Latex and hardener are mixed together in a 100:4 ratio on a weighing scale,and then stirred thoroughly. Next the mixture is poured into the vacuum formed mould shown in a previous post.

The latex is purple because dye was mixed into it. One problem with latex is that it traps a lot of air bubbles , resulting in  them hardening into air pockets.

 

Resin

The resin and hardener mixture is similarly to the latex mixed into a 100:4 ratio and stirred thoroughy.

2 different containers were sprayed with the release agent and cut twigs and branches were placed inside. Next, the resin was poured in.

These are the resulting pieces. One of the learning points is that the resin takes some time to cure, then suddenly gels and hardens in a short time, so timing is very important when adding items to be encapsulated within the resin. Furthermore, because I used wood which is pourous, it kept floating to the surface and it was difficult to keep it within the resin while setting.

Next I decided to experiment more, and in keeping with the theme of butterflies I made butterfly shaped moulds with laser cut plywood. Next I poured the resin into the moulds and added glass paint ink to colour the resin. They produce cool effects. However a learning point is that the ink tends to float to the top so it has to be constantly stirred with the resin. Also I tried to do ink marbling but the ink would keep diffusing, making marbling with this ink near impossible. Timing is very important. I also poured glitter into the resin and over the resin as an experiment. (Last black butterfly)

The application, these can become ornamental objects, or can be worn as necklaces.