Snake necklace

Hey everyone! I often get asked about how I create my snake shed pendants, especially after sharing my recent pride-themed one. It’s such a unique craft, combining a touch of nature with personal expression. If you're curious about making your own, or just want to learn more about this fascinating jewelry, here's a little peek into my process and why I love it so much. First things first, let's talk about the snake shed itself. Ethical sourcing is key! I'm lucky enough to have friends with pet snakes, so I get their naturally-shed skins. It's important never to disturb wild snakes or force a shed. Once I have a beautiful piece of shed, I gently clean it. Sometimes they come off a bit dusty or curled, so a soft brush and a careful unrolling (you can gently moisten them if they're too brittle, but be super careful!) prepares them for their new life as jewelry. Next, the fun part: design and encapsulation! I typically use clear epoxy resin for my pendants. You'll need a good quality, non-yellowing resin, a bezel (the frame for your pendant), mixing cups, stir sticks, and sometimes glitter or tiny embellishments if I'm feeling fancy. For my pride piece, I might layer the shed over a background of pride flag colors using mica powders mixed into a thin layer of resin first, or even incorporate tiny rainbow glitter. The process usually goes like this: Prepare your bezel: Make sure it's clean and any open backs are taped off securely if you're pouring resin directly. Place your shed: Carefully arrange the snake shed inside the bezel. This is where you can get creative! The patterns on the shed are already so intricate and beautiful. Mix your resin: Follow the manufacturer's instructions precisely! Proper ratios are crucial for curing. Mix slowly to avoid bubbles. Pour the first layer: Gently pour a thin layer of mixed resin over the shed. Use a toothpick to guide it and pop any small bubbles. Let this cure for a few hours, or until tacky, if you want to add more layers or ensure the shed stays in place. Add more layers (optional): If you're adding color behind the shed or want a domed effect, you can pour subsequent layers once the previous one is cured or tacky. Full cure: Allow the pendant to cure completely, usually 24-72 hours, in a dust-free environment. I love making these because each piece of shed is unique, making every pendant truly one-of-a-kind. It's also a wonderful way to honor these amazing creatures and create something beautiful from something they naturally leave behind. Plus, there's a certain magic in wearing a piece of nature, isn't there? It’s a conversation starter and a subtle nod to the natural world, all while expressing something meaningful to you, like pride! Caring for your finished snake shed jewelry is simple. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, harsh chemicals, and excessive moisture. A quick wipe with a soft cloth will keep it sparkling. I hope this gives you a better idea of how these unique snake shed pendants come to life! It's a rewarding hobby, and I encourage anyone interested in unique crafting to give it a try. Happy making!