Welcome to another week! Can you believe that June is almost over? We’ve had our version of a mini-heat wave this past weekend; temperatures in the low 30’s Celsius (that’s around 90 in Fahrenheit). So I’m writing this instead of creating, because resin doesn’t work well in excessive heat! But that’s okay, because I have something new to share with you – my largest piece yet, in all of my creating!
LARGE FRAMED CRAB
I’ve had this large laser-cut wood crab shape for a while, and actually forgot about it! I was so happy to create this piece, using the frame and glass (actually, it’s more like plexiglass in the frame, not actual glass) as the base for the project. Here – have a look, so you know what I’m talking about.
Isn’t it gorgeous?! The crab itself measures 12″ x 12″, and the outside frame measures 13″ x 17″. This is definitely a statement piece for your wall, perfect for the beach or ocean lover.
DETAILS
What a lot of people don’t realize is how many steps, and even days, it takes to create pieces like this. First, I start by priming the laser-cut wood crab; then let it dry. Next, I prep the back to minimize resin drips. Next comes the layers of resin (after tinting it with just the right colours and amount of mica powders & pigments). If I need to do more than 1 layer, that means 1 day per layer. Once resin on the crab has cured, I then clean up the back (yes, there’s always clean up & sanding!), and then I start work on the background.
After taking the frame apart, I prep the back of the plexiglass, and then do a first coat of clear resin over the entire front. Next I add the real sand, then start adding the tinted resin for the water, and then waves. While the resin is still wet, I layer on the crab, more sand, and the sea shells & starfish.
After that has cured, I do a 2nd layer of water & waves, add the smaller stones & seashells, and add the 2 sizes of acrylic ‘bubbles’ that you can see in the sand & water. Here’s a close up view, below.
I just love the look of those micro bubbles in the water! Those are acrylic, but the sand, seashells and starfish are real.
FRAMING COMES LAST
Once I’m happy with the final look, and the layers of resin have all cured, then it’s time to frame! The white frame gives a lovely fresh, crisp feel to the overall piece, I think. Let me know what you think – please leave me a comment!
By using the glass as the base for the piece, the effect is a 3D art piece you can actually touch!
SHOP NOW IN MY ONLINE STORE
I’ve now added this Framed Crab to my online store – you can CLICK HERE to browse through everything. I’ve been working on more new pieces, which I’ll be sharing this week, and adding to my Shop. So be sure to check back – they’re a brand new technique & product, I think you’re going to like!
This is beautiful, Deborah! I love all the different elements (sand, sea, shells, and, of course, the crab). You can tell that a lot of work went into it!
So glad that you like the Framed Crab, Buffy! It was fun putting it all together – felt like a day at the beach! 🙂