Resin charms for jewellery

[Millie2013]

I would like to try making resin charms/beads with flowers inside, but I have no idea what I need (resin and moulds aside), or (most importantly) where to buy bits from. From what I've read, the resin component is in two parts?

Has anyone worked with resin? How difficult is it? Any advice or online store recommendations, much appreciated, thank you

Sorry to jump on your post but I've been wondering the same thing. Everything looks so beautiful.

If I find anything useful, I'll report back!

@penguingorl seems pretty knowledgeable. I want to put pictures in resin so I'll be watching with interest.

Hey! So, lots to think about! Once you get the hang of it resin is so much fun to work with and it has sooo many uses. If money isn't too much of an issue then you can experiment with different types as like with most things different types work well/badly for different people/uses. I haven't really used it (it's expensive!) but if you want to make small pieces and get quick results then UV resin is good, no mixing involved and you basically pour it in to a mold and then cure it under a UV lamp (same type that nail techs use) I don't know much about how this type reacts with colouring/adding objects etc I'm afraid, although I'm sure there are tutorials on youtube (be careful with choosing tutorials from people who actually have experience rather than are just experimenting though, in some it's not immediately obvious!!)
Then there's polyester resin, which is the cheapest kind and is one of the types that you have to mix. Some types by volume, some by weight. You mix it with a hardener, which then causes a chemical reaction enabling it to cure hard, your measurements have to be spot on as you will get a tacky finish if not. The very major downside to this type is that it gives off quite potent fumes which stink your house out, and you do really need to wear a mask. Even if you're able to use it in a well ventilated area, or garage etc it can be quite temperamental if you use it somewhere cold.
Then there's epoxy resin, which I use and find 'easiest'. This is also in 2 parts with a chemical reaction occuring when you mix resin with hardener. The one I use most is from a company called craft resin (I can get you a 5 or 10% discount if you'd like to try some, I would get the same) as they ship via Amazon and it works well for the kind of projects I do, which is mostly small pieces like jewellery and ornaments/hangings atm.
Sorry, this getting really long and probably tmi! One of the companies I buy some of my dyes from is called resin8, they have excellent customer service and a really helpful FB group full of people asking questions and asking for help. I haven't used it myself but they do have a starter kit for people wanting to try making some jewellery, which people in the FB group speak favourably of in terms of contents and instructions. They also sell different types of resin and have the uses in the descriptions, ie there's one for coasters which is heat resistant to a higher temp than other types when cured.
One of the most important things to know for sealing things in resin (you can seal a surprising amount of things!) is that moisture is your enemy. Resin hates water, it won't cure properly if anything is even slightly moist. So flowers for example have to be thoroughly dried. I do some by pressing and some with silica if I want to retain the shape.
You can totally use paper, photos, all-sorts, the trick is to seal it first. You can actually use a thin coat of resin for some things or you can use something like modge podge, it basically has to dry clear and be impenetrable.
I think I'll just say one more thing and then let you ask if you have any questions! You will need nitrile gloves as resin is very sticky once mixed and can also cause allergic reactions, and an area where you can work on a flat service on something that you won't be upset if there's a spillage (I use a cutting mat on a desk in my spare room) and then leave your items to cure (curing time varies from a few hours to a few days, the resin you buy should advise in the instructions. Mine takes around 24-36 hrs to cure hard like glass) away from little hands/paws. You basically have to leave it alone until it's ready as fingerprints and dust are SOO annoying! And DO NOT get it in your hair! And wear old clothes!
You will have questions as you go along, happy to answer or point you to an excellent youtube tutorial for most things!
Good luck, it really is a fun medium with so many possibilities