Resin
Grape Cluster
Designs and Instructions by Marlene Watson
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These Grape Clusters were so popular in the early 1970's. We made hundreds in my classes at that time and now I am getting requests for the instructions again.
So many people write and say, I remember my Mom or Grandmother having one and would like to make them for my family.
Materials Needed:
48 to 64 - 2 1/2" glass Christmas balls
1 gallon casting resin and catalyst
Resin dye color of your choice
Plastic disposable measuring cups
Craft sticks
Small funnel ( see how to make one below )
Driftwood or Grape wood
Krylon Triple Thick spray glaze
Artificial Grape Leaves
Drill with 3/8" bit
Green covered floral wire, 18 ga. 10" length for each ball
Wire cutters and pliers
Here's How:
1. Remove hangers from glass balls. Cover work surface to protect. Set balls in carton with opening straight up.
2. Pour 8 oz. of resin into cup. Add 3 drops of catalyst per oz. Add 4 drops blue and 5 drops red dye if making purple grapes. Stir well with craft stick being sure to stir around edges.
3. Place funnel in opening and pour to top of ball. Don't pour into neck. Let set overnight.
4. Working over trash can, tap balls with pliers to break glass. Be very careful as glass is sharp. Wipe balls with paper towels to remove any small particles of glass. Set balls back in box.
5. Drill a hole in the neck of each ball about 1/2" deep. Mix 1 ox. of resin and add 4 drops of catalyst, 1 drop of blue and 1 drop of red dye and mix well. With craft stick drop a small drop of resin in the hole and insert a 10" wire. Add a few more drops to fill the hole. Let set overnight to dry.
6. Drill holes all along the sides and top of driftwood about every inch. Starting at the tip, insert a wire from a grape and a wire from another grape from the opposite side. Wap the wires around the end of the balls to secure. Continue until driftwood is covered as you like.
7. Glue leaves in any areas that need to be hidden or look bare.
How to make a funnel
Cut an empty glue dabber bottle in half. Wash all the glue out. Cut the tip off so it fits inside the neck of the ball.
I hope you enjoy my designs and continue
to seek your own creativity! For information on contract design work, please feel free to
send me an email!
