Make a tangible and lasting memory of your horse or pony. It is easy to do yourself and it is a way to be creative. After reading this DIY you can make a valuable memory of your beloved horse yourself. In this manual Maaike van Asinhars shows you how to make a memory with horse hair in the shape of a horseshoe. This can of course also be done with other silicone molds . Maaike makes beautiful (memory) creations with epoxy resin and ash and hair on request and sells them via her website. Step by step she takes you through the process of making a horseshoe in this manual.
Making a horseshoe with horsehair
Do you want a beautiful and lasting memory of your horse or pony? Did you know that it is relatively easy to make this yourself with epoxy? Pour epoxy into a silicone mold of your choice. At itsOkay we have more than 300 molds in stock. For example, choose a silicone mold horseshoe or silicone mold sitting horse . Add the horsehair and your favorite decorations. After 24 hours the epoxy resin has hardened and you can remove your homemade horseshoe from the mold. You can even add a name or personal text for an even more personal touch.
In addition to horseshoes, there are more beautiful possibilities with horsehair. This can easily be processed in a silicone mold of your choice. Use decorations such as gold leaf, dried flowers or glitter for a unique look.
First I prepare everything. I use Epoxy casting resin (UltraEpoxy Premium) for casting the horseshoe, because it gives the least air bubbles and has the highest quality. Air bubbles that may arise during the casting of epoxy can normally be popped with a lighter or burner. However, I do not use a burner when making this memory. This is because it can damage the silicone mold and the horsehair. That is why I use the Bubble Blaster from ItsOkay. Spray once over the epoxy and pop all the air bubbles. Ideal!
Step 2: Fill the mold with gold flakes
Calculate in advance how much epoxy you need. You can calculate the content of a silicone mold by first weighing it empty and then filling it with water. The difference is how many grams fit in the mold. This mold fits about 75 grams. Make 75 grams of epoxy in, for example, a disposable pouring cup .
Epoxy resin can turn yellow over time. To prevent this, I add a little UV blocker . The UV blocker costs a few euros extra, but it ensures that the memory of your precious horse remains beautiful forever. Then I pour a small amount of epoxy into another mixing cup. I add beautiful gold flakes to this. I leave both mixing cups with epoxy for about 15 minutes after mixing, so that air bubbles can pop. Then I pour the mixing cup with the gold flakes first into the silicone mold horseshoe. This will be the top layer of the horseshoe.
Step 3: Processing the horsehair
When I have poured the epoxy layer with gold flakes, I immediately place the horsehair in the mold. I distribute the hairs over the mold, so that there is approximately the same amount everywhere. I press the hairs with a toothpick into the epoxy, so that they are completely covered. You will see that the gold flakes also mix between the hairs. If necessary, you can use a toothpick to remove protruding hairs down so that they do not stick out. If there is still a stubborn hair that does not want to go down, you can always trim it. After the horsehairs are in the mold as I want them, I spray away the remaining air bubbles with the Bubble Blaster . I now let this layer harden for at least 24-48 hours.
Step 4: Final layer of gold flakes
When the first layer of epoxy with the horse hair has hardened after at least 24-48 hours, I continue with the last layer. This will be another layer of epoxy mixed with gold flakes. I prepare the epoxy according to the instructions on the packaging and add a little UV blocker again. I pour this last layer up to the edge of the silicone horseshoe mold . Make sure that all the hairs are 'submerged'. After pouring this last layer, I spray away the air bubbles in the resin with the Bubble Blaster . I also let this layer harden for at least 24-48 hours.
Step 5: Remove your horsehair horseshoe from the mold
After a lot of patience, you can finally remove your epoxy horseshoe with horsehair from the mold. And what a beauty it has become! The result is beautiful, especially with the gold flakes through it. The horseshoe comes out of the mold matte, which also gives a nice effect.
Tips for making horseshoe horsehair
You can mix a UV blocker into the epoxy. This ensures that your precious memory with horsehair remains clear and transparent forever. Over time, epoxy without a UV blocker can discolour.
Please note that when working with hair in epoxy a lot of air bubbles can occur. So be patient when working with hair in epoxy and use the Bubble Blaster to remove air bubbles in epoxy.
Make sure you wear good protective clothing such as gloves, an apron if necessary and a well-protected surface against spills.
More information?
Do you have questions about making art, jewelry or casting/coating floors or other objects? At itsOkay, several epoxy experts work with each their own expertise. We are happy to help you. Please contact itsOkay customer service or take a look at the Epoxy knowledge center .
Do you also like to craft and develop your creativity? Then itsOkay is the store for you! ItsOkay is the Epoxy Specialist of Europe. Active since 2018 and therefore a large online epoxy store for more than 6 years.
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