Resin

Doming & Layering — "P & G in Gold"

1. I wire wrapped a "p" and a "g" (the first letters of my children's names) out of copper wire.
2. I poured a thin base layer of LimaStudios resin and mixed in gold glitter to form my background and let it dry overnight.
3. I added another layer of LimaStudios resin, sprinkled in some tiny gold balls and layed the "p" and "g" into the resin.
4. I brushed small amounts of acrylic paint onto the piece to achieve a patina look.
5. Once the paint was dry, I poured my final layer of resin to achieve a doming/magnifying look!

The LimaStudios resin is self-doming. To achieve this look, leave a small amount of room in the bezel after your initial resin pour(s). As your final step, add a very thin layer of resin until the bezel is almost overflowing. When this layer dries, it will form a "dome" and slightly magnify the contents of your bezel. Don't get discouraged if it overflows as it dries! Sometimes it takes trial and error to get it right because each bezel is different.

Layering & Using Natural Materials

1. I coated the brown paper on both sides *and* on the edges. I then stuck it into the bezel to form the background of my piece. Coat all paper, photos, and other natural (porous) materials with a clear crafting glue. If you don't, the resin will seep in and make these materials look like they're wet.
2. I cut two small pieces off of a maple leaf and coated them with clear craft glue and stuck them into the bezel.
3. I glued the small potato pearls into place and let all the glue dry.
4. I poured the LimaStudios resin into the bezel, using a toothpick to work it in under the leaves and around the pearls as I poured. This helped me to avoid air bubbles forming around these objects. I let this layer dry overnight.
5. Finally, I placed a few additional pearls on the surface, using resin to hold them in place. You'll find that the LimaStudios resin makes a good adhesive for things like this.