If you have been around here long, you’ll hear me tout my motto, #toolsoverjewels. While I much prefer sporting new tools over a piece of jewelry, that doesn’t mean the two can’t go hand-in-hand. With that in mind, I’ve got a super easy and super fun project for you with a giveaway too. Gift-giving holidays are around the corner which means we need to begin our creating adventures. Today, I’m making a DIY resin necklace pendant using an awesome new tool. Here’s a peek at what you can create too.
The best part about this is you can customize this in every way to suit the recipient of your creativity. From the finish of the metal, to the length, to what you fill your pendant with. Endless possibilities! Handmade gifts are from the heart and offer time to think about and pray for the person you’re creating for. It also is a great way to release pent up stress and be in a different mindset. Let’s create together, shall we?
TOOLS & SUPPLIES
- necklace pendant bezel
- chain (or other choice of necklace – hemp, leather, elastic, etc)
- jump rings (if desired)
- closure for chain
- craft glue (optional)
- jewelry pliers (optional)
- resin kit
- choice of fill – dried flowers, photograph, artwork, gems, decorative paper, paint, whatever you desire
- FURNO Micro Heat Gun Craft Kit
- rubbing alcohol (for cleanup)
- paint or paper for backing, if needed
*post sponsored by Wagner & (see full disclosure)
STEP 1
First, gather all your supplies and make sure your surfaces and bezels are clean. Then, decide what fill you will be using in your DIY resin necklace pendant. Do note, however, you can use these to make keychains, bracelets, etc. Plus, there are many ways to create a pendant with other types of jewelry supplies. I chose this method for a quick, simple project.
Initially, I want to fill my bezels with my own artwork for the people I intended to gift. However, being that this is my first attempt at doing this, I figured I better go with something else. I had fun drawing, though!
Instead, I choose to use tiny, dried flowers that I have in a flower press from my yard and various places. I just love pressing leaves and flowers to make art, especially for handmade gifts. This is a bit of alyssum from my flower boxes. Plus, I also have Lily of the Valley, and my favorite little grape hyacinths.
In order to know the size of art I need. I place my bezel under a piece of paper and rub the ring with my finger until the size of the bezel shows. Then, cut the paper to fit. On the other hand, you can also paint the backing on, which is what I think I would have rather done instead. You’ll see why in a bit.
STEP 2
Next, follow the instructions on your resin kit for mixing. No worries, it’s simple and works up quick. I’m using this remnant kit from our kitchen remodel where we built reclaimed hickory counters and needed resin to fill in holes, etc.
Once you mix up your resin, gently and slowly pour into the bezel and over your flowers to form a mound.
Consequently, you’ll notice air bubbles are instantly formed. You can totally embrace the bubbly goodness as part of the art.
However, a clear resin is what most prefer and we need to quickly remedy that.
STEP 3
It’s time to break out my new hottie tool. eep! Meet the Wagner FURNO Micro Heat Gun Craft Kit. You know I love my heat gun for many things. While I’ve only every used my large FURNO Heat Gun, I’m equally excited to use this mighty mite. You can see how I’ve used it on these past projects.
This craft kit includes micro heat gun, flare nozzle, reflector nozzle, and a silicone mat. Even better is that it has a built-in stand so you can use it for freestanding work as well. Not only is it perfect for resin work, but also embossing, paint pouring, drying spackling, candle making, baking, label removal…to name a few. What’s more is that it has a built-in stand to allow for freestanding work.
For today’s purposes, I’m using a low setting and the flare nozzle.
Next, using a gentle touch, pass over the resin-filled bezel and you’ll instantly see the bubbles popping. Afterward, the resin takes 24 hours to cure, and you’ll need to check for additional bubbles in the first hour or two. If you see more, just repeat the process.
Here it is after a first pass of the heat gun. Much better!
STEP 4
Last, we can connect our DIY Resin Necklace Pendant together and see our fun work come to fruition. I’m choosing to use antique brass hardware and fittings for the aged appeal I so adore. However, feel free to use any kind of necklace you like, or play around with different forms and molds too. The possibilities really are endless…and fun!
FINISHING
Finally, here are my necklaces cured, assembled, and ready for show . Aren’t they pretty?!
I’m excited to gift these to those I created them for…maybe even a gift to self? {{wink, wink}} All I know is I’m completely addicted to resin. In light of that, all my friends and family are getting resin gifts this year! bwahahaha!!
Do you see the wonderfully clear bubble that’s been created? It’s amazing what can be done with the right tools and know-how. The key is willingness to try. Likewise, what would you fill your bezel with? 
SHARE
In addition, get the word out and pin and share my DIY resin necklace pendant to inspire others to create with this fun heat gun.
Afterwards, I found this headboard in a neighbor’s trash on my way home. See it now HERE!
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What is more, here are more heat gun projects like this DIY resin necklace pendant:
I get inspired with each and every week’s fabulous find and project. Hopefully soon I will be posting my projects one day
You are sweet to say so, Sherrie. Thank you for making me smile! 😀
Larissa your creativity never ceases to amaze me. I am inspired to start pressing some of my remaining flowers from our garden. Just beautiful.
That’s wonderful! Half the fun is hunting them down, and then the other half is seeing them dried and put to a whole new use. Have fun with it!
Those are so pretty!!! I love the dried flowers. What a great idea for Christmas gifts. I’m already looking for “art” to put in. Once again you’ve sent me on a creative tear!!!! ???
I’m tickled you think so, Rebecca. woot! They are so easy and fun to make. The best part is hunting the flowers. tee hee!
Your necklaces turned out so well. I love the idea of using a heat gun to help to remove the bubbles in resin. If I had a heat gun, I would use it for drying craft paint as I work on a project. Thanks for this opportunity to win one 🙂
They are beautiful!! Wouldn’t be fun to save flowers from a wedding to make one with? So awesome. Thanks for having the contest to win the heat gun so I can get started making them. I LOVE IT!
Oooh…great idea, Mary! I just love dried botanicals for many things. Especially during winter doldrums. 😉
What a great idea! They are so pretty! I’m not sure what I would use the heat gun on first but it would be handy to have!
Woot! Thank you! My brain is buzzing about how many projects I can use this on. It’s not as heavy duty as my other one and perfect to have on hand.
Love these! So pretty and feminine! I have no clue what I would tackle with the heat gun, but it would be a fun tool to have!
You ain’t kiddin’! It’s so versatile and much better for light duty projects.
These are sooooo pretty Larissa!
You are so very sweet to say so. Thank you!
For the past few years my wife has been wanting to make personalized candles as gifts for friends and family, and this seems like it would be great for that.
Sure! And you can join in on the fun too. 😉
I’ve never used Resin but I’d like to do something with it.
It is so very addictive…really!
What a fun, new craft to learn about!! Thanks for sharing.
You bet! Resin is great for crafts, woodworking and so much more.
I’ve been wanting to make resin jewelry for the longest time! Thanks for showing us how easy it really is. 🙂
You’ve gotta try it, Brianne! It’s literally a breeze and fun too.
Hi. You are so creative. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Felicia! Thank you for the “hug”.
I look forward to seeing your beautiful creations and transformations. Thank you for sharing your talent.
Thank you for the love, Terri. I sure have fun sharing. 🙂
I’ve always wanted a heat gun, but they all seemed to be overkill for the work I do. Love this new smaller version! And, pairing with the resin project is perfect! Thanks for sharing.
Yes!! This one suit my crafty side to a T. I do also love my other one for large projects too.
That sounds like a handy tool- I dabble in jewelry making from time to time. I would like to try using resin. Great giveaway!
It truly is a blast! You will love it, Patty.
Oh my gosh, Larissa, those are stunning! WOW! You create beautiful things even when they aren’t made of wood! Whoo hoo! Absolutely stunning.
Thank you so much for your and Wagner’s giveaway! What wonderful things to be made with that heat gun. I am so impressed. Always wondered how those nifty necklaces were made. Perfect gifts from the heart, too! Thanks!!!
hahaha! You made me LOL! Thank you for the giggle and love, Michele. {{hugs}} I wish I had one of these sets for everyone. They’re da bomb!
I love that you do your own art for these. So personal and “From the Heart”!
I wanted it to have that extra touch. Plus, it’s fun! Thank you, Marietta.
I am impressed with the pendants and have been wanting to try something similar. You have inspired me to give it a try. I have been wanting to get back to using resin and this looks like a good place to jump back in.
That’s the spirit! This is literally my first time using it from start to finish and I’m hooked. I helped in a way with our counters, but my husband had the hands-on with the resin then.
You are so creative! I love how you used dried flowers from around your home!
I have a small end table that I would like to try removing the paint with a heat gun.
Thank you for the opportunity to win this giveaway!
They truly are a delight to gather and dry. Then, when you see them pressed, it brings back memories too. I’m eager to see who wins!
These are so neat!! I didn’t even know that you could do them yourself, lol. Great job!!!
tee hee! Thanks! Yes, most anything you can DIY, but the key is willing to try. This was my very first attempt and I’m delighted with the outcome.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful “jewels AND tools” project Larissa!! Love it! I had a necklace like this in the past but lost it somewhere…. I’m tickled pink you shared a way I could create one! Woohoo! Thank you for your inspiration, once again!
Yeah, baby! haha! I just love creating in any fashion and also love to share it with you. My pleasure to share, Mary. 😀
Love the necklaces! You make it look so easy, I’d have that resin stuff everywhere but where it should be. Wondering if the Micro Heat tool could be used on paper stamping projects or maybe stamping projects on surfaces other than paper. It looks like it could help remove old shelf paper better than my hair dryer LOL!
haha! Since it’s nice and thick, it makes it a bit easier to control. Yes, it’s very light heat, but effective. You can view the demo video on it HERE.
Great idea for Christmas presents!
I can’t wait to gift them! 😀
These are so pretty!! I really want to try making some myself. 🙂 First project for heat gun…not sure. Probably something similar to your pendants – ring blanks would be fun to create with as well…and bracelets…perhaps making a coordinating set. 😉
Thanks! I would love to try paint pour or embossing as I’ve only used my hair dryer with is just too much for that sort of thing. Love your idea!
I’ve wanted to try this for some time. Thanks for the tutorial.
You gotta do it! You’ll be hooked, Tracy!
Hey Girl, I am always delighted with your creations, you are very talented! I would love to make some pendants, thank you for the givaway.
You’ve made my day, Christina. Thank you!
Your resin pendant necklaces are so pretty, Larissa. I’m sure the lucky recipients will be thrilled with their gifts.
Thank you. I’m excited to gift them and that’s one thing checked off my list. woot!