Crafting with epoxy resin is more than a hobby; it's a form of art, a creative outlet that lets DIY enthusiasts and artists turn everyday objects into stunning pieces. Yet, the journey of molding, pouring, and creating with epoxy is not always smooth sailing. As creators on the quest for innovation and beauty, we often encounter challenges, reworks, and moments where our creativity is truly tested. But in those trials, the real magic happens – a chance to evolve and learn from the process.

In this blog post, we take you on an account of one such creative journey – the making of an Ocean Heart bookend decoration using ProGlas 1000 Tabletop/ Art Epoxy and ProGlas 1105 Deep Pour Epoxy resin. We'll delve into the details of the project, including the tools, materials, and techniques, and share with you the triumphs and the setbacks that were faced along the way. Plus, you can check out the video above to see it play out.

Starting with a Vision

The concept was to create an Ocean Heart bookend, a piece that encapsulates the beauty of marine landscapes. The vision was to integrate sand, shells, and vibrant blue pigments to recreate an ocean look. We used a heart silicone mold with a 2" depth that we got off Amazon. We chose ProGlas 1000 Tabletop Epoxy Resin to create an ocean theme with the sand and pigments. It was followed by ProGlas 1105 because it is a clear deep pour epoxy that would not only capture intricate details but also provide the depth we were looking for.

Prepping for the Pour

Crafting with epoxy resin requires preparation. A well-ventilated, dust-free area was used and we ensured that all surfaces, molds, and tools were clean and ready. We made sure to wear gloves. The resin was cold from being in a chilly garage overnight. A warm bath was made in a bucket where the resin jugs soaked until they warmed up. The work area was also warmed for optimal working temperatures.

The Pour: Adding Pigment, Sand, and Shells

The pour is where the magic begins. We started by measuring the ProGlas 1000 resin at a 1:1 mix ratio in a graduated measuring cup. Then the resin was mixed thoroughly with a stir stick. It is important to scrape down the sides of the cup while stirring well.

Once thoroughly mixed, we poured the resin in several different graduated mixing cups where we added sand to one and pigments to the others. You do not need much resin with the sand. Just enough to coat. We mixed three blue and green pigments as well as one white for the ocean waves. The sand and resin mixture was added first to the bottom of the heart mold. A heat gun was used for a second to remove any air bubbles. Then, varying pigments were used with lightest color near the sand and the darkest the farthest away from the sand. A heat gun was used again to quickly get rid of any air bubbles. Despite our careful execution, the initial results were not turning out as expected – we just didn't like how much sand there was versus how much pigmented resin. 

Learning from the Setback

In the world of crafting, setbacks are not uncommon. We chose to view the first pour as an opportunity to learn. We used less sand this time around. The blue and green pigments were added followed by the white pigment. The white pigment was used along the sand and in between colors to create ocean waves. Once the white pigment was added, a heat gun was used to move the white pigment around and create a wave effect. We also used a stir stick to move resin around. The seashells were added to the sand area. Typically a small amount of resin would be added over the shells to keep them secure but we knew we would be adding Deep Pour later that would keep them in place. The result was a second pour that was closer to our original vision. It cured for 24 hours before we moved on to the Deep Pour resin.

Deep Pour

The ProGlas 1105 Deep Pour resin was mixed at a 2:1 mix ratio. Two parts A with one part B. It was mixed thoroughly. This is imperative when working with epoxy resin, scraping down the sides of the cup as it is mixed. Once it is mixed well, it was poured at approximately a 2 inch depth in the mold. A heat gun was used to pop the few air bubbles. Then it was left to cure in a warm, dust-free room for 72 hours.

The Finish: Demolding

Demolding an epoxy creation is akin to a reveal – a moment of anticipation and hope. We demolded the heart bookend and were met with exactly what we were envisioning. While we encountered a small setback, the end product filled us with a sense of achievement. 

Sharing the Journey

Check out the full video tutorial by watching above! Have questions about our resin? Feel free to reach out to us by calling us at 855-235-8776 or emailing at sales@proglasepoxy.com