The other day I was sitting in my office/crafting room and looking in the different drawers with my crafting materials, checking them off one by one and pondering what’s next.
What else is there to try out of the things I have not yet done? I was lacking ideas or inspiration about what to create while I wanted to create something on someone’s demand. It would really be nice for a change to craft something that someone needs or asks for, wants specific colors, flowers or what else is there and you that you know someone will have a use of it, or appreciate to receive it whatever you craft, instead of me forcing them all the stuff I make and throw it at them, like I do with my family.
So, while looking at the drawers and thinking what to do, even what resin to use (Epoxy or UV) I poked my hubby and asked for attention. He could hear my brain was desert dried for ideas and as supportive as he always is, he started to brainstorm with me.
I have to say that having a supportive partner can make all the difference when it comes to pursuing your passions. My boyfriend is always there to support me with my crafting ideas and provide valuable feedback. He takes the time to listen to all my hyped and silly ideas and offers constructive criticism that helps me improve my skills. He also encourages me to try new techniques and to experiment with different materials. His support and feedback have been important in helping me grow as a crafter and I am grateful to have him by my side.
During our brainstorming conversation he gave me some hints, and ideas about colors, shapes and other details that can be useful when crafting. He dived in and was willing to help as much as possible even though he has no knowledge about resin or is into crafting. To be fair, since January he has gained much knowledge about resin and crafting, even if not asking for or wanting it. It is just me bombing him with too much information at times. He is such a sweetheart when it comes to be there for me and support with whatever stupid ideas I get. However, all the talk we had about what could be done, took me into a direction I completely forgot. In few days it is actually his birthday.
What could be better than crafting something that he will use and in colors that he likes?
At the end, I crafted two coasters for his drinks in his favorite colors and one keychain letter. Not sure how he has diverted from having one.
Since I couldn’t decide of the coaster shape, round or squarish, I made both. Can’t hurt to have too many coasters, right?
The idea behind the colors and pattern was to have one of them a bit more transparent, giving an ocean vibe, since both of us love water, beaches, and tropical ocean views. The second one would also have the same theme, but more marble like with a touch of silver instead.
Before I started to stir the resin, I decided which blue colors I wanted to have for the coasters. Placed the holders and prepped them by adding some Mica powder before pouring the resin in it to blend.
The four colors I chose for the square-ish coaster were Silver, Pink Blue, Lighter blue and ocean blue.
They are beautiful, each one on their own, and when squeezed together even better. I thought that the silver color would give it a bit of breaking and in a way it did, however not how I expected it. You know when you draw a certain image in your brain and have some expectations how it’s going to look, well, it didn’t really turn out as I thought.
The resin and colors have their own life it seems and spreads in its own ways. So, while it was slowly curing, I could see the pattern that I maybe was not completely happy with, so I took a little stick and tried to fix pattern, but it just made it worse. Go figures right? It is still pretty but definitely not as I pictured it. I just hope he will like it and use it.
I have never tried to do coasters before so was unsure to be honest how much resin do you need for that.
Afterwards I realized I actually failed to have the right amount of the resin. The craft is to be honest not perfect, but it is good enough and it is pretty. It gives me such a good vibe and I do love the colors.
The second coaster that was going to be more transparent I also prepared four containers in which I poured few drops of three different blue colors and one with white. Then took the turns between the different containers and slowly pouring them and mixing into the round form. Also, here I underestimated the amount of resin that you should have had, and the coaster is a bit thin. It still works and is pretty but with some flaws. I guess that is what makes it more unique.
