How to Make an Artistic Free Form Vessel Out of Epoxy

Looking for a unique way to bring some artistic flair into your home? Look no further than epoxy! With it, you can craft beautiful and one-of-a-kind free form vessels that are perfect for any room. Whether you're looking for a statement piece or an eye-catching conversation starter, read on to find out how easy it is to make your own free form vessel with epoxy.

Let's get started!

Materials Needed

To make your own free form vessel, you'll need the following materials:

- Ice Epoxy's "IceThin" epoxy (A:1 B:1)

- Mixing cups

- Mixing sticks

- A protective surface (like a craft mat or plastic table covering)

- Plastic bag/sheet

- A large shallow dish, a stand and a plastic/metal container to help shape your vessel

- Mica powders/dyes/additives

Now you're ready to start creating! Don't forget to work in a well ventilated area and wear gloves, at all times, and a mask/protective eyewear as required.

Preparing the Surface

The first step to making your free form vessel is to prepare the surface. Start with the large shallow dish and place a plastic bag/sheet on it. The bag/sheet needs to be thick enough not to melt as the epoxy cures but not so thick that it will not bend when it comes time to drape and form the vessel.

Mix and Apply your epoxy.

IceThin is a 1-to-1 mix, equal parts A (resin) and B (hardener). I used 500ml (16.9 oz) to create my free form vessel. Mix thoroughly, scraping the sides and bottom of your container, for a minimum of 3 minutes. Divide into 2 or 3 smaller cups and add your colour/additive choices to each cup and mix. After colour is mixed let cups stand for no more than 30 minutes. Pour epoxy onto plastic in the shallow dish. Create your design by dragging your mixing stick through the epoxy as much or as little as you choose. Use a heat gun to pop surface bubbles. DO NOT let the heat gun hover in any one spot as you risk melting the plastic beneath the epoxy. Let sit for 7-8 hours before trying to drape the epoxy over the stand.

Finishing Touches and Tips for Successful Project Outcomes

Finishing Touches

Once the epoxy has almost hardened, it's time to finish off your vessel! Place a container onto your stand and carefully drape the epoxy over it (plastic sheet and all). Gravity will start pulling the epoxy down. Depending how close the epoxy is to hardening will determine the height of your vessel. You can use careful pressure to help shape the vessel.

Tips for Successful Project Outcomes

-Allow yourself plenty of time to get familiar with Ice Epoxy, especially the mixing process and safe working temperatures.

-Since epoxy is a chemical, it’s important to work in a well ventilated area and properly protect yourself.

-Allow extra time for experimenting and make sure to keep any tools or other materials handy, such as a heat gun and popsicle sticks.

-Test out different color combinations and additives before you begin your project.

-Be careful not to overheat the epoxy as it may melt the plastic beneath it.

-Take your time when draping the epoxy to get the desired shape.

-And finally, most importantly, have fun and enjoy creating something truly unique!

Conclusion

Creating a free form vessel with epoxy is a great way to add unique, one-of-a-kind pieces to any room in your home. With just a few simple steps and materials, you can craft beautiful vessels that are sure to be conversation starters! Now that you know how easy it is, get started on creating your own vessels and make sure to check out D's Epoxy Creates for all the materials you need. Visit www.dsepoxycreates.com and start making your own unique creations today! Good luck!

Frequently Asked Questions about Creating Free Form Vessels with Epoxy

Q: What type of epoxy should I use for my free form vessel?

A: IceThin is a great choice as it will create a sturdy, transparent and flexible product.

Q: How much epoxy do I need for one vessel?

A: 500ml (16.9 oz) should be enough for a medium size vessel.

Q: How long does the epoxy need to cure before I can start working with it?

A: Allow 7-8 hours for the epoxy to harden before attempting to drape and shape it.

Q: Can I use a heat gun on the epoxy?

A: Yes, but be careful not to overheat or linger in one spot as it may melt the plastic beneath the epoxy.

Q: Where can I buy Ice Epoxy and other materials needed for this project?

A: Visit www.dsepoxycreates.com for all the materials you need to start crafting your own epoxy vessels.

Happy creating!

Let's Make Something Beautiful Together: An Alberta-Inspired Mug Holder/Hanger

Prepare to be amazed by the incredible tale of Diana, the artistic genius who helped transform a man's dream into stunning reality using ICE Epoxy's ICE BOARD. Picture this: a unique, one-of-a-kind keepsake holder designed specifically for his beloved Mom's special mugs. But Diana didn't stop there – she skillfully provided innovative solutions every step of the way, resulting in a breathtaking work of art. Brace yourself for a story that showcases the magical collaboration between Rob, Diana and ICE Epoxy, bringing creative visions to life like never before.

Diana and her passion for art, in all its forms

Diana has been passionate about art for as long as she can remember. From painting to sculpting, creating art brings her joy and fulfillment unlike anything else. She loves the challenge of transforming a simple idea into something unique and beautiful. When it comes to working with ICE Epoxy, Diana finds it especially rewarding because she knows the work will last for years to come.

Barnwood and Treasures Workshop

Book Now

The Vision

Alberta-Inspired Mug Holder/Hanger

Family Branding Irons

Rob, the visionary, had just completed a Barnwood & Treasures project with his brother to display the Family Branding Irons. As his Mom admired the display she ruminated on her mug collection, given to her over the years, and how nice it would be to show them off as well. This sparked Rob's imagination, he had an idea for a keepsake holder to display her special mugs, using pieces of maple burls he had seen in D's woodpile. His Mom was born in Alberta, loved the mountains, and wildflowers. These are the things he wanted reflected in this piece. He wanted something unique that would stand out. He had experience using ICE Epoxy's ICE THIN, but he was interested in trying ICE Epoxy's ICE BOARD for this project.

ICE BOARD (2:1)

Buy Now

Working together to turn the vision into reality

Rob and Diana worked together to bring the vision to life, using ICE BOARD as the medium. Rob provided design/vision and hands-on work throughout the process, while Diana offered helpful solutions and guidance. With her expertise and passion for art, they were able to create a beautiful keepsake holder that exceeded their expectations.

The process of creating the keepsake holder with ICE BOARD

With meticulous attention to detail, we embarked on a step-by-step process to create a breathtaking masterpiece. Our journey began by handpicking wood pieces and skillfully arranging them to form a majestic mountain range, elegantly spanning a 42"x10" mould.

To breathe life into the scene, we poured a blend of blues and whites to represent the boundless sky. Layer by layer, over the course of three days, we expertly added clouds using a silicone mould, allowing us to shape them in various forms. This not only added depth and perspective but also cleverly concealed the screws holding the French cleat in place, ensuring a secure and seamless wall display.

Our dedication to detail extended even further as we carefully placed pressed and dried wild crocuses, collected from our very

own garden, at the foot of the mountains.

Once the piece was gently removed from the mould, Rob took over, meticulously sanding it to perfection. Starting with a coarse 40 grit, he progressed through finer grits of 60, 80, 100, and 120 to create an impeccably smooth surface. Finally, to make the holder truly shine, we applied a final coat of ICE THIN, enhancing its brilliance.

ICE THIN - UV resistant (1"<)

Buy Now

The finished masterpiece and its beautiful details

Through our careful craftsmanship, we created a captivating masterpiece that captures the essence of nature's grandeur. Its vibrant colors and detail gave the piece a life of its own. The blue sky and white clouds created an illusion of depth, making it look like one was standing at the base of majestic mountains. The wildflowers added a pop of color that made the entire landscape come to life. When hung on the wall, the holder was both beautiful and practical. It was a perfect reflection of Rob's vision and craftsmanship (with a little help from D). With ICE BOARD epoxy, this one-of-a-kind art piece will last for years to come.

Finished Mug Holder/Hanger

The success of this Alberta-Inspired Mug Holder/Hanger was due to the collaboration between Diana and Rob. Diana was able to understand Rob's vision and provide helpful solutions throughout the creative process. They communicated frequently through every step to ensure that their vision was being realized. The ability for them to work together closely was key in turning a simple idea into a masterpiece. Diana's commitment to making sure that the customer was happy with the result is what made this project possible. Through her hard work and expertise, she helped to create a one-of-a-kind keepsake holder that will be treasured for years to come. This story shows how Diana and ICE Epoxy can help to bring creative visions to life.

What is your favorite element of the mug holder/hanger created by Diana and Rob?

• Change Image

  Mountains
• Change Image

  Clouds
• Change Image

  Wildflowers

You can vote for more than one answer.

Bring your creative vision to life with Diana from D's Epoxy Creates! Contact us today and let's get started on making your dream project a reality. Click here to get started! Let's make it happen!

#DreamsToRealitywithDSepoxycreates

This article is for informational purposes only. Please use caution when attempting projects at home. Seek professional guidance if necessary.

Fascinating History of Resins in Art: From Ancient Greece to Modern Masterpieces

From ornate jewellery of ancient Greece to the vibrant, captivating works of modern art, resin has been a powerful medium for centuries. Its ability to transform and capture light, creating mesmerizing effects, has made it an enduring staple in the world of art. In this article, we'll explore the fascinating history of resin art from ancient Greece to modern masterpieces. We'll delve into what exactly resin is made of and the endless possibilities this captivating medium has to offer. So grab a cup of your favourite beverage and let's take a peek at the incredible world of resin art!

I. Introduction

A. What is Resin Art?

Resin art is an ancient practice that has been used for centuries to create decorative ornaments and jewellery. The natural resin known as amber, produced by trees, fossilizes into a hard, transparent slab when exposed to air. This material has been used in decorative pieces throughout the ages.

B. Overview of the History and Uses of Resins

Tree sap (resin).

From fixing weapons to constructing temples, ancient civilizations knew that natural resin from trees, flowers, and shrubs was an incredibly versatile material. The Greeks and Mayans even used it for medical and household purposes!

Today, modern science has taken resin to new heights. It's used to create strong structures for aircraft and as industrial fixatives. And, now, it's even available for artists to use in their creations.

II. Ancient Greece and Beyond

Detail of a portrait within its mummy wrappings, Metropolitan Museum of Art, discovered by Flinders Petrie in 1911.

A. Origins of Resin Art in Ancient Times

Resin has been used by many cultures throughout history. In Ancient Greece, resin has been found in artifacts from the 8th century BC. It was believed to be a magical material that could protect against evil forces and even bring good luck.

Theophanes the Greek, an artist from the 4th Century BC, used amber resin to craft statues of gods and goddesses. Furthermore, other materials such as wax were also mixed with resins to create encaustic medium, used for sculptures and paintings. The most famous being the Fayum Funeral Portraits out of Egypt. In the Middle Ages religious figures and other popular figures were crafted with resin. Later, in the Renaissance period, many pieces of art used this material to create detailed sculptures and paintings.

B. Amber as Decorative Ornamentation

The use of amber as a decorative ornamentation is an ancient practice. Amber jewelry is one of the most popular forms of resin art. Ancient Greeks used amber to craft intricate pieces for themselves or as a gift for friends and loved ones. During the Middle Ages, amber was highly sought after by royalty as a luxurious and eye-catching material. Even today, amber is still used to create beautiful pieces of jewelry that can be worn as a statement piece or everyday accessory.

Amber is also a popular material for home decor. Often, the material is set in frames or used to craft elegant sculptures that can serve as focal points in any room. It is also very durable, making it an ideal choice for decorative pieces that will last for years.

C. Revolutionizing the Art World: Epoxy Resin's Discovery

The art world was forever changed with the discovery of epoxy resin. Prior to the 1930s, natural resin was considered the only option. But thanks to the pioneering work of Dr. Pierre Castan and Dr. Sylvan Greenlee, epoxy resin was born. Originally created for dental fixtures, liquid epoxy resin received its first patent in the 1930s.

Structure of the epoxide group, a reactive functional group present in all epoxy resins

This highly viscous liquid is synthesized by combining polymer resin and hardener, creating a chemical reaction when mixed together. The result is an amazing material that can be poured into moulds or spread over surfaces such as wood, canvas, concrete, or even stone, producing remarkable, glossy finishes.

Thanks to its versatility in finishes, textures, and colors, unique works of art are now possible. Furthermore, resin is easy to work with, allowing artists to showcase their creativity and produce stunning pieces. Epoxy resin has truly transformed the way we appreciate art.

III. Modern Masterpieces

A. Epoxy Resin and Its Uses in Art Today

In the mid-nineteenth century, the demand for mass-produced plastic items drove the development of synthesized plastics like Bakelite-phenolic resin. This versatile material found its way into radios, jewelry, bags, and more. As the art industry shifted away from natural paints, Franz Kline, William de Kooning, and Jackson Pollock embraced synthetic industrial paints to create their art. These new paints gave artists the freedom to explore in unprecedented ways. By the end of the century, artists had a plethora of supplies to choose from, including resin.

Resin art is a experimental form of expression that allows artists to bring their thoughts and emotions to life in a fluid material. Versatile and durable, resin is both visually fragile and tangible. It can be painted and glazed, allowing for endless creative possibilities. With resin, artists can create traditional or non-traditional art, sculptures, 3D paintings, coated acrylic paintings, home decor, wooden furniture pieces, jewelry, and more.

B. Popularity of Epoxy Resin Art in the Contemporary Age

Epoxy resin is the new love of contemporary artists – versatile, strong, and capable of taking the appearance of other materials such as wood or stone. Imagine being able to create realistic-looking objects without worrying about finding the right type of material – that's exactly what epoxy resin offers. The synthetic resin has self-leveling properties, meaning it spreads evenly and cures into a perfect finish. And wait, there's more - this allows artists to create intricate details in their works easily! With epoxy resin, a sculptor can create a rock formation without having to spend hours sifting through stones. It's no wonder epoxy resin is becoming increasingly popular!

ICE THIN - UV resistant (1"<)

Buy Now

IV. Conclusion

From its ancient roots to the modern day, resin has been used in art for millennia. Its versatile properties and easy use have allowed it to become a favorite medium of many artists over the centuries. From amber jewelry being crafted by Ancient Greeks to epoxy resin sculptures being created today, this amazing material has proven to be a timeless choice. With so many different forms and applications, resin is here to stay as a favorite material of contemporary artists and art lovers alike.

With an ever-expanding array of beautiful projects and tools, www.dsepoxycreates.com is the ultimate resource for those interested in epoxy resin art. Whether you are just starting out or a seasoned professional, there is something for everyone. Explore the website to find out more about the different forms of epoxy resin available and sign up for workshops to help hone your skills. Make sure to check out the blog as well – it’s packed full of helpful tutorials and tips! Take your epoxy resin art to the next level – head on over to www.dsepoxycreates.com today!

Barnwood and Treasures Workshop

Book Now

V. References

1. "Renaissance Art: Definition, Characteristics, History." Khan Academy, https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/renaissance-reformation/renaissance-europe/v/renaissance-art.

2. “Theophanes of Byzantium and the Amber Art of Ancient Greece.” Resin Obsession, 12 Feb. 2019, https://www.resinobsession.com/theophanes-of-byzantium-amber.

3. “A Guide to Epoxy Resin Art: History, Uses & Benefits." The Craftsmen Group, 24 Jan. 2021, https://thecraftsmen.group/epoxy-resin-art/.

4. “The Evolution of Resin Art: From Amber to Epoxy." The Craftsmen Group, 24 Jan. 2021, https://thecraftsmen.group/evolution-of-resin-art/.

5. “Epoxy Resin: The Popular Art Supplies of Modern Times.” The Craftsmen Group, 24 Jan. 2021, https://thecraftsmen.group/epoxy-resin-modern-art/.

6. “Resins: All You Need to Know About These Amazing Materials.” The Craftsmen Group, 24 Jan. 2021, https://thecraftsmen.group/resins-all-you-need-to-know/.

7. “Bakelite: History of the First Synthetic Plastic.” Smithsonian Institution, https://www.si.edu/spotlight/plastic-presence/bakelite.

8. “Phenolic Resin Uses and Characteristics.” RS Components, https://uk.rs-online.com/web/generalDisplay.html?id=i/phenolic-resins.