A Bookworm Creates

Book page pendants aren't easy to make.   They seem simple, but trial-and-error has taught me a few things. First you need your supplies: Bezels Resin Mixing measuring cups and stirrers What you are putting in the bezels Scissors or punch cutters I tend to get the pre-measured resin even though I get less resin for more price.  I won't have to measure it out - just make certain I use even pressure when injecting the resin into the mixing cup. Even pre-measured things can affect how the resin hardens, or doesn't harden.  Too much of the yellow side (I'm blanking on what it's called) and the resin will not harden.  Too high humidity will impact how long it takes to set.  You also need to be in a well-ventilated room. Or outside. Step one - Prep your bezels and book pages.  This means a glue or paper sealer.  Apply the sealer to the bezel.  Position your book page in the bezel - do this...

Step 1 - Put resin in heat resistant bowl.  On occasion I have to "destroy" my resin pendants.  It could be for any reason. A book has had its copyright renewed. A pendant doesn't get enough views/sells.  It's an "oops" pendant that didn't turn out perfect or close to perfect.  Anything can happen. On this instance it's all three. But I don't have to let them sit around collecting dust, wasting renewal fees, or even - shudders - get thrown in the trash. Step Two - Pour hot water over the bezels Resin has one downside and anybody who has looked at most of my book page pendant listings on Etsy can figure it out. Hot Water. Wait? What?   Step Four - Use tweezers to remove bezel from water Step Three - Cover the Bowl (This traps in the heat) Step Five- Insert sharp object between bezel and resin Hot water can soften up the resin.  It can indent the resin.  It can even soften it up enough where I c...

Has your sterling silver jewelry tarnished? It happens sometimes when you don't wear it that often. Here's a tip. 1. Line a bowl or something with aluminum foil. 2. Put the jewelry in the covered bowl. 3. Cover the jewelry with baking soda. 4. Pour hot (not boiling) water over the baking soda to help it disolve.  (I used water from the coffeemaker.) The chemical reaction will cause the baking soda to bubble and after doing this a time or two the tarnish will be gone. 5. Wash jewelry with cool water and dry.  Voila!