Epoxy Crafts on The Hallmark Channel's Home and Family Show

Today I am back on the set of The Hallmark Channel's Home and Family Show showing how to use epoxy. It is like a science experiment. By mixing the resin and hardener together you can make a number of different projects. For the show I made jewelry boxes, bracelets, a serving tray, and paper weights!

Epoxy is the real deal guys! If you are going to do it, then make sure you do it right. I made all of the mistakes I possibly could so that I could come to you with all of the information on what to do, and what not to do.

Some tips for working with epoxy:

*You do not want to work with cold epoxy. Work in a warmer space if possible. You also do not want it to be hot! Place the bottles in a cup with warm water to bring the temperature up, and that will allow the mixture to combine much nicer.

*Work in a well ventilated space

*WEAR GLOVES!

*Work on a wax surface, because epoxy won't stick to wax.

*Make sure to measure the correct amount of resin and hardener. Equal parts!

*When mixing, use a popsicle stick, and make sure to mix well. It will look like oil and water in the beginning, then cloudy, then it will become clear, which is what you want!

*Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes in order for the bubbles to rise, and pop themselves.

*Once you pour the epoxy, you may get more bubbles, and you can use a straw to blow them out.

*If working with a larger project, you can use a hair dryer on low to pop the bubbles, but make sure to do this very carefully, keeping your face away.

Supplies:

Epoxy Resin Plus Hardener (This usually comes in a kit); make sure to read the instructions to see if you need to mix in anything else

Popsicle sticks

Plastic mixing cups

Gloves

Painters Tape with leak proof seal; depending on the project

Jewelry/jewelry box/tray/bracelet mold

wax paper

Directions:

Work in a well ventilated area, and be sure to wear gloves; not recommended for kids or pregnant women

Make sure to read the instructions on the box before starting; generally it is recommended to work in a warm space; you also do not want to work with cold epoxy, so place the bottles in a container of warm (not hot) water for a bit before mixing

Generally speaking there is a bottle with epoxy resin and the hardener; measure out equal parts in separate containers, then combine the two together

Mix slowly and continuously for a few minutes; it will start out looking cloudy, but as you mix, it will become more clear, which is what you want; try to mix gently to prevent bubbles

Allow it to sit for a few minutes to let the bubbles rise

Prepare the item you plan to pour to epoxy in; if doing a jewelry box, make sure to line the area around the top with painter’s tape that has the leak proof seal

Pour the mixed epoxy into the mold, etc.

Allow to sit for a few minutes; then use a straw to blow out the bubbles

If making a paper weight, or bracelet, it helps to pour the epoxy half way up, wait an hour or so, then place in the flowers, or whatever items you decided, if using, in, and mix up some more epoxy to fill the rest of it

Keep the item on a level surface; epoxy is self-leveling, meaning it will dry flat and even

Use the straw again to blow out the bubbles, making sure no condensation from your breath gets into the epoxy

Allow to dry at least 24 hours