Hey there, fellow crafters! Robert Kline here, and let me tell you, there’s something truly magical about working with wood and resin. Today, we’re diving headfirst into a project that’s both stunning and surprisingly accessible: crafting your very own wood and resin pendant.
Picture this: a miniature landscape, with the ethereal glow of the Aurora Borealis trapped within a beautiful piece of wood. That’s the kind of magic we’re talking about. Whether you call them “secret wood pendants” or “Aurora Borealis necklaces,” these little gems are incredibly fun to create and make a statement piece like no other. The best part? You don’t need a professional workshop to achieve amazing results.
Gathering Your Supplies for Resin Jewelry Making
Before we embark on this creative journey, let’s gather our trusty tools and materials. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with a list:
Materials:
- Oparex: This magical material is what gives our pendant its mesmerizing Aurora effect. You can find it at specialty craft stores or online.
- Wood: Choose a wood with interesting grain patterns like Mallee burl. You can experiment with different types of wood for unique effects.
- Epoxy Resin: This is the key to encapsulating our Aurora and giving the pendant a polished look. Look for a high-quality resin that’s crystal clear.
- Pinch Bails: These are small metal loops that we’ll attach to our pendant for hanging.
- Silver Chain or Leather Cord: For showcasing your beautiful creation. Choose a chain or cord that complements your pendant’s style.
Tools:
- Bandsaw: For cutting the wood and Oparex to size. A jeweler’s saw can also work for smaller pieces.
- Disk Sander: This tool will help us smooth and shape our pendant.
- Sandpaper: We’ll use various grits of sandpaper to achieve a polished finish on both the wood and resin.
- Drill Press (or a handheld drill with a steady hand): For creating a hole for the bail.
- Polishing Kit: This will give our pendant a professional shine. You can find polishing kits specifically designed for resin.
- Protective Gear: Safety first! Always wear a dust mask, safety goggles, and gloves when working with wood and resin.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Wood and Resin Pendant
Ready to bring your Aurora Borealis pendant to life? Let’s get crafting!
1. Prepping the Wood and Oparex:
- Cut: Using your bandsaw, slice your wood into pieces about 47mm wide and 15mm thick. Cut your Oparex into squares of the same width. Remember, it’s always easier to shape down, so start a little larger if needed.
- Sand: One side of each wood piece needs to be perfectly flat for adhering the Oparex. A disk sander is your best bet for this task.
- Glue: Apply a thin layer of CA glue (cyanoacrylate glue, also known as superglue) to the sanded side of the wood and carefully attach a square of Oparex.
2. Creating a Mold for your Resin Pendant:
- Resourcefulness is Key: Use scrap plastic packaging, tape, and a hot glue gun to build a mold around your wood and Oparex blanks. The goal is to create a leak-proof container for your resin. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be pretty, just functional.
Pro Tip: If you’re working on multiple pendants, consider using silicone mold-making material for a more durable and reusable option.
3. Mixing and Pouring the Resin:
- Prepare the Resin: Before mixing, submerge your resin bottle in a hot water bath for about 10 minutes. This helps prevent crystallization and ensures a crystal-clear finish. Allow it to cool slightly before use.
- Mixing: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Typically, you’ll mix equal parts resin and hardener. Stir slowly and thoroughly to avoid creating bubbles.
- Pouring: Slowly pour the mixed resin into your mold, ensuring it covers the wood and Oparex completely.
Patience is a Virtue: Allow the resin to cure undisturbed for at least 7 days. This ensures a hard, crystal-clear finish.
4. Shaping Your Resin Pendant:
- Release and Assess: After a week of patiently waiting, it’s time to remove your creation from the mold.
- Shape: Cut your blank to your desired thickness on the bandsaw (around 4-5mm is ideal for pendants). Then, use a sanding disk to shape the pendant. You can create organic shapes or use a template for more uniform designs.
5. Achieving a Smooth Finish:
- Sanding the Resin: Wet-sanding is your best friend for a crystal-clear finish. Start with a low grit sandpaper (around 400) and gradually work your way up to a finer grit (2000 or higher). Remember to keep the surface wet and sand in light, even strokes.
- Drilling: Carefully drill a hole near the top of the pendant for attaching the bail later.
Pro Tip: If your hole ends up a bit too large, don’t fret! You can always use a jump ring to attach the bail securely.
6. Polishing to Perfection:
- Polishing the Resin: Using a soft buffing wheel and white polishing compound (attached to your bench grinder), carefully polish the resin to a high shine. Be careful not to overheat the resin, as this can cause it to cloud.
- Polishing the Wood: Switch to a different buffing wheel and use a wood polish to bring out the natural beauty of the wood grain.
Pro Tip: Clean any residual polishing compound with a soft cloth and rubbing alcohol.
7. Adding the Finishing Touches:
- Attaching the Bail: Use pliers to gently open the pinch bail and insert it through the drilled hole in your pendant. Close the bail securely.
- Choosing Your Chain: This is where your personal style shines! Select a silver chain, leather cord, or even a colorful macrame cord to complement your pendant.
Congratulations, You’ve Crafted a Masterpiece!
You did it! You’ve successfully created a stunning wood and resin pendant that captures the ethereal beauty of the Aurora Borealis. Wear it with pride, gift it to someone special, or add it to your collection of handmade treasures.
Looking for More Inspiration?
Head over to Robert Kline Art for more exciting DIY projects, tips, and tricks. You’ll find a world of creativity waiting to be explored!