These are the most unique resin-filled bezels I have made this year. I am preserving small pieces of tatted lace.
"Tatting is a technique for handcrafting a particularly durable lace constructed by a series of knots and loops. Tatting can be used to make lace edging as well as doilies, collars, and other decorative pieces. The lace is formed by a pattern of rings and chains formed from a series of cow hitch, or half-hitch knots, called double stitches (ds), over a core thread."
I fell in love with this vintage handkerchief in my local antique store. The lace edging was absolutely perfect.
I really do not know if a machine created this or if a person did this edging. I have observed people create these mini works of lace art and know it is still done by many stitch enthusiasts. All I do know is that the linen handkerchief is starting to disintegrate and I need to save the tatting.
My first step was to carefully cut several tatted sections. I used a decoupage medium to glue the tatting into my bezel opening. I then applied three more layers of decoupage medium over the tatting to seal everything from coming into contact with the resin. If I do not do this properly, the thread will be darker in the spots that I do not seal.
TIP ONE: I always do three sealing coats and let everything dry overnight. I use a paint brush to apply the glue.
Then I did one last special sealing coating.
I have never done this before.
TIP TWO: I wanted to be sure the tatting would be okay so I applied a thin layer of Jewelry Resin with my brush over the tatting. Again, I used a brush to apply the resin and let that cure overnight.
When my resin layer to seal the tatting was cured I then made a final batch of Jewelry Resin. My bezels are very shallow and I was worried about an over pour.
TIP THREE: I allowed my resin to set up in the stir cup for 30 minutes. This way, it was much thicker when I poured it and was easier to contain in the shallow bezels.
Aren't they wonderful?
Labels: Envirotex Jewelry Resin, Tatting, Tips
