@ashli_smith_art Is Our Instagram Winner!
Congratulations to artist Ashli Smith, our latest Instagram winner! Ashli is a self-taught, mixed media artist from Florence, Alabama who creates beautiful floral pieces using polymer clay coated in ArtResin.
Ashli discovered both polymer clay and resin in 2019, shortly after recovering from breast cancer: "One day I was in a craft store and bought a bar of polymer clay to try out and the rest is history...my flowers were born! I also discovered an artist on Instagram that inspired me to try ArtResin. I loved it so much, that I began to finish all of my pieces with a coat or two of resin."
Ashli describes her process: "I start out by making my clay flowers in my home studio...AKA my kitchen counter. Once my flowers are baked and painted, I mount them to wooden birch boards. I then finish each piece in my resin studio...AKA my dining room. Each piece will get a coat or two of resin. I absolutely LOVE the shine, beauty, and strength resin adds!"
Although Ashli loves working with polymer clay, she also enjoys painting with acrylic.
Ashli sells her pieces through her Instagram page @Ashli_Smith_Art. She says: "One of my favorite things about being an artist is the amazing people and clients that I’ve gotten to meet throughout the Southeast. I am truly the happiest when I’m creating! I find that working with clay and resin are incredibly therapeutic, peaceful, and fun. With a year like 2020, being creative has definitely been a bright spot in my life."
Congratulations on your win, Ashli!
To celebrate all the amazing artists staying home and creating, every month we will be sending out a 32 oz kit to a couple of artists who have tagged us on Instagram—and we'll share their work with the world!
How To Make A Tiered Resin Tray
Tiered resin trays are a simple, elegant way to display desserts, cupcakes, appetizers or hors d'oeuvres. Whether you prefer the look of 2 tiers or 3, handcrafted resin stands are beautiful, easy to make and totally customizable to match the color theme of a baby shower, wedding or special event.
In this step-by-step tutorial, resin artist Carmen Darley drops by the ArtResin studio to demonstrate how to use DIY silicone resin molds and ready made molds to create 2 different tiered resin trays:
• a 2-tier resin stand using ResinTint for a faux marbled effect
• a 3 tier resin tray made with dried flowers, gold leaf and glitter.
Let's get started!
How To Create A Marble Resin Tray
What You'll Need:
- ArtResin epoxy resin
- ResinTint liquid colorants
- Silicone molds in 2 or 3 different sizes OR make your own with a tube of low odor silicone caulking, a caulking gun and parchment paper
- 3-Tier Tray Hardware
- Screwdriver
- Electric drill
- Drill bit the same size as the hardware and a smaller one to drill a sink hole
- Utility knife, sandpaper or a Dremel for smoothing the edges
- Nitrile gloves
- Plastic mixing cup
- Small plastic cups and stir sticks, enough for each colour of tint used
- A piece of plastic to line your work surface with
- Artist's Torch or a heat gun
- Dust cover large enough to cover your pieces
1. Assemble Your Materials Before You Start:
Gather your tools before you start so that everything is on hand, including your dust cover.
2. Build Your Molds
You can buy pre-made molds or make your own custom ones. Making your own re-usable molds is easy, allowing you to create layers in any size or shape you wish. You can make custom molds using silicone caulking piped onto a piece of parchment paper or vinyl.
First, use a pen to sketch out your shapes - you can trace a perfect circle or square or draw a freehand, organic design in any size or shape you wish. If you're making a multi-tiered tray, make sure you leave a 2 cm difference between each layer.
Place the silicone tube in the caulking gun and cut the tip at the widest part to allow for a nice, thick line. Apply the silicone to the parchment paper, tracing your outlines. Ensure there are no gaps in the mold that the resin could leak out from.
Apply a second layer of silicone directly on top of the first. You can apply this right away or if you prefer, wait a few hours until the first layer of silicone has hardened up a bit. 
Once the second layer has been applied, let it dry for 24 hours.
3. Prepare Your ArtResin And Tints:
Measure equal amounts, by volume, of resin and hardener and mix thoroughly for at least 3 minutes, scraping the bottom and sides of the mixing container as you stir. 
Choose your color palette and divide the resin equally among small plastic cups, allowing one per color. Carmen wanted to replicate the look of marble so chose a white base accented with streaks of black and bronze.
Shake the ResinTint bottles well and add a few drops to each cup, mixing well after each addition. ResinTint is a highly saturated, pigment based colorant, so always start with less than you need. You can check the color by pulling some of the tinted resin up the side of your cup. If it's too translucent, add a little more tint.
💡TIP: No matter which colorant you use, don't add more than 6% of the total combined volume of resin and hardener. Too much colorant throws off the delicate balance required for the resin and hardener to cure, and you may end up with resin that doesn't harden.
Mix and match ResinTint to create your own custom colors. Add a drop of our metallics for a little shimmer or add a drop or two of white for an opaque look.
4. Pour The Resin
Here's the fun part!
Pour the white resin into the center of the mold, in a circular motion. It will self-level but a craft stick helps nudge it evenly to the edges.
Dip your craft stick into the black tinted resin and swirl it into the white resin to replicate the look of marble. 
Repeat with the bronze tinted resin.
Add a little more black on top of the bronze. Repeat these steps for the other molds.
5. Torch, Cover And Wait:
Run the torch or heat gun very lightly over your design to remove any large bubbles, taking care to avoid the edges of the mold. This step has the added bonus of softening the blend lines so it really takes on a marble appearance!
Lay your molds on a flat, sturdy surface and cover with a clean cardboard box or plastic tote and allow it to cure.
6. Remove The Resin From The Molds
The trays will be dry to the touch at 24 hours, at which point you can gently remove them from the molds and place them somewhere flat to finish curing. Allow at least a week to fully cure before assembling the tray: if you assemble them too soon, gravity may pull the edges down and the layers will not sit flat.
7. Clean Up The Edges
If you've used a homemade silicone mold with caulking and parchment paper, you may find that the edges are rough and jagged. These can be addressed in two ways:
1) after unmolding at the 24 hr mark: the resin will be flexible enough that a utility knife can be used to carefully remove sharp edges.
2) if the layers have cured for 7 days or longer: smooth out the edges with sandpaper or a Dremel tool.
💡TIP: If you wish, use metallic paint or a metallic paint marker to finish off the edges of your tray.
8. Drill The Holes
Next, we need to drill holes in the middle of each layer to fit the hardware. Determine the size of the drill bit by matching it to the screw part of the hardware kit. The hole should be the same size or even slightly smaller so that the hardware screws in securely to the resin layer. You also need a smaller drill bit for the pilot hole - drilling a pilot hole first will prevent the resin from cracking.
Measure each layer to determine the center point and mark it with a pen. Starting with the smaller drill bit, slowly drill a pilot hole, then use the larger drill bit to complete the final hole.
Test your hardware and ensure you can thread the ends through the holes - if not, you can drill again to enlarge the holes as necessary.
9. Assemble The Tray
Once each layer has its drill hole complete, you're ready to assemble the tray. Thread the hardware through each layer, with the washers in between, and screw it tightly together. Use the screwdriver to tighten the screw at the bottom.
10. Use And Enjoy!
As the top tier has no backing, we recommend placing heavier items on the bottom tier of the tray.
How To Create A Floral Embellished Resin Tray
What You'll Need:
- ArtResin epoxy resin
- silicone molds in 3 different sizes
- tray hardware
- glitter, metallic leaf, dried flowers, glass or crystals for embellishing your piece
- nitrile gloves
- plastic mixing cup
- a piece of plastic to line your work surface with
- an Artist's Torch or heat gun
- dust cover large enough to cover your piece
1. Assemble Your Materials Before You Start:
Gather your tools before you start so that everything is on hand, including your dust cover.
2. Prepare Your Molds
You can make your own custom molds you can buy ready made silicone molds especially designed for tiered trays. They often come in sets of 2 or 3 assorted sizes and some even come with the hardware you'll need to build your tray. These molds have a nub in the center, eliminating the need to drill holes for the hardware.
3. Prepare Your ArtResin:
Measure equal amounts, by volume, of resin and hardener and mix thoroughly for at least 3 minutes, scraping the bottom and sides of the mixing container as you stir.
3. Pour The Resin
Here's the fun part!
Pour the resin into the center of the mold, in a circular motion. It will self-level but a craft stick helps nudge it evenly to the edges.
3. Add Your Embellishments
Using a pair of tweezers or a craft stick with a bit of resin on the tip, place your inclusions onto the resin surface. Once you're happy with the placement, use a craft stick to submerge the inclusion into the resin.
Here's where you can get creative! Use dried flowers, silk flowers, gold leaf, glitter, crystals, glass .... just ensure whatever you add is thoroughly dry.
💡TIP: Try not to move delicate items like dried flowers once you've placed them into the resin as they may break apart.
4. Torch, Cover And Wait:
Run the torch or heat gun very lightly over your design to remove any large bubbles, taking care to avoid the edges of the mold.
Lay your molds on a flat, sturdy surface and cover with a clean cardboard box or plastic tote and allow it to cure.
4. Remove The Resin From The Molds
The trays will be dry to the touch at 24 hours, at which point you can gently remove them from the molds and place them somewhere flat to finish curing. Allow at least a week to fully cure before assembling the tray: if you assemble them too soon, gravity may pull the edges down and the layers will not sit flat.
5. Assemble The Tray
Once each layer has thoroughly cured, you're ready to assemble the tray. Thread the hardware through each layer, with the washers in between, and screw it tightly together.
💡TIP: Because the silicone mold edges are smooth, you won't have to sand down the edges once you unmold the resin layers. You can, however, finish the edges with metallic paint or a metallic paint marker to add a little sparkle!
6. Use And Enjoy!
As the top tier has no backing, we recommend placing heavier items on the bottom tier of the tray.
Didn't these trays turn out beautifully? Which tray do you prefer?
We hope you enjoyed watching these two methods and you feel inspired to make your very own, custom made, tiered resin tray!
Questions or comments?
Have you made your own tiered resin tray?
Let us know in the comments section below!
ArtResin: Made By Artists, For Artists.
Alexandra Squire Is Our Instagram Winner!
A self-taught artist, Alexandra has been perfecting her craft since she was a child; first under her grandmother, then taking art classes while pursuing her MBA, and finally, by studying under other respected artists. She works with acrylics and resin, allowing her to experiment with both texture and depth. Alexandra says: "I love what I can capture with paint. Blending colors is my favorite part. I love the idea that I can take a blank canvas and use my imagination to turn it into anything. It will always fascinate me that from three primary colors we can create infinitely more."
Alexandra discovered resin a few years, instantly falling in love with its ability to enhance any artwork: "As silly as it sounds, I also respect resin. There are rules you have to play by. To create the desired effect, I have to be precise in the application and the process. Resin doesn’t allow you to rush or skip steps. It holds you accountable, and I like that. Resin really changed the trajectory of my career. I feel like I can tell much deeper stories with my work when I use resin. It provides a depth that I haven’t been able to achieve before."
Alexandra spends weeks at a time on a single painting, working slowly and with intention to ensure she gets the results she wants. Color and blending are an integral part of her process. She first sketches out her ideas on her iPad, giving her an opportunity to experiment with a color palette before further testing with paint on small canvases or pieces of wood. If she's happy with the progression at this point, she moves onto wood panels to begin her final piece.
To achieve the look she's going for, Alexandra incorporates blending at every stage, including the underpainting, starting with darker colors and slowly mixing in lighter colors and shades. Once the painting is thoroughly dry, perfectly clean and dust-free, Alexandra applies a minimum of three coats of ArtResin to give her work a luxurious, thick coat.
Alexandra has built a drying tent in her studio to ensure the work stays free of dust while it cures: "I have to be careful that I don’t lose patience and peek at a piece too soon and kick up any dust that may get into the resin. The process for each piece takes weeks. I will start painting new pieces as other ones dry, but this process doesn’t allow me to crank out new work every day."
Not only is painting Alexandra's passion, but it's also a way for her to tell stories without words. Although the art eventually becomes public, the process to create it is intimate and therapeutic: "There are very few restraints on what I can do with art. That can be an overwhelming thought, but I also find it comforting. I know I will never run out of ways to express myself.
"I hope everyone who views my work takes away something different. My intent is for my art to be a vessel by which they experience their own memories. I hope that by viewing my work all of their senses are engaged. I want my colors, forms, layers, blending, and bold finish to take them back to a time and place that fills them with joy. For me, memories are all about colors and shapes. I hope my audience can feel that when they view my work."
Alexandra has shown her art in galleries (she is currently taking part in a virtual show) but she mainly sells her work through her website, her Instagram page and through word of mouth. Alexandra says "I am also fortunate to have wonderful relationships with some incredible designers who will commission pieces for their clients."
Visit her website: www.alexandrasquireart.com
Follow her on Instagram: @alexandrasquireart
Congratulations on your win, Alexandra!
To celebrate all the amazing artists staying home and creating, every month we will be sending out a 32 oz kit to a couple of artists who have tagged us on Instagram—and we'll share their work with the world!
Don't forget, tag YOUR ArtResin work with @art_resin on Instagram, and YOU could be our next winner!!
ArtResin: Made For Artists, By Artists.
Dueling Paintbrushes
Welcome to Dueling Paintbrushes!
This series pits 2 creative artists against each other with limited time and limited resources.
Dave and Rebecca are both skilled artists who—what, with co-running a business, and a home, and co-parenting—rarely get a chance to dabble with artistic pursuits these days. So we decided to have a little fun.
Episode 4 - With Special Guest Dan Rodo
Episode 4 features a surprise guest - mixed media artist and YouTube influencer Dan Rodo - who dropped by ArtResin HQ to battle the clock and Dave and Rebecca.
The three artists had 30 minutes to complete their work, but this episode has a surprise twist halfway through ....
Once you watch the video, please vote or comment on our YouTube channel as to who you think won the competition.
Was it Rebecca, Dan or Dave? Place your vote by August 8th!
May the best artist win!
Episode 3 - A Picture Is Worth 2 Words
In Episode 3, we changed things up yet again. This round we left the door open for Dave and Rebecca to use any art supplies in the room.
The catch?
The inspiration for their art piece will be 2 random words that they must select from a pile in front of them.
And as always, they had to do it in 30 minutes.
Again it was highly entertaining to watch these two artists race against the clock to try and "out-duel" each other. It was another successful experiment that we hope you, at home, will take part in.
Once you watch the video, please vote or comment on our YouTube channel as to who you think won the competition. Was it Rebecca and her "Drink Special" or Dave and his "Eye Test." *Voting for this episode has closed.
Also, please let us know if you'd like to see more of these competitions. Once things settle down in the world around us, we hope to open our doors and invite other artists to join in on the competition where everyone's a winner :)
Enjoy!
Episode 2 - No Paintbrush. No Problem.
In Episode 2, we switched things up. This round we provided a bin filled with materials that they had to use to create their artwork. No other art supplies could be used.
They had no paintbrush.
No art direction.
And they had to do it in 30 minutes.
Voting has finished for this episode but the response has been great! Thank you to everyone watching this series. Hopefully you have fun watching or playing along as we have so much fun creating it :)
Episode 1 - The Pilot Episode
The premiere episode. The one that started it all.
We came up with this series for a few reasons:
1) We wanted to entertain you
2) We wanted to inspire you
3) We wanted to showcase the beauty of interpretation
4) We wanted to watch mommy and daddy compete! These two are highly, HIGHLY competitive people.
To start this series off, we chose an image, separated the two of them and asked them to create their own masterpiece based off of that image. In 30 minutes.
What followed was a plethora of action, sass, creativity, stress, inspiration, you name it! It was truly a fun experiment that we hope you, at home, will enjoy.
Stay tuned for more as we continue to challenge Dave and Rebecca and perhaps a few surprise guests.
Til then...
@ArtByShelbyJune Is Our Instagram Winner!
Congratulations to artist Shelby June, our latest Instagram winner! Shelby is a self taught, abstract resin artist based in Phoenix, Arizona who uses the creative process as a way of working through negative energy, transforming it into something positive.
Are you self-taught? What's your art background?
"I remember as a kid in elementary school going to my first art show that my school district had every year, walking through the doors and getting the overwhelming feeling of excitement and intuitive knowing/assurance that this was what I wanted. I took art classes all throughout middle and high school but other than that, I am self taught!
"I took almost every art class my high school had to offer. I had an amazing senior year and portfolio, art shows and the school district purchased a huge charcoal drawing I created. I graduated in 2015, went to college a few months later and gave up on my artwork. In 2019, I was living in a small studio apartment connected to a house in Naples, Florida and I found out my new landlord (who was living on the house side) was a traveling artist with huge abstracts covering her walls and a backyard lanai converted into an art studio. The entire environment was so inspiring and soul speaking. Shortly after I moved in, my friend and I had a paint and wine night, and I still have the canvas I created that night in my art studio today. A few weeks later my landlord moved to her summer home and rented out the rest of the house, so I took FULL advantage of that art studio in the backyard like it was my job, and I never looked back."
Are you a full-time artist?
"It's still crazy to say sometimes, but I do consider myself as a full time artist now! At the beginning, I was waitressing crazy hours like 4pm -3am, waking up as early as I could to start painting all day before I had to work again the next night. Then COVID hit, restaurants closed and I had all the time I could ask for. Since focusing on my artwork full time, I’ve created the lifestyle I’ve always desired, but I'm considering picking up part time work again to network and promote myself, plus I miss the chaos and fun of the industry."
What is your favorite medium?
"My preferred medium is acrylic and resin! I started acrylic pouring at the end of 2019 on the floor of the extra bedroom in our new rental, with just cardboard on the floor to catch paint and boxes to hold the canvas up. Money was tight so I worked on the floor for weeks until we got the house set up and I eventually invested in a table, and everything grew from there."
When did you start working with ArtResin?
"I discovered resin around the same time as acrylic pouring. I immersed myself in YouTube videos and artists' Instagram pages for weeks until I was vending at one of my first shows in Florida and a fellow artist asked if I ever thought about working with resin - in that moment I knew I had to just go for it! I like working with pours and resin because the process is so fun and beautiful. Pours can be surprising in the creation process and you can get so lost into the finished product details that there’s always a different perspective and connecting feeling every time you look at a poured or abstract piece."
Why are you drawn to creating art?
"I personally get A TON out of creating my artwork. I’ve realized the pattern throughout my life that the universe pushes me towards creating when everything gets hard and I need a healthy way to transform negative energy into positive. My artwork has saved me in multiple ways, it’s become more so therapy. I am constantly working through thoughts, hard feelings, healing past and current traumas, creating my mindset, etc., every day in my studio. There are days I lose myself and emotions go crazy and there are also many days that I find my true, authentic self and more than I was even looking for. My work is a lot of self discovery, self love and personal growth right now, which is a huge reflection of my life the last year and I believe will be for the next few. I aspire to inspire others with this energy and to direct this light and love into their own life. I am also aiming to inspire others that have come from a difficult beginning, whatever it may be, that you can do whatever you want with your life and create the future life you desire if you work hard and believe in yourself!"
What does your creative process look like?
"I start the studio day off most likely with a matcha tea latte and journaling at least 5 things I’m grateful for to get the mindset in the right vibe, go over my “to manifest list” (more encouraging than a to-do list), tidy up and set up. Fast forward to pouring, I select my color palette, mix medium, and do flip cup pours for the majority of my pieces and use my torch to create the amount of cells throughout the pour. Once the pour is dry, depending on the style I’m aiming for, I’ll do just one layer of ArtResin, or add gold details and coat with ArtResin for a layered effect. I also use ArtResin to create my trays with gold leaf and floral arrangements."
Where can we find your work?
"I sell my work on my site, www.ShelbyJune.com and you can find me on Instagram and Facebook at @ArtByShelbyJune."
Congratulations on your win, Shelby!
To celebrate all the amazing artists staying home and creating, every month we will be sending out a 32 oz kit to a couple of artists who have tagged us on Instagram—and we'll share their work with the world!
Don't forget, tag YOUR ArtResin work with @art_resin on Instagram, and YOU could be our next winner!!
ArtResin: Made For Artists, By Artists.
How To Make A Cassette Tape Resin Mold
Remember the 80s? The hair, the fashion, the music.
How about recording your favorite songs on a cassette tape and giving it to your high school crush? Mixed tapes were everything.
Revisit those memories with Mold Making Material, a 2-part silicone product for making your own reusable resin molds. Use it to make cassette tape replicas with a colorful spin for your own mixed tape artwork!
Copy that.
What You'll Need:
- A cassette tape
- A box slightly bigger than the cassette tape
- Plasticine or Play-Doh
- Glue
- Mold Making Material
- ArtResin epoxy resin
- Disposable gloves
- Stir Sticks
- Mixing cup with easy to read measurement lines
- ResinTint
- Plastic mixing cup, one for each color you wish to mix
One Part Vs Two Part Molds
The cassette tape has a unique shape with a flat bottom, contoured sides and several holes all over which presented a bit of a dilemma: should we use a one-part mold method or a two-part?
With a one-part mold, the silicone mixture is poured around an object in one sitting. It's the quickest and simplest method, but works best for an object with a flat bottom or sides that can stand upright on its own.
On the other hand, a two-part mold is better suited to an object that isn't flat and requires assistance to stand in the mold box. A two-part mold is made in two separate pours, using plasticine in the bottom half of the mold box to hold the object in place.
Although the cassette tape has an irregular shape, it can stand on its own and can work with both a one- or a two-part mold. In the end, we decided to go for a straightforward one-part mold. You can read more about each method in our blog Mold Making Material: One-Part vs. Two-Part Molds.
Prepare The Box
Find a box just slightly bigger than the cassette tape. The box should provide a snug fit while still leaving about 1/2" of space on each side to create a strong, durable mold that can be used again and again. You can use plastic or plastic lined items such as yogurt cups or milk containers cut to size. We used an acrylic cube that allowed us to place the cassette tape on an angle. 
You can make your own box to surround your object from cardboard, wood or foam core sealed with plastic tape to make it leakproof. Learn more about custom boxes in our blog How To Build A Box For Mold Making.
Prepare The Cassette Tape:
First, remove all the magnetic tape from inside the cassette. Next, fill any holes or gaps with play-doh or plasticine to ensure easy removal from the mold. Don't worry about the two signature holes on the face of the cassette - they can be restored later.
Next, glue the cassette to the bottom of the box so that it won't move once the liquid silicone mixture is poured over top.
Prepare The Mold Making Material:
Mold Making Material is a 2 part silicone product that makes durable, flexible molds that stretch without tearing and can be used over and over again. It's non-toxic, odorless and safe for home use. There are no VOCs, no BPAs, and no fumes.Measure out equal amounts of Mold Making Material and stir it up. Conveniently, Mold Making Material comes in a Part A and Part B that are 2 different colors: white and dark blue. You'll know when the mixture is ready once the color becomes a consistent medium blue hue.
Next, pour the mixture into the acrylic cube and over the cassette tape.
Mold Making Material solidifies in 3-4 hours at room temperature. You can poke the top of the silicone to make sure that it's not sticky anymore before removing it from the box.
Once the silicone has fully cured, the mold needs to be removed from the box. If you aren't able to to dig your fingers down the side, you can break the frame to release the mold.
Once the mold is released, the cassette tape needs to be removed. Using a blade, carefully cut the mold across the top of the cassette and gently pry it out.
Congratulations - your mold is complete and you're ready to make replicas!
Making A Replica
You can use many different substances to fill the mold, such as polyurethane or wax, but we recommend ArtResin epoxy resin in combination with ResinTint premium liquid colorants.
Just like Mold Making Material, ArtResin is a simple 1:1 ratio of resin and hardener. Measure out equal parts of both solutions and mix thoroughly for 3 minutes. You’ll have approximately 45 minutes of working time with the resin mixture before it will begin to set.
Now it's time to add that style and pizazz we were talking about earlier.
Add a few drops of any color of ResinTint into the ArtResin and mix together until you have one consistent hue. ResinTint is a highly saturated colorant so always start with less than you think you'll need - you can always add more if necessary.
💡TIP: No matter which colorant you use, don't exceed 6% of the total combined volume of resin and hardener, otherwise your resin may not cure properly. For example, if you have 50 ml resin + 50 ml hardener for a total of 100 ml, don't exceed 6 ml of colorant.
Pour your tinted resin into the mold, right to the top, and let it sit for at least 24 hours. ArtResin is hard to the touch after 24 hours, but a full, hardened cure will take 72 hours.
Once 24 hours has passed, the resin will be hard to the touch and the cassette tape casting can be removed from the mold. Repeat this process many times over - the mold is strong enough to make multiple copies.
Now, about those holes - we used an electric drill slightly smaller than the size of the hole and slowly drilled to restore the holes and complete the look.
We were so happy with the incredible detail we were able to capture that we made a few different versions of our cassette tape replicas and decided to create a full, mixed tape art piece display. It did not disappoint!
We hope this video inspires you to create your own nostalgic art - it really is fun with endless possibilities.
Who knew cloning could be such fun?!
Well, we did. And that’s why there’s Mold Making Material. So go ahead. Make a copy. And then make another, and another, and another, and another…
@oceaninfluenceart Is Our Instagram Winner!
Congratulations to artist Tegan Randall, our latest Instagram winner! Tegan is a self-taught, full time resin artist based in the UK who shares a passion for the ocean through her stunning resin art.Tegan loves resin and the endless possibilities it provides. She first discovered resin in 2017 when she was experimenting with acrylic pouring and soon realised she could make much more realistic ocean art using resin: "I started [using] it on a remote island with no internet and, through trial and error with friends bringing me supplies, I fell in love with how I can recreate the ocean through resin! Being able to recreate the ocean and how unpredictable the medium is, it’s equally fascinating and frustrating at the same time which keeps me on my toes."
Tegan says: "I like the feeling of achieving the results I’m trying to create but I love making people happy, and the thought that my art fills someone with joy or serenity is why I really do it!"
To see more of Tegan's work:
Visit her Etsy shop: Ocean Influence Art
Congratulations on your win, Tegan!
To celebrate all the amazing artists staying home and creating, every month we will be sending out a 32 oz kit to a couple of artists who have tagged us on Instagram—and we'll share their work with the world!
Don't forget, tag YOUR ArtResin work with @art_resin on Instagram, and YOU could be our next winner!!
ArtResin: Made For Artists, By Artists.
How Does Hot Weather Affect Resin?
Although resin prefers warm temperatures over cold, a hot and humid climate can cause curing issues in epoxy resin, and prolonged heat exposure can even affect cured resin. To achieve optimal results, it's best to work with 2 part epoxy resin in a warm, dry environment throughout the curing process. Here are 3 simple tips to help you beat the heat and ensure a successful summertime resin:
- Keep your workspace, resin and tools at standard room temperature: ideal conditions are 75F/24C - 85F/30C and should stay stable for the first 24 hours.
-
Ideal humidity is below 50% however you can work in conditions less than 80% humidity.
- Cured resin art should not be exposed to high temperatures or direct sunlight for any length of time.
Wondering why temperature is so important? What effect do high temperatures and humidity have on epoxy resin? And what happens to cured resin art in the heat of summer?
Let's find out ....
Temperature of your resin room:
When the resin and hardener are combined, the curing process generates heat - in fact, you may notice that your resin starts to get warm after it's mixed. The higher the heat, the faster the resin will cure. On one hand, this can work to your advantage while your piece is drying, but on the other, it can greatly impact your working time: a room temperature above 85F/30C can jump start the curing process, causing the resin in your mixing cup to get hot very quickly and thicken prematurely.
In summer, air conditioning is a good idea to help maintain standard room temperature or just slightly above: it should be no cooler than 72F/22C and no higher than 85F/30C. If air conditioning is not an option and the temperature is above 85F/30C, work in the coolest part of your house.
💡TIP: Ensure the resin room stays stable during the entire curing process: the first 24 hours of a cure are critical and temperature dips may result in surface imperfections. For example, placing a resined piece to cure in a sunny window may seem ideal, but when the goes down, the temperature does too. You may end up with the "orange peel" effect with dimples, waves and other strange imperfections in your resin.
Luckily, this is an easy fix!
Learn how to fix surface mistakes in our blog How To Apply A Second Coat.
Temperature of your Epoxy Resin:
Just as the temperature of your room can affect cure time, so too can the temperature of epoxy resin: resin and hardener that are too hot can cure prematurely or even instantly after being mixed.
Preparation is key when it comes to working with resin during hot summer months: make sure your tools and project are prepped and organized so that you can pour immediately after your resin is mixed. Never use resin that has come straight out of a hot car or that was delivered and left out on a hot day: allow your resin and hardener time to come up to room temperature before you plan to pour. Store your opened or unopened bottles out of direct sunlight in a spot where it will stay stable at room temperature.
💡 TIP: Don't forget that if you're applying resin to a surface that can retain heat (like metal) a hot substrate can also accelerate curing and diminish your working time.
How does Humidity affect resin?
The heat of summer often brings along with it high humidity. Humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air and it can make a difference in your resin's final result: when moisture is introduced into the mixture, you may end up with a cloudy look or an oily appearance on the surface layer. This loss of clarity can occur during mixing and pouring or while the piece is curing so it's important to maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels throughout the curing process: suggested humidity should be below 80% and ideally below 50% for optimal results.
Air conditioning can cut humidity but running a dehumidifier the day before you plan to resin can be valuable if you live in a very humid climate. 
Cured Resin In High Temperatures:
Cured resin art can withstand a certain amount of heat, say, a warm coffee cup on a coaster, for example, but very high temperatures can cause fully cured resin art to temporarily soften. The resin will quickly harden up again once it cools down, but prolonged exposure may cause the resin to shift or distort.
For example, a coaster left in a sunny window may become flexible, but will quickly harden up again once the temperature drops. 
In the case of resin artwork, this flexibility can make the resin vulnerable to denting and damage: care must be taken not to stack up or lean artwork against each other if, say, you're showing your work at an outdoor art festival. 
⚠️ PLEASE NOTE: Never leave cured resin art, including tumblers, inside of a hot car during the summer months. In these conditions, the temperature can get exceedingly hot. Gravity may pull the softened resin, causing it to pool or warp irreparably.
So remember, for flawless results during the summer months, always use ArtResin as directed and remember these rules of thumb:
- Keep your workspace, resin and tools ideally between 75F/24C - 85F/30C and stable for the first 24 hours.
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Ideal humidity is below 50% however you can work in conditions less than 80% humidity.
- Cured resin art should not be exposed to high temperatures or direct sunlight for any length of time.
What is the best temperature to store ArtResin epoxy resin?
Opened or unopened, store your ArtResin bottles in a dark spot, out of direct sunlight and in a spot where the temperature will stay stable at room temperature or just slightly below ( 70F or 20C ).
Working with resin in winter? Check out our seasonal video ... How Does Cold Weather Affect Resin all about pointers for resining in the thick of winter!
Hope you found this valuable - please leave any questions or comments below. Let's resin!
ArtResin: Made For Artists, By Artists.
@forfoundsake Is Our Instagram Winner!
A part-time artist and a full-time project manager, Erin has been creating art since childhood. She took painting, drawing, jewelry making, pottery, graphic design, and photography classes throughout high school and college, graduating with a degree in Communications and the Arts specializing in Graphic Design with a minor in Art specializing in 2D design.
Erin says, "It was college where I found my love for taking tangible items, sticking them on a canvas, and coating them in Liquitex Matte Medium & Varnish. I would make very large pieces using items like fabrics, jewelry, and various things coated in up to 10 coats of Liquitex."
In 2019, she discovered ArtResin and incorporated her love of fabric and gemstones to create what you see today with For Found Sake. Erin says: "It has totally changed my art with its very shiny and permanent properties. There is nothing like preserving something under a coat of Art Resin. I transform it into this shiny and texturally interesting piece of art."
Erin participates in live art/maker shows and her work can be found in three stores in Wisconsin: The Local Store in Eau Claire, WI, Lake Country Mercantile in Pewaukee, and Paoli Art Shop in Paoli, WI. She also sells through direct message on Instagram.
To see more of Erin's work:
Congratulations on your win, Erin!
To celebrate all the amazing artists staying home and creating, every month we will be sending out a 32 oz kit to a couple of artists who have tagged us on Instagram—and we'll share their work with the world!
Don't forget, tag YOUR ArtResin work with @art_resin on Instagram, and YOU could be our next winner!!
ArtResin: Made For Artists, By Artists.
Resin Art Tools For Beginners
When it comes to working successfully with epoxy resin, the old saying "use the right tools for the job" is true. Each resin tool is used for a specific purpose, so it's important to use the correct tools and to use them correctly to save you valuable time, effort and money. If you're new to working with resin, however, you might not know where to begin:
What resin supplies should a beginner get?
Which resin tools are need-to-haves vs nice-to-haves?
Where do I buy resin tools?
Do I need to spend a lot of money on resin supplies?
The good news is that basic resin art supplies are easily found at your local hardware store or online. In fact, you may already have some of them around the house. Here are the essentials you need to get started with epoxy resin:
2. Disposable Gloves
3. Apron/Old Clothes
4. Plastic Drop Sheet
5. Masking Tape
6. Plastic Stands
7. Level
8. Plastic Container For Water Bath
9. Plastic Measuring Cup
10. Plastic Stir Stick
11. Plastic Spreader
12. Butane Torch
13. Toothpicks
14. Dust Cover
15. Alcohol and Paper Towel
16. Hand Cleaner
The importance of plastic resin tools:
From stir sticks to spreaders to plastic drop sheets, we recommend plastic tools when working with resin for good reason: epoxy resin doesn't adhere to plastic which makes clean up a breeze (and who doesn't like easy clean up?)
You have two choices when it comes to cleaning off plastic resin tools:
- Spritz wet tools with isopropyl alcohol and wipe dry with paper towel. Repeat this step as often as necessary to remove all traces of resin. When there is no more resin residue left, wash tools in hot soapy water and allow to dry thoroughly before using them again.
- Lay wet tools on a plastic surface overnight and allow the resin to cure. The next day, the resin will peel right off.
Either way, you can use plastic tools over and over again making them a smart choice when working with resin.
The importance of clean & dry resin tools:
Having the right tools for the job is essential, but equally important is that your resin tools must be both clean and dry:
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dirty tools will contaminate resin with dust, bits of cured resin from previous projects and, if solvents or oily substances are introduced into the mixture, can even prevent the resin from curing properly.
- water can cause a cloudy cure in resin so ensure that all tools, measuring containers, your work surface and the object you're resining are thoroughly dry.
Need To Haves: Resin Art Tool Essentials
When you're starting out with epoxy resin, you may want to get the feel of it with something simple, like applying a coat of resin to a piece of artwork. There are a handful of basic (but necessary) tools when working with epoxy resin. Let's take a closer look at the supplies you need to use when applying epoxy resin as a surface coating:
1. ArtResin Epoxy Resin
ArtResin is available in multiple sizes from 8 oz to 10 gallons, depending on the size of your project. Not sure how much you need? Simply enter your dimensions into ArtResin's Resin Calculator and it will tell you exactly how much resin you need and which kit to buy.
💡A Note About Respirators: You may have heard that wearing a respirator is necessary when working with epoxy resin. For many resin brands on the market this is true. ArtResin, however, has been tested by a toxicologist and was found to be a a clean system, meaning everything in the formula reacts, leaving no VOCs or noxious fumes that can become airborne and breathed in. As a result, ArtResin was found to conform to ASTM D-4236 with no component of its make-up having been found to be harmful, toxic, hazardous or dangerous when used as directed! This means you do not need to use a respirator when using ArtResin in a well-ventilated area. You can read more about our ASTM D-4236 certification here.
2. Gloves
Protect your hands with disposable gloves. In its liquid form, ArtResin is sticky and a pair of gloves protects your hands from a mess as well as possible skin irritation. Ensure you have several pairs of gloves on hand when working with resin. We like to use nitrile gloves - they are similar to latex but a lot stronger and with none of the allergenic compounds commonly associated with latex. You can find nitrile gloves as part of our Accessory Kit or in the paint department of your local hardware store.
3. Apron/Old Clothes
Protect your clothing from resin drips by wearing an apron, a smock, or old clothes while you work. Resin is very difficult to remove if you happen to drip any on your clothing. If you have long hair, throw it up in a ponytail to keep the resin out of your hair and your hair out of your resin.
4. Plastic Drop Sheet:
Protect your work surface and your floor from resin drips or spills with a plastic drop sheet. A clear, smooth vinyl shower curtain makes an inexpensive, sturdy liner that can be re-used again and again: resin drips can either be wiped clean with paper towel and isopropyl alcohol or, if allowed to dry, can be peeled off the next day. For smaller projects, kitchen parchment paper works very nicely.
5. Masking Tape
Tape off the bottom of your artwork to catch drips: if you want to resin the sides of your piece, tape off the bottom of your piece with good quality painter's tape. As gravity pulls the resin down the sides, drips will start to accumulate along the bottom. The tape will catch these drips and once the resin is dry to the touch, pull the tape off and the drips right along with it.
💡TIP: If you plan to allow the ArtResin to dome (that is, sit on top of your artwork without going over the sides) you can tape off the bottom for a little extra insurance in case the resin spills over the edges. Learn more about doming in our blog What Is Doming Resin? 
6. Stands
Propping your piece up on plastic stands allows excess resin to pool on the plastic lined work surface. We like using painter's pyramid stands here at ArtResin - you can find these in the paint section of any hardware store or you can buy them as part of our Accessory Kit. Plastic shot glasses or large toy building blocks also work well - both can be found at the dollar store.
7. Level
Ensure your work is perfectly horizontal by checking it with a traditional level or with ArtResin's mobile phone level: www.artresin.com/level. Since epoxy resin self-levels, it will run off the sides at the lowest point if your piece is slanted.
8. Plastic Container For Water Bath
If your resin is cold, a warm water bath will bring it up to room temperature making the resin easier to work with. Choose a narrow container with tall sides to prevent the bottles from tipping over. Fill it halfway with warm water, about as warm as you’d use for a baby’s bath, and let the capped bottles sit for about 10-15 minutes. Dry your bottles off thoroughly before you open them and you’re ready to measure and mix.
9. Stir Stick
The best stir stick for resin is one with a flat side: under mixed resin will not cure properly so it's important to scrape the sides and bottom of the container as you stir so that every last bit of resin and hardener are combined. A stir stick with a flat side can scrape the container much more effectively than something rounded, like a spoon. You can use wood craft sticks/tongue depressors but these must be disposed of after each use. Our favourite re-usable, plastic stir stick, pictured below, is available in our Accessory Kit.
10. Mixing Container
Measure and mix your resin in a plastic, graduated measuring jug: inaccurately measured resin and hardener will not cure so it's important to use a cup with well marked lines to avoid guesstimating. It doesn't matter if you measure the resin first or the hardener, as long as both parts are precisely equal amounts. Choose a mixing cup made of plastic - when you're finished, place your cup upside down on a plastic lined surface, and let the resin pool. The next day, when the resin is cured, peel it off and you can use your cup again.
11. Spreader
Use a plastic spreader with a flat edge to guide the resin: epoxy resin will naturally self-level after you pour it, but a flat plastic spreader distributes it evenly over your piece. ArtResin's spreader, available in our Accessory Kit, has three different jagged edges to allow you to control the volume of resin you're spreading.
If you'd like to let the resin sit neatly in a dome on top of your artwork without going over the sides, a small spatula or a plastic take out knife works very nicely to nudge the resin right to the edge without spilling over.
If you'd like to apply resin to the sides of your piece, you can use your gloved hands or a foam brush.
12. Torch
A flame torch is the best way to achieve a flawless, bubble free, finish: mixing resin creates a lot of bubbles and these need to be removed or they will cure right into your piece. Blowing them out through a straw or poking them with a toothpick are not effective. Hairdryers don't get hot enough, will blow your resin around and will introduce dust. A heat gun is a good option when working with silicone molds but for most resin work, nothing beats a flame torch to get rid of bubbles. A small butane torch like our Artist's Torch works nicely for most projects. For larger pieces, a propane torch can't be beat! Butane and propane tanks can be found at any hardware store.
💡TIP: If you're nervous to use a flame torch, please don't be. Once you've used one, you'll wonder how you ever did without it! You can read more about the benefits of using torches in our blog Why Use A Torch To Get Rid Of Bubbles?
13. Toothpicks
Toothpicks are indispensable when resining: after you've torched your piece, look at your resin art at eye level under a light source, using your toothpick to pop stray bubbles or to fish out bits of dust or hair. They are handy if you want to nudge small amounts of resin around or to place inclusions like gold flake or gems exactly where you want them.
14. Dust Cover
Have a dust cover ready before you start to resin: you never want to leave your freshly resined art exposed while you look for a cardboard box or plastic tote. Ensure the cover is wiped down to remove any dust that can drop down into your wet piece. We like plastic totes because they're easy to wipe out. You can use a cardboard box as long as you remove the flaps - you don't want to find the next day that a flap has dropped and cured into your resin ... true story!
15. Alcohol and paper towel
Paper towel and isopropyl alcohol are essential for spills and clean up: wearing gloves, wipe as much wet resin off with paper towel first, and then spritz your tools with a spray bottle of alcohol to remove any remaining residue. Wipe dry with more paper towel and repeat this process until there is no residue left. Never allow resin to go down the sink! Once your tools are clear of all resin residue, you can wash them with hot, soapy water and allow to dry thoroughly before using them again.
⚠️TIP: Because alcohol breaks down resin, never use it to wipe resin from your hands, or your skin may end up absorbing it. Read more about safety precautions when working with resin here.
16. Hand Cleaner
Clean sticky hands with an exfoliant hand cleaner: if you happen to get ArtResin on your skin, wash it off promptly to prevent possible skin irritation. An exfoliant hand cleaner from the hardware store works very nicely. In a pinch, you can dry rub your hands with a small amount of poppyseeds or salt and some liquid soap to remove the resin, then rinse well with water.
Nice To Haves: Experimenting With Resin
Here's where you can let your creativity flow! Once you've got the basics down, you'll be ready to experiment with some new resin projects. Here a few ideas to get started with:
- use silicone molds to make coasters and other small castings
- drop alcohol ink into resin to make petri dish art
- pour different shades of tinted resin to create flow art
- layer shades of blue and white tinted resin to create ocean art
In order to make these projects, you'll need to add a few things to your resin toolbox:
Silicone Molds
Silicone molds are perfect for casting small resin art projects: unlike a plastic mold which could rip or warp, a silicone mold is flexible and allows you to peel it back from the resin cast. It pops back into shape and you can use them over and over again. You can find molds in just about any shape and size but an easy project to get started with is making resin coasters in a mold like this one: you can add inclusions like beer caps, shells, decorative stones, gems, crystals and so much more. You can even make your own custom molds with Mold Making Material, a 2-part silicone product.
Alcohol Ink
You can also use a silicone mold to create petri dish resin art. Just squeeze Alcohol Ink drops into mixed ArtResin in a silicone mold, followed with white Ink Sinker to push the colors down through the resin, creating tendrils, squiggles and other cool effects! :
⚠️ PLEASE NOTE: While liquid ArtResin is non-flammable on its own, this is not the case once alcohol ink is added to the mix. Alcohol is flammable and for that reason, a torch should not be used on resin that contains alcohol ink.
Colorants
Epoxy resin looks beautiful when it’s tinted: for best results, always choose a colorant designed specifically for use with resin, like ResinTint liquid colorant. Stir the colorant into the mixture until the resin is one consistent color.
💡 TIP: Regardless of the colorant, a little goes a long way: don't add more than 6% of the total volume of mixed resin and hardener or your resin may not cure properly.
Plastic cups and stir sticks
Mix tinted resin using clear plastic drinking glasses and popsicle sticks: if your resin art project uses tinted resin, follow this process:
- Mix one big batch of resin in the amount your entire project requires.
- Portion out the resin into individual cups, according to the amount you need per color. Use a separate cup for each color.
- Drop the tint into the resin and mix thoroughly until the resin is one consistent hue. Start with less color than you think you need: you can always add more.
- Test the depth of color by pulling a little tinted resin up the side of the plastic cup - add a little more tint if necessary.
Wood Panels & Metal Trays
Strong, sturdy substrates best support the weight of resin: epoxy resin is heavy so wood panels are a great choice when working with resin. You can mount prints, photos, or even paint directly onto the panel and coat with resin for a modern looking finish. Cradled wood panels contain a lip to contain the resin and work very nicely when pouring tinted resin for flow art or ocean art. Metal serving trays also work very well for this purpose.
💡TIP: you can resin a stretched canvas, but the back needs to be reinforced with cardboard to prevent the fabric from sagging, which can cause the resin to pool in the centre as it cures.
Heat Gun & Hair Dryer
Use a heat gun on silicone molds and a hair dryer for flow art: though we almost always recommend using a flame torch, there are two exceptions:
- When working with silicone molds: the intensity of a flame can risk damaging silicone, so a heat gun is a good alternative when working with molds.
- For creating cells and lacing in flow art or ocean art: use a heat gun or hair dyer on low to gently push the layers of tinted resin, creating fun effects. Finish off with a quick pass of a flame torch to pop any bubbles.
Inclusions
Add gold leaf, crystals, decorative stones, charms, glitter to your work: inclusions is just a fancy way of describing all the fun little embellishments you can add to your resin work to create shine, interest, and texture. You can suspend flakes of gold leaf, you can add crushed glass or crystals to replicate geodes, you can add sparkle and depth with some glitter, you can create coasters with beer caps, shells, or dried flowers. There are about a million different things at the craft store you can add to resin: always make sure your inclusions are thoroughly dry and we advise testing first to make sure you get the result you're looking for.
Sandpaper
From time to time, you may find your resin has cured with a bubble or a bit of dust or hair in it. Not to worry: this is easily fixed by pouring a fresh coat of resin. Before you do that, you’ll need to sand down the first coat, roughing it up so that the fresh resin has something to adhere to. Whether you use a piece of sandpaper, a sanding block or an electric sander, use a coarse sandpaper like 80 grit over the entire surface, paying particular attention to sand out the problem area. It’s going to look like a mess, but don’t worry. Once you wipe away all of the sanding dust and pour your fresh coat, it’ll look good as new.
We hope you found this helpful! The bottom line is, that when it comes to working with resin, having the right tools helps you to get a better result.
If you have questions or comments on any resin supplies, please leave them below - we're happy to answer!
Ready to grab your supplies and get started?
We'll teach you everything your need to know in our ArtResin 101 video!
And if you're ready to branch out and try something new, here are a few great projects to get started with:
- How To Make A Resin Coaster
- How To Create Petri Dish Art
- How To Create Resin Flow Art
- How To Make Ocean Resin Art
ArtResin: Made For Artists, By Artists
