Retired - Mint Sprig Necklace

Note: Components and tools listed within this INSTRUCTIONS box and the printer-friendly PDF, if available, may have been discontinued since this project was published. Refer to the PURCHASE COMPONENTS and TOOLS AND OTHER SUPPLIES sections for current availability.

1. First, you will make the mold for your resin pendant. Please watch our video on how to create sculpted resin pieces by Becky Nunn. Following the technique in the video, mix equal amounts of parts A and B of your silicone putty. Mix the putty into a blended ball about the size of a large gum ball. Flatten the ball slightly using the lid of your putty container so it resembles a thick pancake, and place it onto your work surface (be careful not to get fingerprints on the putty, since the texture will stick!).
2. Take a small floral button from your assorted vintage button mix, or any texture of your choice, and carefully press it into the putty. Gently remove the button from the putty. Quickly press your Nunn Design open bezel pendant into the putty, centered around the button texture. Make sure to press the bezel in evenly and securely so no resin will spill out the sides when you pour it in. Leave the bezel in place and allow the putty to cure for several hours, or overnight.
3. When the mold has cured, pop the bezel out. Take a paintbrush and lightly brush the textured design of the mold with pearlized mica powder. Place the bezel back into its groove in the mold.
4. Next, please watch our video on how to use Nunn Design resin. Put on your disposable gloves and face mask. Based on the instructions in the video, measure your resin and stir with a popsicle stick until all striations are gone. Let rest for five minutes so the air bubbles rise to the surface and pop.
5. Following the instructions in our video on how to add opaque pigments to resin, take a toothpick and add a drop of opaque white pigment to your resin. Stir gently. Next, take another toothpick and add a drop of transparent green coloring. Stir. Add additional drops of color to achieve the mint green hue shown, but do not allow the pigments to exceed 10 percent of the resin in the cup.
6. When your resin is fully mixed, use the stick to drip the resin into the bezel a few drops at a time, until the resin reaches the upper edge of the bezel. Remove any bubbles with a heat source such as a small torch.
7. Allow the resin to cure in a dust-free area for three days. Remove the sculpted resin piece from the silicone mold.
8. Next, you will do a second resin pour to create a dome of clear resin over the textured surface. Place the bezel on a flat surface with the textured side up. Repeat step 4 to mix your resin, and then use the popsicle stick to drip the clear resin onto the textured surface of the piece until the resin creates a dome over the lip of the bezel. Remove any bubbles with a heat source such as a small torch.
9. Allow the resin to cure in a dust-free area for another three days.
10. Using flush cutters, cut six 1 inch pieces of chain, and eight 1/2 inch pieces of chain.
11. Cut fourteen 2 inch pieces of silver wire.
12. Take one piece of wire and using pliers, create a wrapped wire loop on one end, wrapping the wire onto the loop at the top of your resin pendant (see photo). String one Austrian crystal crystal chrysolite opal bicone onto the wire. Create another wrapped wire loop on the other end, wrapping the wire onto the first link of one 1/2 inch piece of chain.
13. Take another piece of wire and create a wrapped wire loop on one end, wrapping the wire onto the last link of chain from the previous step. String one crystal bicone. Create another wrapped wire loop on the other end, wrapping the wire onto the first link of another 1/2 inch piece of chain.
14. Repeat step 13 two more times, attaching crystal wire links to two more 1/2 inch pieces of chain. Then repeat step 13 three more times, attaching crystal wire links to three 1 inch pieces of chain.
15. Repeat steps 12-14 again to create the other side of the necklace.
16. Open a jump ring. Slide it onto the last link of chain on one side of the necklace, and also slide on the loop of your clasp. Close the jump ring.
17. Open another jump ring. Slide it onto the last link of chain on the other side of the necklace. Close the jump ring.
18. Close the clasp, and enjoy your necklace!

• PND-00624 - Nunn Design Open Bezel Pendant, Circle with Channel 17x22mm, 1 Pc, Ant. Silver
  Project uses 1 piece. You will need 1 package.


• TRC-14 - Nunn Design 2-Part Epoxy Resin Kit, Jewelers Grade Clear, 8 Oz Kit
  Project uses 1 piece. You will need 1 package.


• TRC-87 - CASTIN CRAFT Casting Epoxy Resin Opaque White Pigment Dye 1 Oz
  Project uses 1 piece. You will need 1 package.


• TRC-89 - CASTIN CRAFT Casting Epoxy Resin Transparent Green Pigment Dye 1 Oz
  Project uses 1 piece. You will need 1 package.


• XTL-1161 - Crystal Clay Sparkle Dust - Mica Powder 'White Pearl' 1.5g
  Project uses 1 piece. You will need 1 package.


• CHA-9812 - Nunn Design Silver Plated Oval Cable Chain 2.3mm - By The Ft
  Project uses 12 inches. You will need 1 package.


• WCR-2430 - Artistic Wire, Silver Plated Craft Wire 24 Gauge Thick, 10 Yard Spool, Tarnish Resistant Silver
  Project uses 28 inches. You will need 1 package.


• SWBI-14305 - Austrian Crystal, 5328 Bicone Beads 4mm, 24 Pieces, Chrysolite Opal
  Project uses 14 pieces. You will need 1 package.


• FJR-5219 - Silver Plated Open Jump Rings 6mm 20 Gauge (50)
  Project uses 2 pieces. You will need 1 package.


• FCL-7527 - Nunn Design Silver Plated Lobster Clasps 15mm (2)
  Project uses 1 piece. You will need 1 package.

• TRC-60 - Easy Mold Silicone Molding Putty for Casting and Jewelry Making 1/2 Pound
• PND-0199 - Assorted Vintage Metal Buttons Gold And Silver Tone 12-28mm Diameter - 1/4 Pound
• XTL-880 - ICE Resin, Angled Paint Brushes for ICED Enamels & Paper Sealant, 6 Pack
• XTL-5600 - Xuron Sharp Flush Cutter Pliers - Wire/Soft Flex
• XTL-5511 - Beadsmith Jeweller's Micro Pliers Chain Nose Flat Nose
• XTL-5514 - Beadsmith Jewelry Fine Round Nose Micro Pliers