While in Florida, I found a never ending treasure trove of hearts on Walton Rocks beach near Ft Pierce. Some rocks, some shells, all eliciting squeals of joy from me. These were found in three trips.
I had big plans for a beachy toned display, but then decided I wanted to fill this black tray and use it in Ryan’s apartment. I pressed the hearts into tile adhesive which was a sandy gray tone.
Sorry, no pics of that stage. But- the hearts all sorta disappeared into the background and the adhesive was blah. So, I tried some gemstone flakes in aqua shades, still not enough contrast.
I decided to use fluorite chips for more distinction. I’m not a person who has much purple in their life, but I have nothing against the color. And Ry’s room has pops of bright colors in it to brighten up the grays, so in theory it should work.
But overall, it was just kinda messy. I should’ve done something else with my treasures. Plus, the hearts were all different thicknesses and it wasn’t functional as a tray, and too heavy to be a wall hanging.
That is when I decided to use ice resin. Which was a good idea, but maybe I should’ve used more? There are still some high points. But, overall, it did make the tray more functional.
Many of the rocks had holes, and I tucked heart shaped garnets (Ryan’s birthstone) into them before pouring on the resin.
Ryan would’ve liked it, and I am enjoying using some colors in his room that I don’t typically use in my cottage. And I think I will probably try out more resin projects in the future.
A very interesting project(s). I like your use of the gemstones to add pops of color. I don’t think I’m going to try resin yet, but it sure is nice that you are sharing your expepriences!