The allure of the Ocean has been the muse for countless creations. The mesmerizing color, the life that lives within it or maybe, the sounds that it makes. Whatever the reason for you, this project was developed to capture the look of a wave with epoxy resin. It took several failers before realizing what I needed was a support system and a way to add texture to the resin so that after curing it would not only be 3D but detailed. Please join me in this Instructable that will not only show how I created the wave, but how you can create various freeform shapes with Shaper Sheet plus resin. If that isn't enough already add crystal embellishments, pearl mica or dazzle your room with glow in the dark powder or LED lighting.

Whatever you choose it will be cool!

See other wave Instructable.

Supplies

Drawing of concept ( measurements for the finished piece )

Shaper Sheet (Available from Me) or online various suppliers.

Something soft to lay SS on when detailing(a piece of Eva foam or towel)

Popsicle sticks ( for detailing SS and mixing resin)

Disposable containers small and large (for mixing resin)

Scissors

Clear vinyl table cloth ( sold by the yard at craft stores)

Pliers( for compressing edges of SS)

Spray adhesive (optional)

Safe work area

Gloves and protective wear

Resin colorants( tints, alcohol Ink, Mica powders, etc.)

Glow pigments or LED (for lighting project)

Epoxy Resin ( Liquid Diamonds use code: The Juliart for 20% off.)

Crystals, gems, etc for added details ( optional)

Alcohol for cleanups

hot glue gun and glue

Uv resin or superglue (optional)

For Lighted base ( modern frame, LED mini lights, vellum, scotch tape, craft knife)

Step 1: Making the Mold W/ Shaper Sheet

Why use Shaper Sheet as the mother mold? The process currently done to create waves is to pour resin onto a flat surface, wait for it start to cure than couple hours later when it's stiff they then form it around a shape and then let it finish curing. I tested many ways and found that what was needed was the ability to pour and be done until it's completely cured. just like pouring into a silicone mold.

Shaper Sheet is a very strong foil and fiber material that can be formed and detailed in such a way that it supports the resin and gives detail until the resin has cured. This is the method in this Instructable.

Cut your shaper sheet a little larger than your desired finished piece, cut a piece of the vinyl material a little bigger than the SS.

You then take a popsicle stick or another smooth tool (spoon) to begin adding details to the foil (see pictures). Both sides can be detailed just think of the grooves and textures associated with waves.

The foam or towel can add a little cushion so you can get a nice texture. ( take a small piece to test)

Spray adhesive is used to join the foil and plastic allowing them to act as one piece of material this can be done before or after detailing.

Fold the shaper sheet in half foil facing inward with vinyl. It's at this point you will be creating a pocket like an oven mitt. Now to seal up the pocket you must press and fold over the sides two times and then with pliers crimp down the fold. you can apply double-stick tape to the vinyl inside before folding but I have yet to have a leak.

This is where the shaping comes in. take the pocket and curve the bottom so it resembles an upside-down wave. Pull the open end out this is the part that will be your base and where the resin will be poured in.

Set your mold into a box or anything that will keep it upright. I even use shaper sheet to support the mother mold if needed sometimes.

Let's move on.

Step 2: Mixing, Coloring and Poring Resin.

Liquid Diamonds is a two-part crystal clear epoxy resin. This resin is my go-to formula, it has a thin viscosity like water there for it releases bubbles much better and faster. When you work with any resin please read and follow directions and always remember the room temperature is very important. Shop for colorant based on your needs, I prefer universal tints but there are many ways to achieve your look. after the resin is mixed thoroughly a little is poured into small cups for colorant to be added. Remember start with a little and add more as you go.

These colorants are very strong however the volume of resin will help you determine the amount of colorant needed. The white is mixed to help with the illusion of churning water. It is not opaque but translucent.

If you want it to glow in the dark use glow powders mixed in a small amount of clear you can pour it in a little at a time or wait till the very last and pour on the bottom.

Mica pearls can add a beautiful shimmer to the project however, be very careful too much will make the project opaque and light will not shine through.

I poured in a little white and tilted the mold around, then add in some clear, not a lot, then blue and blue-green, checking for leaks as you go. You can press with pliers if you notice any. Another great thing about the shaper sheet is the white fabric side will help locate any leaks because you can see them and fix if needed.

With a popsicle stick poke down into the resin this will help blend color naturally. Fill to as close to the top as you can. That is it. Time to let the resin cure.

Step 3: Unmolding and Embellishing

Time to reveal your wave. If you are careful the mold is reusable. Start to peel back the edges the un-roll the edges. If resin traps some vinyl it should pull free if not you can stretch and cut it away. Just replace it when molding again.

Let's clean up the bottom just sand it so it is flat, hand sanding or a belt sander can be used. Please be careful.

The sanding also aids in diffusing light if placed on a lightbox.

Wash and dry with water.

Know is the time to embellish the wave. Lots of ways to do this for this one I hot glued the edge and stuck on crystals, repeat till you get your desired look. Superglue or UV resin can be used to help lock everything down even more.

You should now have a stunning 3d wave ready to display.

The next part is optional for lighting. I used things from around the studio and if you have shadowboxes the make great lighted bases.

Step 4: Lighted Platform

This part requires small LED lights, plain modern glass frame or shadow box( needs to be large enough for the wave to sit. remove the glass and keep the black card stock. If yours doesn't have a black paper you can add it or use white. trace the bottom of the wave onto the black paper and cut just inside the penciled area and cut out.

Next tape a piece of vellum or white paper to the back of the black paper just like the picture.

Cut a groove in the bottom back edge of the frame so the lighting wires will fit inside. Place a popsicle stick with ends cut off so it fits just inside the back of the frame. The LEDs will be attached to it so they sit just below the cutout. Tape wires and stick to secure. please see the pictures.

You are now ready to turn on lights and put the wave in place.

Done!!! Thank you for viewing my Instructable and keep creating.

The Juliart