Waste-Conscious Crafting with Epoxy Resin
Crafting can be a wasteful hobby between the scraps, single-use tools, and spillage, so I compiled a list of methods that can help you reduce your waste while crafting!
Tips for low-waste Crafting with Epoxy Resin:
The right size rubber gloves are better than any disposable latex gloves. They can be reused and when they fit right you don’t have to worry about your baggy fingertips dipping into the epoxy.
Silicone mats are a perfect foundation for your resin pours. Any spills will dry up, harden, and then can easily be removed and recycled.
Recycling scraps and spills is a smart way to get the most out of your epoxy. You can throw in dried scraps of epoxy into a fresh pour and recycle them into the new project seamlessly.
When purchasing mixing cups the best choice is obviously silicone mixing cups. There are several different sizes you can choose from and they are easy to clean. The measurements might not be 100% perfect but I’ve never had an issue with the mixing ratios. Digital scales can be a really helpful tool for getting your measurements exact.
Silicone stir sticks are durable and reusable solutions to disposable wooden stir sticks. I recently found this company that makes silicone covers for wooden sticks!
Brushes with silicone tips are helpful tools when it comes to popping bubbles and working with freshly poured resin. The epoxy peels off easily and they can be used over and over again.
Buy second-hand materials at thrift stores or community marketplaces. There are so many project possibilities that come from the thrift stores, like glass jars, trays, and other materials that can be up-cycled.
Rubbing Alcohol is an essential tool for cleaning up hardened epoxy off of your workspace, tools, and molds. Vinegar has also been known to work, personally I can’t stand the smell.
If you’re not perfect, like me, you may want to use Clorox wipes to clean up. They’re easier and effective so I make sure to use each wipe to its fullest potential and recycle the bin, I reuse my bins as storage containers.
Make sure you’re protecting your lungs and eyes while working with epoxy. Fumes are harmful so a proper N95 mask while working is necessary. I don’t personally use goggles but I do keep a safe distance from the fumes and keep my studio ventilated by opening a window.
Liquid Latex can be a helpful tool when doing final touches by keeping epoxy off a specific area of your piece. It’s a paintable barrier to stop the resin, it’s very helpful when doming or fixing pieces.
Feel free to comment below with any tips to add or if you have any questions! :)
Check out what I make with epoxy Resin:
Sage Stick, Palo Santo, Selenite Stick, Raw Flourite, Black Obsidian Crescent Moon, and Rose Quartz | Cleanse kit
The Greetings Outer Space Crystal grab bags feature an ethically sourced sage stick, palo santo stick, selenite stick, raw fluorite, rose quartz, and a crescent moon black obsidian.
The items in this bag help cleanse your space.
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Sage moves energy out and palo santo moves energy in.
Open all the windows, closets, and doors in your home. Start with a simple intention of focusing on clearing the negative energy out of your space and mind, then light the Sage and hold at a 45-degree angle pointing the tip down towards the flame. Allow it to burn for 30 seconds and then blow it out. You can move around to the corners of your house to clear out the energy. Once completed, repeat with the palo santo.
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Selenite can be placed in the corners of a room to create a protective space from negative energy. It is believed to cast a protective aura wherever it is placed.
Your Selenite can be used as an “energy eraser.” Start at the top of your head. Holding the wand about five inches from your body, slowly bring the crystal down your body. Visualize the crystal taking in all the negativity, anxiety, and worries from your day.
Hold a Selenite crystal in your hand during your end-of-day meditation. The crystal can be used to hold your focus during your meditation while, with every exhale, you release any negative or shifty energy from the day.
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Black Obsidian Stone is a powerful cleanser of psychic smog created within your aura and is a strong psychic protection stone. This stone has powerful metaphysical properties that will help to shield you against negativity. The energy of these stones may stimulate the gift of prophecy and may boost precognition.
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Fluorite is said to absorb and neutralize negative vibrations. It makes one more receptive to the vibrations of other stones. Fluorite should be kept in every room of the home. Fluorite is known as the "Genius Stone". It's a highly protective and stabilizing stone, useful for grounding and harmonizing spiritual energy. When working with the upper Chakras, Fluorite increases intuitive abilities, links the human mind to universal consciousness, and develops a connection to Spirit. Fluorite further anchors intuitive insights into the physical plane, allowing mental and physical coordination. A popular stone among energy healers, Fluorite can also clear the aura of mucky energies.
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Rose Quartz is a universal healing stone and is versatile in its physical and metaphysical applications. Its vibration is nurturing, gentle, comforting, and reassuring. It also carries a peaceful resonance that many people find soothing in times of emotional upset.