It's Shocking What Happens to These Gems in Resin?

[@ellenstanek7377]

Clear crystals with a tinted resin may look cool as well

[@DeborahOlander]

That's what I was thinking. Just a pale tint.

[@JeffsDioramas]

I was going to suggest this 👍

[@ZippedUpKitz]

That’s what I was going to suggest :)

[@firemoonredtalon9487]

I was hoping that was the other idea he had when he mentioned, hopefully he sees this and tries it. :)

[@dracodrocsid2498]

Or tinted crystals with the clear resin Or crystals of 1 color and resin of another color (pale tints/light tints only) Or even taking those crystals and putting a reflective type of thing on them and then clear Or slightly tinted resin

[@windchaser12]

Bubbles + crystals (barely seen) = outcome I have seriously fallen in love with!

[@Leena79]

I like both, but it would be interesting to see how clear crystals would work with slightly tinted resin.

[@sahie]

This was what I wanted to see, too!!!

[@darthtaiter]

The first Skull looks like hand carved Ice, it's gorgeous. I love the second one as well and have a suggestion. What about doing a third skull that in a 50/50 mix of both? It would look as if the gold edged crystals are floating and might allow a bit more light to pass through. Just a thought.... and Subbed. :)

[@mojoe7951]

I love the way they both came out. A thought inspired by the second one, just imagine how it would look with watch parts & cogs inside. Great work as always Steve.

[@mojoe7951]

@@SteveMcDonaldArtsandCrafts you cannot beat a bit of steampunk 👍

[@laskermitchell9619]

That was my first thought when I saw the second skull...STEAMPUNK!!!

[@Ali-H3444]

I broke down and bought myself a skull mold.😊 without the serpent though lol. I filled mine with the glow in the dark gems and it looks really cool. I do have these clear gems too and now you gave me an idea on how to use them. Thanks Steve! ❤

[@Arcane2080x]

Those gems sound like they will look awesome!

[@Dandygirl_94]

They sound like they'd make for a pretty crystal skull, Indiana Jones style!

[@judieloux3610]

I never really wanted to do the skull because it used so much resin or needed deep pour resin. Filling it with these clear crystals is genius. Thank you for all your time and effort to support our hobby💖

[@gothiccharms]

wow, thank you for such a great idea! I have been on a skull kick lately, making them into snowglobes as well as with lights. Just made one last night with mardigra beads in it and lights. THIS crystal idea gave me the idea to make one with the ice crystals, cherries and lemons in it AND one with the clear crystals with colored transparent resin. Woohoo! Thanks Steve!

[@ShintogaDeathAngel]

I love the snow-globe skull idea! I think it would be cool to fill one with orange glitter to represent autumn leaves or something like that, with maybe some Halloween themed figures to complete the scene.

[@gothiccharms]

@@ShintogaDeathAngel I've seen them made 2 ways. Using a balloon to make a cavity to fill or using a clear ornament globe inserted.

[@christinaperson1168]

The crystals definitely give a wonderful effect. I love them both! The possibilities are endless. Thank you Steve 😊!!!

[@jodyariewitz7349]

Different colors of metallic paint pens would be pretty too! This is an awesome idea, TY!❤

[@cherifenton1182]

They look amazing! It would be cool to see them on some kind of light.

[@ratsika3]

I was thinking that you were going to lightly coat the gems in mica. I'd love to see that

[@tinawheaton270]

Love this idea. I bet it would look really good with a light underneath it

[@MermaidTreasureHunter]

I think you should try rolling the crystals around in a color shifting mica and then try them in a mold again.

[@marymikehawkins6682]

Very cool! I'm not really a skull fan, but if you say it's a best seller I'm in! I can't wait to try this, and first thing I will powder the snake in greens and blues! And put a fish inside as if it's alive and swimming lol 🎉 thanks Steve! ☙

[@dollybrown1993]

I really like the effects of the painted crystals!!! Shows up very well and the tinted look is awesome. Stay safe, you do you, stay safe and enjoy crafting 👍👍🛎️🛎️🦋🦋

[@debbrady497]

Love this! This would save a nice amount of resin! Thanks, Steve! You are a Gem, yourself! 😊

[@christinevenner183]

You must have the patience of a saint to go around the edges of all those crystals. But wow what an end result!

[@windchaser12]

Thanks!

[@cindikidd8830]

WOW~ What a great idea the gold was. Love it...

[@judithbeloate3829]

I like them both

[@boeubanks7507]

1st - Tint the resin a light blue. This will make the clear crystals show up. 2nd - The reason that the crystals don't show up in the resin is that their optical properties are too close. You either need some super light or super heavy crystals. Preferably some with an actual crystalline structure. 3rd - The second reason the plastic crystals don't show up is because, even though they are crystal shaped, their internal structure is still amorphous, just like the resin. So, aside from crossing the resin/plastic boundary, there is no optical effect. No refraction inside the crystal, etc. And this effect is reduced since it has to be done in pairs because the crystals are embedded in the resin. The upshot is that you wind up with a smearing effect that further reduces the appearance of the crystals. 4th - The third, and final, reason you can't really see the crystals is that they are oriented randomly. If the crystals were properly oriented, even the very minor refraction they have in resin could be enhanced to give a nice effect. However, their random orientation just contributes to the smearing effect. Further reducing their visibility. Recommendations: 1) Try using borosilicate (Think Pyrex) cut glass crystals. These will have a significantly higher density and, therefore, will give a much larger refraction at the interface between the resin and glass. 2) Use less crystals. Whe the crystals are tightly packed like that, the refractions largely cancel out, reducing the overall effect. 3) Pour the mold in layers. You can use UV resin to make this faster. This will allow you to set the orientation of the glass crystals to give the look of a faux crystalline structure while enhancing the refractive effects. The pattern will be determined by how the glass crystals are cut. 4) Precoat the mold in resin before you fill. This will ensure no crystals poke through and give a more uniform look. A better option than using cut glass crystals would be securing a mineral that has an internal crystalline structure but is optically clear. Examples would be large salt crystals and polished high clarity quartz. If you can orient these so that the crystalline structures align properly, you should see a large crystalline structure with lots of unique refraction patterns.

[@leannemitchem8865]

Very very cool. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@jpendowski7503]

My favorite suggestions; translucent resin with clear gems, light or color change light under the clear one, sliver combined with black painted gems, colorful gems in clear resin, make more of these. Thank the algorithm for sending me your art.

[@Becka.M-D]

I would have loved to have seen them both sat the lamp bases to see what they would look like with the light shining up through them. And how they would look if the lamp light was not just a cool white, but a warm white & different colour lights as well, even if you needed to put coloured cellophane or Cadbury mini chocolate wrappers over the light but but under the mould just to see the effects if you can’t get hold of a coloured lamp base.

[@rankin091769]

I'm in love 💕 with the 2nd one you made ❤❤❤❤

[@marilynhansen7881]

How unique is that? That is pretty cool! I so enjoy all the projects you do. Even the ones that don't turn out like you expected , they still look pretty awesome. Thank you for sharing your creativity. Have a lovely day , Steve.

[@curtriceennis2924]

Love both these projects. I wonder how it would turn out if you painted the crystals in many different colors. TYSM for sharing this video with us.

[@tiefslair]

Hi Steve, I just wanted to leave a comment to say I am loving all of your videos! I have been going back through and watching all of them. You have given me so much knowledge for working with resin and I can't wait to try out all of the new techniques you've shown on your channel. You are so much fun to watch! Thank you! ❤

[@Kizzmit5]

Love both of them

[@NinaHansen2008]

I prefer the clear one. Thanks, Dr. Mc.

[@milagrosmendez77]

Both looked great. Colored gems too would be cool. I would like for the snake to be highlighted though

[@poppletop8331]

Clear crystals with silver marker would've looked fab I think, but I love the gold one.😃

[@tanishalin2114]

I must say, those look cool.

[@grimtales_134]

Ooooo. What would even better idea! If you lined the gems in a few paint color. I think that would be pretty cool.

[@pattyisspoiled7852]

I love it! How did you keep the gems from floating to the top & out ?

[@stellarnails7535]

That's awesome! I've used these before in resin to take up space and also to help "hold" other objects like shells or flowers in place in a larger mold like the snail mold :-)

[@soceliamakesstuff]

The gold pen looks really cool. Has a steampunk feel to it too.

[@tracyharper2121]

Very funky!!

[@joshuabray37]

Thanks for these videos! These are so fun and give us great ideas… Resin is so much fun to work with.

[@lizzie511958]

Love em both 😊

[@ccada2023]

Fun idea! Can we see them with a light underneath? I bet the both look super cool.

[@beckylouisesmith9216]

Oooo maybe you could spray paint them too, that might look cool!🤔💜

[@katrinabrock7519]

Currently doing this same mold filled with all sorts of gold beads. Seeing how pretty yours were makes it hard to wait for mine

[@lesleyploddypop2950]

Love the skulls idea❤ Could you please tell me where the video on cleaning pipettes is? Feel like I've gone thru the playlists so many times!! Thanks hun xx

[@patriciacunningham5748]

I normally don't like skills but, you just change my mind. I'm getting one soon.

[@user-wp9vf8kx1h]

Very Creative!!! Thanks for sharing:).

[@kellyt.florko5312]

I love all things you could do with those crystals love the gold ones maybe even a little less gold tinted resin also might be nice with the bit of holographic silver glitter

[@LisaVornhagen]

Those are both pretty cool! The clear one looks like ice.The second one is really interesting. I wonder what it would look like if you painted those crystals with different colors? Do some in silver, some in gold and some in copper. That might be interesting, too.

[@luminariel3765]

A combination of iridescent flake and glitter would make the voids of the crystals more apparent but also keep the cracked ice look of the clear pour

[@sherry-lynnzwaan1432]

I like both, now do one with clear and painted gems? I think the clear ones would make the painted ones seem to be floating!!!!

[@pjshat]

So cool!

[@mandicoleman7433]

That looks really cool 😎 I luv it 😍 ❤️

[@invisiblue3212]

It'd be interesting to see one with both kinds of crystals in it!

[@dollihombs4497]

I love the 2nd one, and I just bought that mold!😁

[@notebookluvr]

I love these, steve! Great creativity! It's interesting how the second one looks green. Does it look like that irl? Or is it just an illusion the camera created? Btw, do people ever tell you you sound like Robin leach? 😁

[@funquitasmith3684]

A colored light underneath!!....0000...ahhhhhh. I love the skull molds.made coasters and holder with small flat back skulls...and a layered pink and black skulls, small to X large...I love 💀💀💀

[@rainbowwhimsy4621]

They've got iridescent interference medium acrylic paints that I bet would look AWESOME on those crystals.

[@hyliadreamer]

I was going to protest coloring the edges, because those stones are available in a variety of colors. But the overall effect is so intriguing. (I also loved the ice/cracked effect from the stones in their ordinary state.)

[@laskermitchell9619]

This is a great video!!! I have to say that I did in fact, try adding crystals to epoxy and it turned out great. I purchased some strung 10mm clear-cracked quartz and a few of them arrived completely shattered into some interesting pieces. At first, I was a bit upset at the shipped conditioned of the stones but decided to see what I could with them. After collecting them into a container, I separated to 2 piles and dyed one pile with blue alcohol ink and the other with orange alcohol. My wife, Kristin dropped the dyed pieces into epoxy and the results were quite awesome 😎👍

[@dalemaclaren7576]

Awesome Steve. What does the clear one look like on a color changing light up basae? I really love the 2nd one. Thank you so kindly for sharing your wonderful talent and videos with us all ❤ Take great care keep creating and smiling.

[@annagray6491]

Wow, what a difference putting that gold on made!

[@janbuckley1]

Fabulous demos Steve 😊

[@wolfgirl-bp9uz]

To me the crystal one looks like ice the other one just plain looks so cool and and neat I bet it would look great with DND dice in it you give me such great ideas have a great day

[@UncleRedDog]

Youre not alone, sweetheart. Im an overpourer too, but its usually gin.

[@Coyo-Tea]

Love them both even though I’m not a gold lover

[@Gemzstone1]

I don't actually mind bubbles in my resin, it makes a nice effect. Especially when your adding things into it.

[@lesliespiers8407]

cool effect, would look good in silver too

[@janelcloutier9543]

What a wonderful short video…and perfect timing because I’m about to start working on my skull molds too…. I’m thinking about a snow globe skull as my first 😆

[@bulletcatcher5318]

With the skull with the clear crystals, you should have a light shining through the bottom, it'll make a really cool affect

[@marinashor5503]

Hi! I'm watching your videos and learning a lot about resin etc. Thank you. the videos are great! I have a question: How to trap memorable shards of clear glass in resin cube, so they would be seen and not disappear? do I need to pour a slightly colored resin? What would you color resin with? What are the other possibilities? Thank you for your time and attention.

[@KarenYauney]

You are a wonderful artist, indeed!! I just dont go for skulls an other demonic. Thanks for sharing😊

[@dechaune3282]

Hi Steven. Been watching you for months now and enjoy your channel. I have used these gems before myself and was happy with the results. Although my results were different and I used colored gems. Awesome work. Love your channel.

[@dechaune3282]

@@SteveMcDonaldArtsandCrafts try it. Just for fun.

[@danbrit9848]

you need a light up base to put things on at the end ...i think those would make awesome lamps

[@judyeuller7602]

Dying the crystals with alcohol ink is another way to color them. My favorite is the clear. I find it enchanting.

[@UpandiTembo]

Second one has terminator vibes, very cool

[@brendaheslor199]

Cool!

[@ciri2800]

Love it ❤ whats that carving tool called? I cant find a link to the tool 🥴

[@craftydemon529]

I think those would look cool with a light under it, or better yet, a color changing light

[@Crystaldagger1620]

Where do you get the burnishing tool?

[@fairyspunfibers9098]

@Jen V. Amazon has them 😊

[@hollylowery26]

I think colored gems would look super cool too! Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald. Possibly Pearls and Gold coins for some different texture.

[@lisaspruiell94]

I like the first one

[@LAAKIRA55]

I HAVE BEEN MAKING THESE FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS. USE COLORS ACRYLIC ONES. THEN ADD THE CLEAR EPOXY. BEAUTIFUL THEY ARE THEN I PUT A LIGHT UNDER THEM. AMAZING COLORS FOR SKULLS, LIGHTS, OR EGGS

[@legacyofpop]

I was sooo hoping you would shine a light under it.... I bet that would reflect and refract beautifully... As a small lamp it might cast a fantastic light pattern.... Wanna borrow my torch... ?

[@leroyhackwith3413]

Super cool where did you get the snake skull mold please?

[@gitargirl120]

You could also maybe tint the crystals with alcohol ink? Unsure if it would stick but would take less time than the paint marker :) Great job! Those are super cool :)

[@darrenosborne8252]

There is a lot of ways you can change this up. I would try dusting the gems with an iridescent pearl mica.

[@SkitchBean_aka_Christine_E]

I thought the crystals would disappear completely in the clear resin. I am glad you can still see them. That skull is a true rock head!😂

[@tashamac6824]

Might be a dumb question but where are you selling your pieces? Unless I'm just completely missing it, I don't see a link to a storefront anywhere...

[@UncleRedDog]

It would be quite cool to use a mix of coloured and clear gems for a 'floaty' effect 🤘

[@mtnbkr8480]

It would be interesting to see what the clear one would look like with a light under it.

[@kareng4294]

Curious how the clear one would look sitting on a lighted stand...might refract on the crystals in there and give a cool look.

[@ofeliagonzalez2003]

Where is the link for tool for overpour removal?

[@fairyspunfibers9098]

@Ofelia Gonzalez Link is in video description box. Just click "more" to open it up all the way. HOWEVER, Amazon carries the deburring tools (just bought mine there), as does your local hardware store, probably.

[@ravenskeep9009]

"@Steve McDonald Arts and Crafts" try colouring the crystals with (as lightfast as it can be) alcohol inks. They get kinda sparkly, kinda muted but really cool

[@anjaadolphsen2087]

Reminds me of „Indiana Jones“. 👍👍😉👍👍

[@FemDeku1969]

you should try different colors o the gems in the resin and mi them with the clear ones

[@jaytek5680]

Works best with crushed crystals. Stuff with color and not completely transparent. I tried a sky blue resin with realistic diamonds and it just didn’t look as cool as you think it would.

[@ElveeKaye]

I think you should shine a light through them or photograph them outside with sunlight shining through them. :)

[@WizardKitty723]

Really cool! Alcohol ink-stained ones would look cool, I bet!

[@dawnr714]

I love em both! I thought maybe u would cover the crystals in alcohol ink before u said the gold marker. I colored my own crystals by mixing inks in with them which turned out great but I haven't used them in resin yet. 💜💙