Mix it up!

Explore the versatility of using pigments with resin to make Helen Cant’s colourful creations

Helen Cant, MJ Designer

It is difficult to accurately measure and add pigment to the small amount of resin required for some pieces, so the quantities outlined here leave a little spare for experimenting with other cavities of the moulds

Pigments can be used with resin to create a variety of effects including marbled pieces which are right on-trend. The colours interact slightly differently every time meaning your pieces will always be unique. With a wide variety of shades available, you’ll be able to create a range to match your whole wardrobe!

Hoop Necklace

1. Wearing a face mask and gloves, mix 30ml of resin using 2% catalyst in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Divide approximately into four cups. Dip a cocktail stick into yellow pigment, covering approximately 1cm of the stick. Mix thoroughly into one cup. Repeat using white pigment three times for the other cups.
2. Dip a cocktail stick into transparent magenta pigment again covering around 1cm and swirl into a cup of white resin creating a marbled effect. Repeat in another cup using transparent violet pigment. Place a cocktail stick into blue pigment covering only the tip of the stick and mix thoroughly into the final cup to create light blue.
3. Pour marbled white and magenta, light blue and yellow resin into the largest cavity of a hoop mould. To prevent the colours from spreading too quickly before they have all been added, tilt the mould slightly. Pour the marbled white and violet mix, light blue and yellow resin into two smaller cavities of the mould. Leave to cure for 48 hours.
4. Mix 25ml of resin as before. Divide into three cups. Dip a cocktail stick into fluorescent pink pigment covering around 2cm of the stick and mix thoroughly into one cup. Repeat the process using transparent amber pigment in another cup. Thoroughly mix white pigment into the third cup as before then dip a cocktail stick into fluorescent pink pigment covering around half a centimetre and mix to create light pink. Pour into two smaller cavities of the mould. Leave to cure for 48 hours.
5. Ease the pieces from the mould then sand the backs and smooth the edges using 600 grade wet and dry paper and water. A piece of wet and dry paper wrapped around a pen may be used to sand the inner edges. For a glossy finish spray the hoops with car lacquer. Lay the rings on a flat surface to determine the desired composition. Use a pencil to mark two positions 3mm from the edges of the hoops.
6. Using a 1.6mm drill make two holes into each of the hoops and use strong 8mm jump rings to attach the rings together. Cut two 14cm lengths of chain and attach one to each side. Add a lobster clasp and extension chain to the ends of the chain using 4mm jump rings.

Pendant Necklace

1. Mix 25ml of resin as before. Divide into three cups and create a white and violet mix, and white resin as before. Dip a cocktail stick into transparent magenta pigment covering around 2cm and thoroughly mix into the third cup. Pour the violet mix into the bottom edge of a rectangle mould.
2. Quickly pour magenta into the middle and white resin at the top. Leave to cure for 24 hours. Remove the piece from the mould and sand the back as before. For a glossy finish spray with car lacquer. Mix epoxy resin glue according to the manufacturer’s instructions and attach a bail to the back. Once set add a chain.

Bangle

1. Mix 50ml of resin as before then divide into two cups adding a third to one and the rest to another. Dip a cocktail stick into white pigment covering around 3cm and thoroughly mix into the cup with the most resin. Dip a cocktail stick into transparent magenta pigment covering around 5cm and stir into the other cup. Pour the magenta resin into a bangle mould filling around a third, taking care to avoid drizzling any on the outside edge.
2. Pour a thin layer of white resin in a gentle stream over the top and allow to stand for 30 seconds. Pour more over the top to fill the mould. If the natural blending of the colours is too linear, a cocktail stick may be used to gently push white resin further into the magenta. Leave to fully cure for 48 hours.
3. Ease the bangle from the mould, pushing the inside out to assist. Sand the exposed surface round the top edges initially using 240 grade wet and dry paper and moving to 1000 grade for the final finish. Spray with car lacquer.

Solid Resin Ring

1. Prepare 20ml of resin. Pour into two cups and create white resin as before. Dip a cocktail stick into transparent violet pigment covering around 2cm and mix thoroughly into the other cup. Pour the violet resin into a silicone mould (see How To... Make a Mould) filling to around a third. Pour a layer of white resin over the top filling to two thirds, then add another layer of violet resin. Firmly squeeze the edges of the mould several times to remove air bubbles and marble the colours together. Leave to cure for 48 hours.
2. Remove the piece from the mould. Sand the whole surface initially using 600 grade wet and dry paper, moving to 1000 grade for the final finish. Smooth the inside of the ring with wet and dry paper wrapped around a pen. Spray with car lacquer.

How to... Make a Mould

1. Cut the bottom from a small disposable plastic container with a clip lid such as a pouring cream tub, also reducing the height if necessary (Fig.1). To determine the amount of silicone required, clip on the lid of the container, place a solid plastic ring in the middle then pour in water, covering the ring by an extra centimetre. Tip the water into a cup and mark the height using a permanent pen.
2. Dry the container and secure the ring to the lid using double sided-tape. Dry the cup and add silicone up to the pen line. Weigh using kitchen scales. Add curing agent according to the percentage stated by the manufacturer and mix thoroughly with a lolly stick until uniform in colour.
3. Slowly pour the silicone in a thin stream, concentrating it at the sides of the container so that it fills up from the edges reducing the likelihood of trapped air (Fig.2). Pop any visible bubbles with a cocktail stick as they appear. Cover to around a centimetre above the highest point of the ring. Leave to set for 24 hours.
4. Remove the lid and cut the container to extract the mould from it. Ease the ring from the mould using a craft knife or scissors to cut away any silicone which has seeped underneath to expose the cavity (Fig.3).
5. Download the zip file containing the 'How to... Make a Mould' diagram illustrations by clicking here