Welcome. Much to my husband’s displeasure, I’m going to be teaching you how I make jewelry from acrylic pour skins. I say “displeasure” because he is under the misguided impression that I am the only one in the world making acrylic pour jewelry, and this will reveal my secret to all you thieves who want to steal it.
I had to explain to him that this is how I learned how to make jewelry…by watching someone on YouTube do it. He grumbles and rolls his eyes every time he walks by while I’m filming myself. Oh well.
Supplies I used
- Arteza paints
- Floetrol
- Silicone
- Craft sticks
- Cups
- Rubbermaid tub lids
- Cutting board
- Exacto knife
- Palette knife
- Diamond Glaze glue
- Cords
For the Jewelry
When I first began pouring, I almost immediately discovered that there was a lot of paint being wasted and wanted to come up with a way to save the paint.
As I searched for videos to teach me how to pour, I was also hoping to find the answer to my lingering question. Then one day I heard (or read) the word ‘skins’ and that lead to a serious investigation. Translation: I Googled it.
Turned out that people were sharing my same concern and had come up with some rather clever ways to stretch their products by reusing the leftover paint. When dried, they were making jewelry out of the run-off, which I learned was commonly called “skins.”
Well, I just had to be a part of this. I had to learn how to make skins, then make something with those skins. I started by capturing the run-off of my paint in the lids of my Rubbermaid containers because that seemed like a rather efficient way to contain the paint as it dripped off the canvas. I assumed I would be able to let the paint dry and voila!..skins. I was right. It worked perfectly.
I’ve mostly made pendants to be turned into necklaces, then began making matching earrings for a few select pieces that I really loved. I will eventually make some bracelets as well, but since I’m not a bracelet wearing girl, it hasn’t been a huge draw for me. I do need to change this perception because, contrary to my life’s creed, IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT ME!
The thing I love most about making jewelry is the reaction from the woman who is looking to select a piece for herself. The typical comment is either, “Oh, how beautiful,” “This is so unique,” or “You MADE this?”
This opens up the dialogue about how I paint, use the run-off, and create skins. To the person who is not creative this is usually mind blowing. Some truly cannot conceive of the desire to do this, much less the process.
Those who are creative—but in other mediums like woodworking, flower arranging, make-up artistry, music, pottery, quilting, writing, glass blowing (heck the list of creative outlets is HUGE and would take about three pages to share)—THOSE people have a different level of appreciation.
They truly get the time and effort you put into making what they are viewing and considering purchasing from me. They get the following memes.
I insert these here to remind you, whomever you are and whatever you create: Don’t sell yourself short.
So what is the point of this article? Was there a purpose? Yes. I know that when you give to charity or donate something you should really do it anonymously or for the sheer joy of giving, instead of the recognition and/or pat on the back you will receive. I DO know these things, really, but have you met me or have you read any of my prior articles?
I apparently am in desperate need of accolades. This is a flaw in my character, and for this I am not proud. But you should at least give me credit for being honest about it, right? See what I did right there, looking for praise disguised as false humility—ugh.
Point? Oh yeah…
So as you may or may not know, I have a little one in VPK. Shocking, huh? Well, this past couple of months at her school we’ve had:
April 4, 2018: Paraprofessional Appreciation Day
April 4, 2018: School Librarian Day
April 25, 2018: Administrative Professionals Day
April 15-22, 2018: National Volunteer Appreciation Week
May 7-11, 2018: National Teacher Appreciation Week (NEA)
May 8, 2018: National Teacher Appreciation Day (NEA)
May 9, 2018: National School Nurse Day
May 13-19, 2018: National Police Week
I missed
October 2, 2017: National Custodial Workers Day
November 15, 2017: Education Support Professionals Day (NEA)
November 17, 2017: Substitute Educators Day (NEA)
January 8, 2018: National Clean Off Your Desk Day (ARE YOU KIDDING ME? SERIOUSLY??)
February 5-9, 2018: National School Counseling Week
So, to recognize these many, many people who take care of my daughter at her school as she is learning to read, rite and rithmatic, (YES, I DID that purposely), I decided to lump them all together and pay homage to the whole lot.
I contacted the vice principal and told her that I would like to “gift” a piece of my art—a necklace—to each and every one of these folks. We set a series of dates and times that I would be at the school and allowed over 375 people to come select a piece they liked.
Some took a piece and left. Some didn’t come at all because they misunderstood and thought it was a jewelry SALE. Some said thank you, some did not. Many gave me hugs and said over and over again how beautiful my jewelry was. And a remarkable handful even gave ME thank you cards and thank you gifts for the thank you gift I gave them. WOW! That was a Martha Stewart moment.
I do realize that I may have set a precedent and will likely have to do this every year. And if this is true, then it is OK. I have so much respect for every person who has made it their life’s work to educate our children.
My eldest daughter and her husband are both educators, and I am in awe of the amount of work and effort they put into teaching, disciplining, guiding, molding, protecting, and loving those in their charge.
To EVERYONE who has, does, or plans to work in any school in ANY capacity, thank you.
To those of you who only came here to learn how I make jewelry, thank you for taking the time to read this and for watching my video. If you are a Teacher—Hugs.
Happy Pouring.
Born in France, Patricia now calls Palm Coast, Florida, home, where she runs Oceans Apart Studios. She’s had the pleasure of raising two daughters and nineteen medical foster children. Now she specializes in watercolor, acrylic pouring, and custom jewelry taken from the run off of her paintings. Her pieces aim to capture the differences that make each woman uniquely beautiful. Check them out on Etsy.
thank you for posting in spite of your husbands displeasure. I am a dedicated follower and appreciate how generous you are with your experience and skill.
HaHa…so funny. Thanks for your kind words and for following.
The biggest comment I’ve had to my skin necklace was that I was assured what kind of stone it was. Thank you for posting
Thank you so much for these information on your steps to make skins and jewelry. I have just started doing acrylic pours and really needed info as to how to save skins.
Sharing your information as an artist is very unselfish and I am so grateful!
Susan Seay
Alabama
You do a great job with your videos! Thanks for teaching.
You’ve just made my day. Thank you Elizabeth.
Patricia, thanks for this! You can assure your husband, there are more of us. But I believe there aren’t many who use this technique (or mine). My jewelry has similar results with a different technique. These (and yours) are truly one of a kind!
I just watched your video and loved it. Keep it going.
Yay, thanks Sharon.
I can’t find the link to use leftover ‘skins’ to make jewellery. Do you have the link? I can’t find it ANYWHERE in this article???? Heeeeeelp! 😉
I,m all the way down under, but I love getting these pictures of great pours(is it possible to have a flop pour?) I love your jewellery and marvel that you had the time and patience to make so many. How generous of you, not only with these but also giving so many children a chance. Now stop being so coy, I can see you dropping your head and looking up thru your lashes, you know you deserve some applause even if it’s only a little bit from an Aussie way down south. Lol. I,m going to give this a try and will expect much acclaim from my girls. That’s Dghter. Dghter-n-ls and ummm, maybe a friend or two. Keep your fingers crossed for me, oh except when your trying to pour. Cheers!
Hi Sheila…that is what you call a girl down under, right? HaHa. Thank you so much for all the very nice compliments. I can’t wait to see what you come up with.
WOW. just lost my husband, haven’t painted for 4 months, this has inspired me to try something New, thanks so much. carole
Carole I’m so sorry for your loss. How long were you married?
I’m so glad you checked out my article and video and have become inspired again. This makes me very happy. Please let me see what you produce after getting back to art.
Hi! I saw your post on Pinterest. I love making jewelry so I clicked. I thoroughly enjoyed your post and video. I especially want to thank you for what you said about teachers and about buying from artists. I am an art teacher and a professional artist and your kind words meant everything. I just wanted to reach and say thank you!
-Stacey
I am a new beginner to this hobby and I so much appreciate your videos and what you are doing it has helped me so much thank you so much God bless you richly for what you do I am just learning this entire process of painting and making a few jewelry from the skins and learning by the seat of my pants so to speak but your videos are so much appreciated And you are so right nobody really appreciates the time you put into it I have a widow and an amputee living in assisted living and I’m having so much fun at this hobbyI frequently giveaway buy paintings and my jewelry to love the ones here at the facility you need every praise it he of us could give you from the highest praise I give it to you please except it as how it’s meant
Hi, Thanks so much for your wonderful video! I’ve only been into making resin jewelry for about 6 mo’s and have just started using acrylic paint in resin too. This “dirty pour” video is what I have been looking for to get this great result. I can’t wait to order my paint and other supplies. Great idea too to use the top of a plastic bin! I love all of your tips. You have a wonderul personality and it sure comes through on the video. I do have one question though- do you really have to stir the paint and additive for 15 min?? Thanks much, Debra
Thank you. New to pouring and I do waste a lot of paint. Now I have a way to use it.
Good morning from La Paz, Mexico.
I’m actually from Canada retired to Mexico. I really enjoyed watching your video. You have a very calm and easy way of explaining yourself. I love your jewelry. It’s beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve been doing acrylic pouring for about 1 1/2 years now and absolutely love it and I started making some jewelry since COVID. I absolutely love it. I find it so relaxing and calming for my spirit. I’ve been making necklaces and earrings as well. I know you mentioned that you are selling a lot of jewelry. Can you give me any tips on selling? Prices, mmade arketing, where you sell, etc. Even though I love making it, I never believe that people would want to buy my work and I’ve got so much now that I could never wear it all myself. Anything you would be willing to share would be very much appreciated. Cindy
have you, or will you post video on how to make the earrings?
love love this tutorial!
Hello, from Portsmouth, VA. I loved your video and I loved you from the start. Your personality is infectious. I’ve been pouring for awhile and I used to make jewelry for myself and friends. You have inspired me to do something new. Much success to you all ways.
Where do you purchase the bezels for your pendant jewelry? And what type of glue do you use in the jewelry? Love the video and the jewelry….
LOVE YOUR VIDEO! Love retrieving skins and making jewelry! Appreciate too that you listed where you bought your supplies. Pendants and earrings are so fun and beautiful! Do the cords fit through the pendants that you have listed in your supplies? I am having trouble finding fasteners that fit through the pendant opening.
Thanks in advance!
BB
I love your jewellery but I use skins in my artwork. I save skins in plastic document wallets and add them to paintings. I tried to add one of my paintings here to show you but couldn’t get it to paste. It’s an underwater scene and I used the skins for seaweed.