stir with a popsicle stick for the amount of time listed in the product’s instructions. Using a popsicle stick scoop up the mixed resin and drip it into the section. Allow the resin to run into each corner. Use a toothpick to spread the resin throughout the section and into any corners. Allow resin to set for 24 hours.  Allowing the first color to set completely helps keep the other color from mixing with it.
9.   If the first color spilled into sections where it’s not wanted cut it out using a small bur on a rotary tool or flex shaft. You only need to cut it down low enough so that the next color can be placed over it.
Mix the next color with epoxy and place into the sections. Here I am using black eye shadow. Drip epoxy into the center areas keeping air from being trapped. Use a toothpick to move the poured resin into the corners.To avoid the color leaking into other sections, fill only until they come up just under the top of the bezel wire. Allow resin to set for at least 6 hours.
10.   Continue mixing colors and filling sections until all sections are filled just below the top of the bezel sections. 11.   Mix the top coat of resin keeping it clear with no color. This is poured over the whole peace until all the low areas are filled. The resin will dome towards the center.  Use a toothpick to pull the clear resin towards all edges.  Allow to setup for 24 hours.

Eye-opening Ideas for Using Ice Resin

Ice Resin is a clear two part epoxy that forms a solid crystal clear piece that won’t yellow over time. In this report I’d like to inspire you with creative ways of using this medium. Resin offers jewelry artists many creative ways of uses from embedding items in it, using it over pictures or paper for a special glossy look, and using it as faux enameling.   Your imagination makes this medium unlimited!
In the 1970s resin was mixed with chipped stone and used as a stone inlay. I take that idea a little further crushing the chipped stone with my dapping set and then mixing it with the two-part epoxy. Note: wear a mask and wash your hands and tools afterwards.  Some stones can be toxic when crushed.   Pour the mixture into a bezel or an inlay piece and then allow it to set. Note: use a toothpick to spread the resin to the edges of the bezel. This gives a solid stone look.
For this piece placed red and black glass frit making a design. I then completely filled the bezel with resin.
An easy way to save a momentum is to place it encased in resin. Here I took a cutting from a Christmas card, covered it with Modge Podge and allowed it to dry. What a great way to save mementos from the holidays, birthday cards, or even baby shower cards. Make them into charms for a one-of-a-kind gift!
I placed it into the bezel and poured the mixture of Ice Resin over it.
This is a beautiful way to showcase a graphic print or photograph.
In my next report I will show how to make faux cloisonné enameling using Ice Resin.