Eco-Epoxy Resin Jewelry Projects!

Epoxy resin is a type of glue used for many different purposes. It's also a magical modern jewelry making material. Sustainable jewelry enthusiasts enjoy using eco-epoxy resin in designs because it's an inexpensive, easy way to add dimension and color to cold connection jewelry pieces.

Read the instructions on the eco-epoxy resin manufacturer's package. Measure and mix the eco-epoxy resin exactly. Failure to mix exactly will result in problems with the resin curing and hardening.

 Use eco-resin to attach embellishments or jewelry findings to your pieces.

Use Eco-Resin To Fill Bezel

Arrange beads, small treasures, fabric, paper or other small ephemera to create a collage inside the bezel.  Pour the epoxy resin into the bezel until it covers all the items in your collage and domes over the top of the bezel. Allow the epoxy resin to cure for approximately 48 hours.

Remember Mix the eco-epoxy resin according to the manufacturer's instructions.  

The Art of Riveting!

Are you in the know when it comes to riveting? If you have a love for creating green jewelry, it's an awesome cold connection technique. Rivets are used to join materials that can't be soldered together or are otherwise fragile. They are commonly used decoratively or to create movement between two or more materials. Join me as I walk you through a step by step riveting tutorial.

First things first...Collect the treasures that you want to piece together. Decide how you would like your finished piece to look and choose the appropriate rivet type. There are several types of rivets. I will show you how to make a simple decorative tube rivet.

Colorful Tube Rivets

A tight fit is very important! Select a drill bit or punch that fits the rivet exactly. After your hole is drilled or punched, you can use a round file, reamer or scribe to enlarge the hole to the correct fit.

18.5 Gauge EuroPunch

Metal Clay is soft enough to use a punch.

Remember...Only file enough to create a tight fit!

Using a rivet hammer or a ball peen hammer, rest your piece on an anvil and spread the rivet by striking it on one side and then the other.

Strike the rivet evenly on each side until flush.

If the materials to be joined are soft or fragile, be sure to use a piece of felt or leather between your design and the hammer.

More metal clay rivets!

 Please use your imagination because the sky's the limit when it comes to variations on riveting techniques!

Welcome Sustainable Jewelry Enthusiasts!

Visit me each week as I walk you through the creating of a new DIY sustainable jewelry project. While some of the projects will be dreamed up by me , others will be borrowed from other green artists. I will always let you know my sources for materials, tools and ideas. Please let me know if you have any thoughts, tips or anything else you'd like to share.