From Seashore to Chic Jewelry Made with Amazing Crafting Products

Happy Thursday! June has certainly flown by and July 4th is just around the corner. Susan back again to share another adventure with Amazing Mold Putty. Today I have a unique jewelry project using Amazing Crafting Products by Alumilite Corp. AND I also have a special Amazing Crafting Products coupon for you too!

A few months back my sister and her girls were in town for a visit and they love to go seashell hunting at the beach while watching the sunrise. My sister found this amazing piece of coral and I was able to pry it from her hands just long enough to cast it in Amazing Mold Putty. This piece is so unique and lovely and I am using it to make a couple of jewelry pieces for gifts. For this project I am featuring Amazing Casting Resin colored with various Alumilite Metallic Powders and Dyes. 

Now for the FUN to BEGIN! I got out my Amazing Mold Putty!

Please see accompanying image number to go along with written instruction/description.

Photo #1: Begin by taking equal parts of Amazing Mold Putty parts "A" and "B". Photo #2: Gently mix together both parts, working quickly so that the colors are evenly mixed together with no striping. Photo #3: Place the mixed Amazing Mold Putty around the item starting gently pressing it around the item and around the sides. You have about a 5 minute open time to work with shaping before it begins to cure/harden. For larger pieces, you can build up the mold casting by working in sections. If you would like to see a more in depth how-to of mixing Amazing Mold Putty please click here. Photo #4: After molding one side and allowing time to cure, I applied mold release {or vaseline can be used} so I can cast a two-part mold. This is done by mixing up another batch of Amazing Mold Putty and applying to top of existing piece in base mold Photo #5: Completed cured two-part mold. Before removing item cast, it's a good idea to label edges of mold to align top and bottom when pouring resin. Photo #6: Completed two-part coral mold and item when removed - in it's natural state as it was found on the shore. I was really impressed by the minute detail that the Amazing Mold Putty picked up from this delicate coral.

NOW FOR THE CASTING with the Quick Set Amazing Casting Resin:

Following the directions on package I measure out to equal parts of Part A and Part B to mix Amazing Casting Resin which sets up in approximately 10 minutes.

For this project I've used the Gun Metal and Silver Metallic Alumilite Metallic Powders and also Alumilite Black Dye.

Please see accompanying image number to go along with written instruction/description.

Photo #7: I mixed thoroughly into Part "A" of Amazing Casting Resin, just one drop of Alumilite Black Dye to add coloring. The Alumilite dyes are so concentrated a little goes a long way. After mixing thoroughly, I stir in Part "B" and then pour into molds. Photo #8:  Prior to mixing resin, I prepared molds by dusting with both Alumilite Silver Metallic and Gunmetal Powders. This adds a real metallic patina to resin and also helps as a mold release. Photo #9: Molds with resin poured. I let these cure for about 15 minutes before removing from mold. This will vary depending on thickness of mold and size of item being cast. One mold shown is a pearl pink resin color. When you mix resin have extra molds handy to use up any leftover resin - so your mixed resin doesn't go to waste. Photo #10: Completed coral mold pieces and ready to turn into jewelry.

 Close-up of completed coral casting with Amazing Casting Resin.
This piece I'm using is only half of the two-part mold.

The depth and coloring of the Alumilite Metallic Powders look like real metal and the black dye real makes the metallic sheen pop. I spent some time using my dremel-like rotary tool to sand the edges on the backside. This took some time since this is such a detailed piece and I wanted to blend in the edges with the coral detail. **NOTE** when sanding resin pieces - please remember to always use protective eyewear and a dust mask. To build my bracelet, I drilled small holes to accept nylon beading wire to string pearls. I've also prepared a second piece as a matching necklace.

Presenting my "Seashore Chic Coral Jewelry".

Completed bracelet finished off with real cultured pearls.

This bracelet is perfect for summertime and is going to make a wonderful gift. 

I hope you enjoyed today's project. I encourage you to take some time to explore and search through the many AMAZING projects from my fellow Amazing Mold Putty Design Team members. There are so many great tips and ideas!

**COUPON for Amazing Crafting Products Website** 

Use coupon code AMP20 to receive 20% off your order.

CLICK HERE TO SHOP!

Coupon expires - Sept 30, 2012

If you have any questions, please leave a comment, select receive e-mail follow ups on comments and I will respond. If you would like to see more of my creations, please visit my blog sbartist : painting in the dark by clicking here.

Happy Crafting : )