Blog

How to Use Slate and Marble Powders for a Retro Resin Vase
Resin Steve McDonald Resin Steve McDonald

How to Use Slate and Marble Powders for a Retro Resin Vase

In this guide, you will learn how to mix heavy rock powders, specifically slate and marble powder, with gold mica powder to create a beautiful, retro-style vase. This technique relies on the different weights of the powders to naturally separate and sink inside the mould, leaving you with a gorgeous gradient and streak effect reminiscent of 1960s and 1970s design.

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How to Create Stunning Solder-Wrapped Glass Pendants
Crafting Steve McDonald Crafting Steve McDonald

How to Create Stunning Solder-Wrapped Glass Pendants

In this guide, you will learn the art of "soft soldering" using copper tape and lead-free solder. This project is perfect for hobbyist crafters who want to experiment with metalwork without needing a full blacksmith’s forge. By the end of this post, you’ll be able to transform glass cabochons, sea glass, or even resin charms into unique wearable art.

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How to Create a Vibrant I-Cord Rug: A Step-by-Step Guide
Crafting Steve McDonald Crafting Steve McDonald

How to Create a Vibrant I-Cord Rug: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making an I-cord rug is a fantastic project for hobbyist crafters. It is much faster than traditional knitting or crochet, and the result is a durable, professional-looking mat perfect for a bedside or a cosy nook. In this guide, you will learn how to produce metres of I-cord quickly, how to stitch them into a classic oval shape, and how to add a neat fabric backing for a high-quality finish.

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How to Make Perfect DIY Bath Bombs: A Beginner-Friendly Guide
Crafting Steve McDonald Crafting Steve McDonald

How to Make Perfect DIY Bath Bombs: A Beginner-Friendly Guide

Making your own bath bombs from scratch is not only more reliable, but it is also incredibly cost-effective. By purchasing the raw ingredients yourself, you can make dozens of high-quality bath bombs for the price of a small shop-bought pack. In this guide, you will learn a "fool proof" recipe to create hard, fragrant, and professional-looking bath bombs right in your own kitchen.

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Master Wood Burning Paste: Create Stunning Dragon Coasters
Crafting Steve McDonald Crafting Steve McDonald

Master Wood Burning Paste: Create Stunning Dragon Coasters

Wood burning is a beautiful craft, but traditional pyrography tools can take years to master. If you are looking for a simpler way to get crisp, professional results, wood burning paste is the answer. This clever product allows you to "burn" intricate designs into wood using a stencil and a heat gun.

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Master the Art of Dipping Resin
Resin Steve McDonald Resin Steve McDonald

Master the Art of Dipping Resin

Dipping resin is a fantastic way to create delicate, glass-like petals and shapes for your craft projects. In this guide, you will learn the essential techniques to transition from frustrating failures to beautiful, professional-looking resin pieces.

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How to Use the 'Soap Bubble' Technique to Decorate ResinCrete
Resin Steve McDonald Resin Steve McDonald

How to Use the 'Soap Bubble' Technique to Decorate ResinCrete

Have you ever seen potters on television use bubbles to create incredible, organic patterns and wondered if you could do the same at home? This fascinating technique, often seen on shows like The Great Pottery Throwdown, uses simple soap bubbles to deposit pigment onto a surface, creating a look that is entirely unique.

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The New Pearlescent UV Resin: Does It Deliver?
Resin Steve McDonald Resin Steve McDonald

The New Pearlescent UV Resin: Does It Deliver?

In this guide, we explore the new JDiction pearlescent UV resin range. You will learn about its thickness, how it handles in different types of moulds, and the best ways to ensure a perfect cure every time. Whether you are making delicate jewellery or detailed figurines, this could be the sparkle upgrade your craft room needs.

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How to Turn Resin Coaster Moulds into a Stunning DIY Photo Light Cube
Resin Steve McDonald Resin Steve McDonald

How to Turn Resin Coaster Moulds into a Stunning DIY Photo Light Cube

In this guide, you will learn how to "think outside the box" by literally building one. We will transform five square resin coasters into a personalised, translucent photo light cube. This project is a fantastic way to display your favourite memories of pets or family while creating a unique piece of home decor that glows from within.

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Making Large Silicone Moulds
Resin Steve McDonald Resin Steve McDonald

Making Large Silicone Moulds

If you have ever tried to make a large silicone mould, you know it can be a costly and daunting process. Traditional "pour-in-a-box" methods use a significant amount of silicone, which can get expensive very quickly. However, there is a more efficient way to achieve professional results without the waste.

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7 Things I Hate That Resin Artists Say
Resin Steve McDonald Resin Steve McDonald

7 Things I Hate That Resin Artists Say

I’m usually a laid-back fellow, but some things really get me steamed. Fake news and inaccurate information are a big one, especially when they cost people money or endanger their health. Here are 7 things that I regularly see on YouTube that get my blood boiling.

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Removing Bubbles From Resin: A Bubbly Guide
Resin Steve McDonald Resin Steve McDonald

Removing Bubbles From Resin: A Bubbly Guide

Are you tired of those pesky little air bubbles ruining your gorgeous resin projects? Fear not, for I'm here to share some tried-and-tested tips and tricks to help you achieve a bubble-free, crystal-clear finish every time.

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Maximising the Lifespan of Your Moulds
Resin Steve McDonald Resin Steve McDonald

Maximising the Lifespan of Your Moulds

For artists working with epoxy resin, having high-quality moulds is an essential part of creating beautiful and intricate pieces. However, moulds can be a significant investment, so it's crucial to take proper care of them to ensure their longevity.

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The World of Artist Paints: An Exploration of Mediums 
Art Steve McDonald Art Steve McDonald

The World of Artist Paints: An Exploration of Mediums 

For artists, paints are the lifeblood that bring their visions to life on canvas or paper. The sheer variety of paints available can be daunting, but understanding the unique properties and limitations of each type can help artists make informed choices to achieve their desired effects. In this guide, I'll delve into the captivating world of artist paints, exploring their distinct characteristics and suitability for various artistic endeavours.

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Beginners Guide to Resin
Resin Steve McDonald Resin Steve McDonald

Beginners Guide to Resin

In this beginner's guide, we will cover the steps to use epoxy resin and UV resin safely and effectively.

Resin is a versatile material that can be used in various projects, such as jewellery making, home décor, and DIY crafts.

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