These really are not traditional bezels. For those of us who love to pour resin we normally seek items that have a solid back and sides. I have discovered over the years a few ways to work in vintage findings like these. There is the open back bezel technique that many of us learned from Susan Leonart Kazmer or Suze Weinberg who introduced me to the red line tape. And there is a new technique I hope you will say you learned from me!
I have been testing and experimenting with apoxie clays this summer. I have been mainly working with Apoxie Sculpt which is a two part system. As you can see, I am rolling the clay to form a thin sheet, like I would do if it was polymer clay.
I then place my open back objects into the clay and cut away the excess. What is different about this technique is that the clay cures rock solid without the use of an oven. I leave the objects on my table overnight and the next day I have a new solid back.
I either paint or apply paper to the new back and when all is dry I pour in Envirotex Lite as usual.
Now I have two new pieces I love from two old items I found in my junk drawer!
cool idea :D
ReplyDeleteI have some Apoxie sculpt on my watch list so might have to add to my basket now LOL
Thanks for sharing,
Julie xx
This is a great idea Carmi! :)
ReplyDeleteWhere can you buy apoxie sculpt? Ive never seen this before. It is something that would come in very handy for me.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! Your new-found bezels look great! That is something I will have to try. The only thing...I don't have junk like that in my junk drawer! Lol, have a great day!
ReplyDeleteIf you are interested in the clay you need to google resin clay or Apoxie Sculpt to see who sells it in your area.
ReplyDeleteMega-super cool!Thanks for sharing...
ReplyDeleteI love seeing your projects! They are so great! I spent hours one day happily splitting metal buttons...I like them better than bottle caps. I also used antique drawer pulls and metal buckles from old sandals recently. :D
ReplyDeleteJust actually read through your post. I use mat board covered with an image, glue it to the hardware (like a ring or the buckle) and pour into that to make a pendant, etc. Years ago I used epoxy to drop all kinds of beads and findings on to make pins. Thank God for the Internet so now I can see your ideas too! Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea & I have tons of AS as I'm a doll maker & use it all the time. Never thought of doing a bezel with it. How about Paper Clay? Ever think of making a bezel from Paper Clay as it is a whole lot lighter? I "harden" my Paper Clay is thoroughly dry & it becomes rock hard.
ReplyDeleteCool idea.. Never thought of using old earrings like that (I think they were earrings). I ordered Magic Sculpt recently (its on its way) which is similar to Apoxie Sculpt but only comes in a few colors. You can color it though using Tap Plastics pigments or stuff like Mica powders.. Super cheap compared to the Apoxie Sculpt. Can't wait to try it with your project. I have so many 1980s big ugly faux gold earrings that would like nice as necklace pieces.
ReplyDeleteThat's great, Carmi!
ReplyDeleteI have a lot of open pieces like that which would make great bezels and resin frames. You've found the perfect solution!
I promise to say I learned it from you ;-)
I have been looking all over the internet for this information I'm just starting to use resin for pendant making and I have so many open backed pieces that I wanted to use as bezels. Thank you sooo much!!
ReplyDelete