DIY Projects: Resin Casting & Recycled Tree Art Project

Resin Casting:

Select background- e.g. art canvas, piece of hardboard
Select/determine objects to go on background- e.g. paint, charcoal sketch, pictures…
Add these items to your background in a pleasing arrangement. If you’re adhering a picture or clipping make sure the glue is compatible with the resin you’re using. Generally white artist glue is fine but make sure it is dry before starting the resin process.

Make sure you are in a well ventilated area, and use proper masks. The fumes can be strong. Some resins are better than others. Resin casting kits are available at Art Supply stores, ( I like EnviroTex Lite). Then support your project, so that it is positioned horizontally and the edges are not sitting on the ground. This is best achieved by adding a support to the underside of the canvas/board, so that it is off the ground so the resin can drip over the edges and onto a drop sheet (like those used for painting).

Once set-up, mix the resin and hardener as per instructions. These are normally in equal parts in a flat sided cup with something like a popsicle stick. Make sure it is well mixed and use immediately.

Pour the resin solution over the entire surface letting it drip over the sides (these can be sanded later).

When bubbles appear on the surface (usually about 5 or so minutes after you begin) exhale on them to make them disappear.

Let dry and viola your own beautiful art!

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Recycled Tree Art Project:

Gather materials- tree, branches, board to use as the background, carpenters glue, and possibly additional fasteners (if you’re using big sections of the tree), picture hanging wire and a couple screws.

Gather tools- a mitre box and hand saw or an electric chop saw/mitre saw, a work bench/table, safety glasses.

Cut your branches in various thicknesses. There is no right or wrong- you can use one species, or different species; the branches can be uniform diameter or not. Cut lots of these ‘pucks’ so that you can dry fit them so that the arrangement is pleasing to you. I found it easier to have a variety of diameters so that I could completely fill all the spaces.

Once you’ve dry fit your pucks you can begin gluing them in place. If they are large you might want to add a screw from the back through the board to catch but not totally penetrate the puck.

Once dried you can add your picture wire and screws to hold it in place to the back. Make sure the gauge of wire is strong enough to hold the weight o the finished piece. These can get very heavy.