Embed Lace And Charms In Resin To Create Helen Cant’s Glamorous French-style Jewellery

What you need...

• BEADS Pearls, cream, Swarovski: 3mm x 12; 8mm x 8; 10mm x 6, Flowers, polymer clay, white x 6, Charms, brass: Eiffel tower x 2, Paris x 3
  
  FINDINGS Chain, curb, gold: 2mm x 3mm links x 26cm; 4mm x 6mm links x 46cm, Extender chain x 1, Charm bracelet blank, gold, with toggle clasp, Ribbon, organza, black and white polka dot, 15mm wide x 55cm, Lace, black, at least 6cm wide, Head pins, Eye pins, Top pins, Aanraku bail, large, Jump rings: 5mm; 8mm, Clasps, lobster, Ring blank, 7mm, flat pad, Earwires, fish hook,
  
  TOOLS Resin, polyester, water clear casting, Casting moulds, various, Polyester pigments: white; black, Drill, hobby with 1.2mm and 1.6mm bits, Cutters, wire, Pliers: round-nosed; flat-nosed, Tape measure, Pins, Tracing paper, Wet and dry paper, 600 grade, Car lacquer, can, Glue, epoxy resin, Cocktail and lolly sticks, Disposable cups, Nail varnish, clear, Heat gun (optional)
  

instructions

1. Heart Pendant - 1. Trace around a large heart mould, adding approximately 3mm to the dimensions all the way around. Cut the template out, pin to the desired section of a piece of lace and cut around. Make several cuts 3mm deep around the edge, which will allow you to position the lace up the edges of the mould to give a neater finish.
   
   2. Wearing a face mask, mix 30ml of resin following the manufacturer’s instructions. This will be enough to form the first layer of all the lace pieces in the set. Carefully pour the resin, filling the mould to a third. Leave to stand for a minute to allow air bubbles to disperse. If any large bubbles remain, pop with a cocktail stick or gently warm with a heat gun for a few seconds.
   
   3. Pour a little spare resin into a cup and dip the lace to coat it. Gently place into the mould, using a lolly stick to push the lace down into the resin and ensure it is neatly adhered to the edges. Leave to set for at least six hours.
   
   4. Prepare another 35ml of resin, which will be enough to form the second layer of all the lace pieces in the set. Dip a cocktail stick into white pigment, covering around 2cm then mix thoroughly into the resin. Pour over the first layer to fill the mould. Pop any air bubbles and leave to fully cure for 24 hours.
   
   5. Ease the piece from the mould, then sand the back with wet and dry paper using plenty of water. For a glossy finish, spray with car lacquer. Prepare a small amount of epoxy glue according to the manufacturer’s instructions and apply a bail to the back. Once fully set, cut a 30cm length of ribbon and tie onto the bail in a bow. Trim the ends and coat with clear nail varnish to prevent fraying.
   
   6. Cut a 46cm length of curb chain with 4mm x 6mm links and thread through the bail. Attach two 8mm and two 10mm pearls either side using head pins. To finish, attach a lobster clasp and 5mm jump ring to the ends.