Introduction: A Year-Round Celebration of Jack Skellington
The debate rages on: is The Nightmare Before Christmas a Halloween film or a Christmas classic? Personally, I believe it’s both! Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, is an icon worth celebrating any time of year. In this spirit, I’m thrilled to share a fun and crafty project—making a Jack Skellington Bling Phone Grip. This eye-catching accessory, made from resin and adorned with rhinestones, is not only a fantastic way to showcase your love for this beloved character but also a perfect crafting project for creators of all skill levels. Let’s dive into the materials and steps needed to bring this spooky idea to life!
Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth crafting experience:
- Jack Skellington Phone Grip Mold
- Amazing Clear Cast Epoxy Resin
- Measuring/Mixing Cups
- Stirring Sticks
- Disposable Gloves
- White Metallic Mica Powder
- Black Metallic Mica Powder
- E6000 Adhesive with Precision Tips
- 2-3mm Black Rhinestones
- 4mm White Rhinestones
- Rhinestone Picker Tool
- Phone Grip Blank
With everything ready, you’ll be well-equipped to craft a dazzling phone grip!
Step 1: Mixing the Resin Base
Start by preparing 20ml of Amazing Clear Cast epoxy resin according to the package instructions. Measure equal parts of the resin and hardener into a large mixing cup. Using a stir stick, mix them together slowly for about two minutes until the mixture becomes clear—if it still looks cloudy, continue stirring until it’s fully combined.
Next, add a generous amount of white metallic mica powder to the resin, mixing well until it’s evenly incorporated. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes so any bubbles can rise to the surface.
Step 2: Pouring the Resin into the Mold
Once the resin is ready, carefully pour it into the bottom section of the Jack Skellington phone grip mold, filling it up to the top of the facial features. Avoid overfilling! After pouring, let the resin rest for a few minutes, then spritz it with 91% alcohol to eliminate surface bubbles. Allow the resin to cure in a well-ventilated area for at least four hours. Important: do not remove it from the mold during this time!
Step 3: Creating the Top Layer
After the initial layer has cured, prepare another 20ml of resin, this time adding black metallic mica powder instead of white. Again, mix well and let it rest to release bubbles. Carefully fill the mold to the top with this black resin, ensuring not to overflow. Repeat the spritzing with alcohol to remove any bubbles and allow it to cure for 12 to 24 hours, or until it feels solid and no longer tacky.
Step 4: Demolding and Finishing Touches
Once your resin is completely cured, it’s time for the exciting part: demolding! Gently remove your Jack Skellington piece from the mold. If necessary, trim any excess resin and sand down the edges for a smooth finish. At this point, the facial features will be open areas, perfect for adding bling!
To fill in these features, prepare approximately 5ml of resin mixed with black mica powder and pour it into the eye, nose, and mouth openings. Be careful not to overfill, and again, spritz with alcohol before letting it cure completely for around 12 hours.
Step 5: Adding the Rhinestones
With the resin base finished, it’s time to bling it out! Gather your E6000 adhesive, rhinestones, and rhinestone picker tool. Start with a small area, like one eye, and apply a thin layer of adhesive. It's important to work in small sections, as the adhesive can dry quickly.
Pour some black rhinestones into a mixing cup or diamond drill tray. Using the picker tool, add rhinestones one at a time to the adhesive-covered areas, making sure the flat side is down. Press gently to secure each rhinestone, and alternate between different sizes to fill in gaps effectively.
Conclusion: A Unique Crafting Experience
Creating a Jack Skellington Bling Phone Grip is not only a fun project but also a wonderful way to express your creativity and love for this iconic character. Whether you choose to showcase it on your phone or use it as a keychain, this sparkling accessory is sure to turn heads and celebrate the magic of Halloween and Christmas all year round!