We are just 2 days away from the release of Star Wars Force Awakens, and today I’m continuing my “Countdown to Star Wars” series with a tutorial on how to make your own Star Wars jewelry!
(For sneak peaks on upcoming projects follow me on Facebook and Instagram!)
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Tools and Supplies
Here’s a list of items you’ll need to gather to create the Darth Vader necklaces:
- Star Wars Silicon Ice Molds
- Epoxy Resin (Clear)
- Disposable Medicine cups
- Stir sticks
- Glitter
- Acrylic paints
- Heat gun
- E6000 Glue
- Leaf bail
- Necklace chain
How to Make a Resin Darth Vader Necklace
Step 1: Mix together equal parts of resin and hardener.
This step may vary depending upon which brand of resin you choose. (My personal preference is Ice Resin, but EasyCast has worked well for me most of the time, and it’s cheaper.) Follow the box instructions and take the recommended safety precautions. I purchased a bag of disposable medicine cups and use the cups for both measuring and mixing together the resin.
It’s critical that you take care and ensure the resin is measured at the correct amounts. Also make sure the two parts are thoroughly mixed together. (I have ruined several pendants because the resin never hardened because of a misstep at this step.)
Once the resin is mixed, add in color. You can use resin dyes, but I think simple acrylic craft paint works very well. You do want to be careful. A little paint can go a long way for coloring the resin.
Step 2: Add in glitter.
To add a nice bit of sparkle, sprinkle in a bit of glitter.
It is tempting to become very generous with glitter as you sprinkle it into the resin. A little glitter can go a long way as well. Too much glitter and you may end up with something like this:
Although, it may be just the look you’re going for.
Step 3: Pour the resin into the mold.
Pour the resin mix into your silicon mold. Once your ice mold has come into contact with resin, it must never be used for food consumption again.
Step 4: Remove air bubbles.
As you mixed your resin, you might have noticed air bubbles forming. You can remove the bubbles with heat. I used my Martha Stewart heat tool to remove all the air bubbles from my pendants.
Once you’ve removed the last air bubble, set the mold aside for 24 hours to allow for the resin to cure.
Step 5: De-mold the resin Darth Vader pendants.
After 24 hours have passed, your resin pendants should be cured. The cure times may vary depending upon which resin you use. Remove the pendants from the silicon mold.
At this point you may want to sand the edges down. Do this in a well ventilated room wearing a dust mask.
Step 6: Attach a leaf bail and string the pendant with a necklace chain.
Attach a leaf bail to the Darth Vader pendant with E6000 glue and allow it to dry. Now you ready to wear your piece of jewelry!
For sneak peaks on upcoming projects follow me on Facebook and Instagram!