Looking for an alternative to genuine opal jewelry? Making a faux opal with resin is easier than you think. Not only is it fun to create these, but they will cost you only a fraction of the price of real opals.
By the way, if crafting with epoxy is new to you, take a moment to learn what is resin and why it’s the most amazing crafting material ever. 🤩
Supply list:
Cabochon jewelry mold
Resin mold release
Iridescent papers
Resin Obsession super clear resin
Resin Obsession opaque color pigments
1-ounce mixing cups
Stirring sticks
Safety gloves
Step 1: Choose a mold
Use a jewelry mold in a shape you like.
Step 2: Apply mold release
Mist mold release over your mold and let dry. This takes 30 minutes.
The mold release ensures your faux opal charms pop out of the mold easily.
Step 3: Cut papers
Cut iridescent papers into various sizes about the size of a dime. (You can get iridescent papers in the gift wrap section of craft stores.)
You can crinkle the papers or leave them smooth. (more coming on that)
Step 4: Add resin
Mix 1 ounce of jewelry resin for this project. The super clear resin is perfect for this project because it cures crystal-clear. It releases bubbles quickly, so you aren’t stressed about getting them out of your resin.
Only fill mold cavities halfway with the mixed clear epoxy resin.
Step 5: Add papers
Put your cut papers to the resin in the mold. You’ll need to move the papers around to release any trapped bubbles. When you’re happy with the first layer of your faux opal charms, cover and allow to cure.
Step 6: Add another resin layer
This layer needs a color. That’s what will make your resin look like a faux opal.
Mix another 1 ounce of super clear resin, then split into 3 cups. Add opaque color pigments and stir well.
💡 Pro tip: If you’re unsure what color to use, go with black.
Pour the second layer of colored resin over the clear layer with the paper. Remove any bubbles as necessary. Cover and allow to cure.
Step 7: Demold
Twist the mold while pulling at a faux opal edge. Your resin will peel out.
Here are the finished faux opals:
The top row has charms made with crinkled iridescent papers. The bottom row has resin charms made with smooth pearlescent papers. Which faux opal style do you like better?
You can see the difference easier in the two charms with the black opaque resin layer behind them. The crinkled paper charm is at the top and looks more like a natural opal. (at least to me)
Finish your faux opal charms as pendants or string several together to make a bracelet.
⭐️ BONUS: Here are several options to turn resin charms into wearable jewelry.
Ready to take on more resin jewelry crafting projects?
I’ve helped thousands of artists worldwide with their resin obsession, and I’d love to help you too. I wrote the book Resin Jewelry Making, with the resin beginner in mind. It explains the basics of how to make resin jewelry plus includes several projects you can make in a weekend. Buy the ebook now and get a download link to your email in minutes.
Unpublished Blog Posts of Resin Obsession, LLC © 2022 Resin Obsession, LLC
Just amazing how resin can do wonders to make a woman smile.
Love it!
I love your Tutorials!!! You do a wonder job.
Is the iridescent paper transparent?
I would call it translucent
I’d love to be able to say that I learned more than I thought possible by creating something that puts a smile on people’s faces. And maybe come out even when it comes to the huge expense I’ve put into this Resin Obsession I seem to love so much! Regardless, I’m a winner for finding something that I love doing… Thanks Team!!!
The pieces look great. Is there a way to make them as heavy as glass?
I’m not sure you would want to (they might break when dropped). What are you trying to accomplish?
I am trying to develop jewelry items for men. Having a substantial feel (a.k.a. more weight) seems to confer a higher perception of value. Hence the question.
The first such kind of jewelry item I have in mind would be roughly around the size of a business card. I haven’t seen molds that big (so far), so I wonder, what mold making kit and clear resin would be the best to get started on it.
One of these rectangular molds may be what you are looking for: http://shop.resinobsession.com/collections/molds/rectangular As for a resin, any one on this list suited for molds should work for your purposes: https://www.resinobsession.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/resin-choices-april-2016.pdf
Thank you very much
I just hit on a new idea. To practice my design creation skills, instead of resin, why not use – water. I can freeze the art piece to a solid slab in the freezer, take a pic to see what worked and what didn’t – then let it melt and reclaim my materials. 🙂
Sounds great!
If you want more weight, consider getting there by way of framing the item in metal, which can be done using plating processes that are easy and can be done at home.
[Late information is still information]
Hi Katherine,
Which iridescent papers / foils are you using; from which store? My local shops don’t have anything like this, so I have to order over the net. Please!
Thank you!! 🙂
We have some here but are currently sold out. https://shop.resinobsession.com/products/ice-resin-foil-sheets
See my comment about Etsy – they have several stores that sell it.
Etsy is my best source for iridescent products. Search their site for “iridescent cellophane. Also as an aside, I like to use a little bit of ultrafine glitter in my first pour, usually white, iridescent, silver, or gold. It adds just a little bit more pizazz and fire to it.
How do you achieve the crinkled look?
Hi Debra, crinkle the paper, then add it to the resin.