It's the middle of June and I don't know where in the world you are but the weather is heating up in the PNW. I always love the beginning of summer, before things get too hot. I was so excited to get my garden in this year and since we decided to sell our property and are currently renting until we find our dream home I was worried about planting too much and then I thought to myself, "come on girl you are a crafter, you can totally make something that will work for you." I opted for some super cute and fun DIY planters so that I can take them to our next destination whenever we make that journey. If you want to see the beginning of my garden check it out on our TikTok. (@Magicinthemakinginc on all social media)
With cancer throwing our lives into chaos for the first half of the year,
we have been busier than we thought we would be. On the day of my final surgery my daughter gave birth to a beautiful little girl and I got to become Lolli to this sweet little person. As you can imagine there is a lot of traveling to see my beautiful babies as often as possible. I have also been prepping for events and adding new items to our collections, as well as taking a ton of exciting classes this summer and am so thrilled to show you what we have been working on!
It is my goal to get a newsletter out at least once per month. Wish me luck with that but I definitely want to include our calendar of events and where you can find us out in the wild, as well as some fun tips, tricks and discounts. I would love your input on things you would enjoy hearing more about in our newsletters and on our blogs.
We are excited to be on our way to launching our Subscription Craft Box because who doesn't want some magic in their mailbox, right. The wait has been longer than we anticipated but I promise it will be worth it! It is my goal to get some starter videos up on our new YouTube channel before the launch so you can get a feel for the projects that will be included in each box. Again, if there are tools you want us to review, crafts you want us to walk you through, projects you need help with or it's just inspiration you are looking for let us know what you want to see and if it's not in my wheelhouse I have a huge network of crafty buddies just waiting to help you along your crafting journey.
Ok now that you have all the updates on life and things, lets talk crafts. This month has been a big one for all things resin. I love resin for the versatility it offers. There are so many projects that can be made with a little resin and some imagination. While working with resin can be a rewarding and creative endeavor, there are some important things to know when trying this out for the first time:
- Types of Resin: There are different types of resin available, such as epoxy resin and polyester resin. Epoxy resin is popular for its versatility, durability, and clarity, while polyester resin is often used for larger projects and is less expensive. Research and choose the type of resin that suits your specific project and requirements.
- Safety Precautions: Resin can be hazardous if not handled properly. Always work in a well-ventilated area or wear a respirator mask to avoid inhaling fumes. Wear gloves and protective clothing to prevent skin contact. Read the manufacturer's safety instructions and follow them carefully.
- Surface Preparation: Before pouring resin, ensure that the surface is clean, dry, and free from dust or debris. You may need to sand and seal porous surfaces to avoid bubbles and ensure proper adhesion. Follow the resin manufacturer's recommendations for surface preparation.
- Mixing Ratios: Resin typically requires precise mixing of resin and hardener in specific ratios. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer and measure accurately. Use separate measuring cups or scales for resin and hardener to avoid cross-contamination.
- Mixing Process: Thoroughly mix the resin and hardener together using a slow stirring motion. Avoid whipping or stirring too quickly, as this can introduce air bubbles into the mixture. Scrape the sides and bottom of the container to ensure all the components are mixed properly.
- Pigments and Additives: Resin can be colored using pigments, dyes, or mica powders. Add small amounts of colorants gradually, mixing thoroughly to achieve the desired shade. Additionally, you can incorporate additives like glitter or small decorative objects into the resin for unique effects.
- Casting and Pouring: Pour the mixed resin slowly and evenly onto the prepared surface. If you're casting resin in a mold, pour it in stages to minimize trapped air bubbles. Use a heat gun or a small torch to remove any surface bubbles that may have formed.
- Curing and Drying Time: Resin takes time to cure and harden. Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the recommended curing time and temperature. Be patient and allow sufficient time for the resin to fully cure before handling or moving the finished piece.
- Finishing and Sanding: Once the resin has cured, you can remove any imperfections or rough edges by sanding. Start with a lower grit sandpaper and gradually move to finer grits for a smooth finish. Polish the resin using a polishing compound or resin-specific polish to achieve a glossy surface.
- Storage and Shelf Life: Properly store your resin and hardener in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Resin has a limited shelf life, so check the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended storage duration.
Remember, practice makes perfect when working with resin. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts don't turn out as expected. Experimentation and learning from your experiences will help you improve your resin crafting skills over time.