Alcohol Inks and Photo Silhouettes in Resin
SCROLL DOWN FOR DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES
PART 1: CASTING LARGE SHAPES
Here's the first in a series of quick tutorials showing different effects you can create when layering alcohol inks behind photo silhouettes.
For these projects you'll need:
Alcohol Inks - any colors + white CLICK HERE for recommendations
Sharp scissors
Clear Packing Tape (optional)
Whatever ribbon, chains, or other findings you want to finish your projects.
This shows the fronts and backs of these pretty ornaments:
. 
Another example with another cheeky photo!
PART 2: CASTING Special Effects for JEWELRY MAKING
For these projects you'll need:
Alcohol Inks - any colors + white CLICK HERE for recommendations
Sharp scissors, straight pin and/or toothpick
Paper towels
Clear Packing Tape (optional)
Whatever pins, jumprings, keychains, chains, or other findings you want to finish your projects.
PART 3: DRAMATIC EFFECTS in Cabochon Castings
Same supplies as above, used in different ways to create amazing and dramatic color effects in resin. Try with our without photos for unique, dimensional resin castings!
Same materials as above :)
More videos to come!
ALCOHOL INK DRIP TECHNIQUE
There's lots of fun to be had by incorporating alcohol inks into Brilliant Resin, here are a few techniques you can try, CLICK HERE for alcohol ink recommendations:
Simple colors
You can add color between layers of resin for beautiful organic looks, or to add dimension. Inks can be painted on, or dripped and blotted.
STICKER RESIST TECHNIQUE
Step 1 - Cast clear layer of Brilliant Resin in any mold and allow to set up.
Step 2 - Place a monogram sticker on the resin, rub it down well, then drip, daub, or paint inks over it. Allow to dry, then remove the sticker.
Step 3 - Add a layer of clear Brilliant Resin to seal it in.
Here's one on a white cast resin piece, outlined in silver ink:
DRIPPING INKS ON CLEAR PHOTO FILM
This is a fun way to create gorgeous glass-like looks. In the image above I dripped inks on a sheet of Clear Photo Film, which holds the inks very well, and then blew through a straw to splat them out.
Here's what you'll need...
Use the guide that comes with these molds to size your strips.
For these bangles and sun catchers, attach a sheet of Clear Photo Film to a stiff board (cardboard, a clipboard, or other white surface), prop it up at an angle and squeeze your inks at the top of the sheet, allowing them to run down. For distinct colors let each one dry before adding the next color. You can tip the sheet different ways to get all kinds of rivulet patterns, and try dripping pure alcohol in spots to create more intricate looks. CLICK HERE for alcohol ink recommendations. Have fun experimenting!
PETRI TECHNIQUES
As anyone who has tried this technique knows, it's trial and error until you figure out how to get the look you want. Our friend Myriam of Myriam's Nature has tons of well done video tutorials that can save you time and money, and give you great new ideas.
Here are some resin eyes I made using our Silicone Cabochons Mold, Brilliant Resin, White Resin Colorant, alcohol inks, and a black nail polish pen:
This is done in a similar way to the glitter eyes in this how-to video.
COLOR PHOTOS WITH ALCOHOL INK
You can also paint or blot alcohol inks onto our Special Photo Papers for selective color or design. While the inks stay put nicely even with layering resin, some colors of alcohol inks shift in resin, and some fade faster than others.
Resin Mixed Media with Artist Belinda Spiwak
If you've stopped by our booth at a show, you've most likely seen some work by Mixed Media Artist Belinda Spiwak. She combines found objects and scraps from other projects with a variety of other mediums like acrylic paint, texture paste, and color spritz, resulting in stunning collage effects.
She then pours resin over select areas, letting some of the original textures show through. The results are dramatic 3-D scapes. Some tell a story, others are just fun!
Here are some examples:
Here's one more way you can use Little Windows Brilliant Resin to enhance your creations. Belinda collaged many elements in this piece, then dripped resin over it, in an irregular way, protecting the piece, securing the bits in place, and creating great contrasts in texture and finish. Click the video link below to see how it's done.
Click this image for a link to Belinda's Facebook Page, and check out her latest creations. She's a true talent, turning any material - from papers to fabrics to metals - into stunning, layered art. Thank you Belinda!
One of Belinda's favorite sources for interesting bits and pieces is a website called skybluepink.com, and I'll admit I'm obsessed with this site and their teeny-weeny puzzle pieces, micro-buttons, asian goodies, charms and ephemera of all sorts - lots to add to your resin creations. So be sure to take a look for unique goodies at excellent prices!