QuestionI'm a complete novice still in conceptual stage here. I have found a seashell that I'd liketo incorporate into a pendant design. But it's very fragile.
I don't know what the shell's correct name is, but it is somewhat like a mussel shell in shape, but much thinner, and splits easily into mica-like layers.
What would you use to lend some strength to it? Dipping in resin? I'd like something that will, as much as possible, retain the delicate nature of the shell while making it durable.
Many thanks in advance.
AnswerHello Allison,
I would perhaps consider making a mould of the shell. Dipping in resin would just capture it and the detail would become lost as the resin is thicker than the shell itself ( if I'm conceptualizing your description correctly!) .If it has opalescence, or nacre ( the shiny mother of pearl like coloring ) then the resin will prevent the light from hitting it and showing off the colours to some degree, and making a mould would allow you to experiment with say a metal clay version of it ( i think casting it in cuttle bone would break the shell, and delft clay could work but again the detail would have to be deeper than i think what you have may be) that could be colored with micro-crystalline waxes of an iridescence to match what you have. If it's not iridescent, then colouring it should be fairly easy in poly-clays.
Nonetheless, I think a mold is the way to go if you don't have the tools and equipment to delft clay cast the piece. There are other mold making compounds that room temperature vulcanize or cure that could be effective- but if you only want one pendant, a few coats of aerosol lacquer or shellac ( i personally use shellac as I like that it's partially natural material based!) will preserve it and the micro fine spray in aerosols will capture the detail- 2 or three coats will be all that's necessary I would imagine.
Let me know if I can be of further assistance!
Best regards,Ari
