Crafted by renowned artisans Cathie Filian and Steve Piacenza, this hardcore resin jewelry technique transforms everyday items like guitar picks into striking pendants, blending avant-garde style with professional results.
These accessible projects showcase edgy fashion using guitar picks embedded in clear resin for a bold, durable finish.
EasyCast (resin and hardener kit)
food grade silicone spray or mold release spray
plastic measuring/mixing cups (do not use wax coated cups)
vinyl gloves
wood sticks
mold
foam brush
tweezers
Wax paper or plastic sheet to protect work surface.
Images or objects to embed.
decoupage medium (optional)
resin dye (optional)
ball chain necklace
manual or electric drill
1/16" drill bit
18 or 20 gauge wire
round nose pliers
Important Warning: EasyCast bonds strongly, so use only plastic molds designed for resin casting. Avoid candy, soap, or candle molds, even with release spray. Test a spot if unsure.
1. Spray the mold with release agent and prepare your workspace.
2. Measure equal parts resin and hardener into a straight-sided, wax-free plastic cup.
3. Mix thoroughly in two stages for proper chemical reaction: Stir resin and hardener for two full minutes, scraping sides and bottom. Pour into a second cup and mix for one more minute, scraping again.
4. Pour resin into the mold until half full.
5. Brush objects (held with tweezers) with resin using a foam brush or stick. Place face down in the mold. Seal organic items like paper or fabric with decoupage medium first; non-organic items like guitar picks can be brushed directly with resin.
6. Top off the mold with more resin, stopping just below the edge to avoid overflow. Use a hairdryer on low to pop bubbles, but avoid excess heat that could warp the mold.
7. For colored resin: Follow steps 1-5, cure half-filled mold for 24 hours, then add dye to fresh resin mix and fill. Cure fully for two days.
8. Cure at 70-85°F for best results: 24 hours soft cure, 72 hours hard cure for 1/2" pieces. Time varies with temperature and thickness.
9. Clean liquid resin from tools with alcohol or solvent; use warm soapy water for skin. Safety Note: Never use solvents or alcohol on skin.
10. Pop cured pieces from mold by twisting or pushing from back.
11. Drill a 1/16" hole at the top; smooth with a jewelry file or bead reamer.
12. Thread 5" wire through hole, form a loop, wrap excess. Attach to ball chain necklace.
