Materials, Mediums and Media

THE ART & SCIENCE BEHIND EPOXY RESIN

Epoxy resin is a sophisticated material composed of two distinct liquid components: a high-quality resin and a specialized hardener. When these two parts are correctly combined, they undergo a complex chemical reaction known as an Exothermic Heat Reaction, that transforms the liquid into a durable, and solid clear material, not dissimilar to plastic. My work exclusively utilises low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) resins, ensuring a more environmentally conscious and safer product.

There is a common misconception that working with resin is as simple as mixing two liquids and bunging in a bit of glitter. In reality, epoxy is a remarkably temperamental medium. Achieving a professional-grade finish requires a detailed understanding of environmental variables. Factors such as ambient temperature and humidity levels can significantly alter the curing process and the final outcome. If the conditions are not right, pieces can be irretrievably ruined.

Perfecting this technique is a journey of precision that has taken me years of dedicated practice to master. From managing flash cures, to ensuring a bubble-free, crystal-clear surface, the standard of quality I now provide is the result of years of experience, accuracy and technical refinement.

Because resin remains in a fluid state for sometimes many hours, it is in a constant state of motion as it cures. This organic movement means that it is impossible to replicate a design exactly. While I can follow a specific colour palette or style, the "flow" of the liquid ensures that no two pieces are ever identical. This inherent unpredictability makes every item I create a truly unique, one of a kind work of art.

THE SUSTAINABLE ELEGANCE OF ECO-RESIN

Eco-resin is a modern, environmentally conscious alternative to traditional plastics. It is a high-performance composite material consisting of two parts: a mineral-based powder and a specialized water-based acrylic liquid.

Eco-resin is often likened to a premium version of plaster or stone. However, while it shares that beautiful, cool to the touch weight and finish, it is a far more advanced and robust material. By using an acrylic polymer liquid rather than plain water, the result is a stoneware finish that is significantly stronger, more impact resistant, and more durable than a traditional plaster.

I use eco-resins because they are non-toxic, VOC-free, and solvent-free. This makes the crafting process safer for the environment and ensures that the final decorative pieces are kind to your home. It offers a refined aesthetic that bridges the gap between the organic rawness of concrete and the delicate finish of fine ceramic.

While the process may seem as simple as mixing powder and liquid, achieving a professional grade finish is an exacting science. Eco-resin, similar to Epoxy resin, is highly sensitive to environmental factors, such as humidity and ambient temperature, and this can affect the process, and the outcome

It has taken me years of experimentation to master the precise ratios and timings required to minimise air bubbles and ensure a flawless, architectural finish. The marbling techniques require a deep understanding of the liquid’s open time - the fleeting window before it begins to set, and once it starts to set, it sets very quickly!

Because I hand-pigment every batch, the colours are mixed organically. As the liquid is poured into the mould, the minerals move in ways that can never be precisely replicated. This fluid movement creates effects, textures, and finishes that are exclusive to that specific pour, and that pour alone.

When you choose one of my eco-resin pieces, you are receiving a sustainable work of art where the natural flow of the minerals ensures your piece is entirely unique.

OTHER MATERIALS USED

I love working with a huge range of media - From sparkling glitters (I have a huge glitter obsession!) to wools and fibres, vinyls, (for cutting out lettering, with a cricut machine) moulds, inclusions, edging, shells, botanicals (such as dried flowers, leaves, pine cones, moss, ferns dried twigs and grasses)

I also use many types of pigments including acrylics, metallic paints, spray paints, alcohol inks, colour changing inclusions, charms, micas, iridescent flakes, gemstones, sand, mica flakes, pebbles, glass chips, metallic leaves, sealants and foils. I have also undertaken memorial pieces, which contain ashes, and if for a pet, fur. I also use a range of organic waxes and fragrances when making candles and wax melts.

THE BEST OF BOTH

Many of my signature pieces are born from a sophisticated combination of both Eco Resin and Epoxy Resin. This hybrid approach allows me to merge the tactile, stone like beauty of mineral composites with the glass like clarity and protection of high end epoxy.

For some of my pieces, particularly coasters, I hand-cast the structural bases using Eco Resin. Once these have cured and been meticulously sanded, I hand-decorate and seal them with a precision layer of Epoxy Resin.

The benefits of this dual process are both aesthetic and functional:

Enhanced Durability, The epoxy top-coat provides a waterproof, heat-resistant, and scratch-resistant shield that protects the eco-resin base.

Visual Depth, The glossy resin acts like a lens, deepening the colours of the pigments and creating a stunning high gloss contrast against the matte mineral base.

Practical Longevity: This process ensures the coasters are not only beautiful but are fully equipped to handle daily use and spills.

The Challenge of the Craft

While the result appears seamless, combining these two materials is an incredibly difficult process to master. Because they have entirely different chemical compositions - they do not naturally want to bond together.

Achieving a perfect adhesion without clouding or de-lamination requires precise timing, specific moisture levels, and a specialised sealing process. It is a delicate balancing act that has taken me years to perfect, resulting in a unique, high performance piece of art that you won't find anywhere else. It is this technical complexity that explains why many have tried, and failed to replicate my work.

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