Clear or simple colored resin work of the kind many of us do is fun (and sometimes frustrating). However, that is not all you can do with it. In combination with polymer clay work and mold making, the resin technique can be so much more. Artistic souls will want to learn about how to use this combination technique to make small art sculptures for jewelry making!
Cynthia Thornton's
Resin Sculpting and Casting Techniques Craftsy class which I received for review certainly shows possibilities beyond basic resin work. This experienced mixed media artist studied fine art and 3D illustrations and moved on to a career which included making toy prototypes, masks and props. Her ability to sculpt and her creative talent is clear with this inspirational class.
Cynthia has gone on to set up her own company,
Green Girl Studios which produces distinctive component designs cast in pewter, silver and bronze.
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| Koi Pond Resin Pendant |
She shares her knowledge on how to sculpt and cast in this excellent class. Learners may not be casting in metal (yet) but the effect of distinctive designs can be achieved with familiar jewelry making supplies.
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| Owl Resin Belt Buckle |
The class lasts 2.7 hours. As with
all Craftsy classes, the format is such students can watch the class when and where they want and as many times as necessary to learn a technique. You will be able to ask Cynthia any question.
Lesson 1 includes a class overview as well as the various tools and equipment needed. Who knew there would be other alternatives besides toaster ovens for baking the polymer clay masters? Remarkably, Cynthia also teaches how you can make various types of tiny sculpting tools from just cuticle sticks. They are invaluable in getting the details right.
Lessons 2-4 teaches us how to make small polymer clay pieces and add details to the base and more importantly how to sculpt. She starts with a basic lily pond oval, then moves on the owl and my favorite and the most challenging of all, the koi pond. She has an interesting technique to lightly bake the top part of the polymer clay master enough to keep on adding more polymer clay elements. Sure makes the designing progressive with just a final full bake at the end.
Lesson 5 This is a very useful and critical lesson where the instructor goes over which type of silicone is best to make the mold and how to create the mold itself. She uses a very easy technique and supplies for making the mold walls and base. No one will be intimidated by it!
Lesson 6 deals mostly with color - how to tint the resins or even the molds themselves. I like the latter idea as it reduces the amount of color pigments used. She introduces different kinds of pigments and paint you can use to get that wonderful mixed effect on the pieces.
There are many resin brands out there. Cynthia does not use the same brands of resin as I have. So her cautionary note to obey manufacturer instructions is worth heeding. I've used resins where they typically quote ratios such as 1:1. So it doesn't matter if you use scales (weight) or pour to the mark (volume). But if a brand mentions by volume or by weight, just follow the instructions to be sure of the right amounts needed for the polymerization reaction.
Cynthia also cautions about the limited shelf life of resin. But working with cast and colored resins means if Part B is on the yellow side, it won't affect the piece compared to clear resin work!
I noticed she colors just Part B rather than the final mix. This makes some sense. She doesn't say so but should a coloring error occur, you haven't lost both parts! Cynthia also briefly covers how to mix resin and to demold the pieces after curing. Like magic!!
Lesson 7 is all about finishing the pieces. She teaches how to correct resin overfills and bubbles. The types of paint washes and simple paint brushing to bring out design details and how to seal is the highlight of this lesson.
All in all, her techniques for color inclusion and surface application were delightfully refreshing.
This class is highly recommended for those who want to take resin to the next level. An inspirational class which covers the basics of sculpting clay. You are only limited by your imagination! A really fun and enjoyable creative class indeed.
The ability to create original polymer clay designs for innumerable resin casts will appeal to those hoping to make several duplicates as for buttons and bracelets or perhaps for sale. If a design proves popular, an artisan still has the master design at hand to create more.
Cynthia is also the author of
Enchanted Adornments
, a mixed media jewelry making book.
GiveawayThe
first prize winner of the giveaway will win free access to Cynthia Thornton's class
Resin Sculpting and Casting Techniques. There will also be
3 runner-up prizes of 50% off discounts for her class.
If you want a chance to be one of those winners, please make a comment below. Make sure you leave contact info below if you do not have an online shop or blog.
Email subscribers need to scroll down the post they receive, click on Share Comment and enter your comment. Pick Name/URL. If you don't have a store or blog, leave the URL blank.
This giveaway is international.Extra entries if you become or are a blog subscriber or follower etc. If you also do shout outs about this giveaway, those will count as additional entries too! Please say so in the comments. (The exception is Facebook - just like/comment on the giveaway status there!!)
It
ends in a week's time at 6 pm EST Monday, March 28, 2016. I will pick the winner randomly and announce the results as soon as possible after. So be sure to leave a contact email if you don't have an online link or make sure you come back and check! Otherwise I will redraw in a week. Good luck!
Before You Go:
This month is National Crafts Month, so many Craftsy classes are on sale.
Wire Jewelry Metal Work Free Class
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