Mistakes Happen (And How to Pivot)
As I’ve dived deeper into the world of epoxy resin, I’ve learned firsthand that a lot can go wrong—especially when you’re feeling ambitious and think, “I can make absolutely anything!” Oof. Sometimes, the pieces with the most potential end up throwing the biggest curveballs.
Recently, I tried out a new mold: a flower design meant to be draped over or inserted into a bowl to give it a beautiful, curved shape. Let’s just say it was a major learning experience.
The Vision
It started out so beautifully. I began with a vibrant magic violet, transitioned into cobalt blue, and finished the edges with two lighter shades of blue, pouring them one by one right into the center. I absolutely love the natural design this technique creates—it usually forms a perfect little star right in the middle.
Once that layer cured until it was just tacky, I added a clear coat mixed with white glitter. This was intended to be the bottom of the bowl, with the flower impression on the reverse side serving as the inside. (One cool thing I’ve discovered about this process is that it can create two completely different, stunning styles on each side!)
The Reality Check
After letting it cure until it was pliable, I attempted to drape it over a mixing bowl. Unfortunately, it had already hardened past the sweet spot.
Thinking on my feet, I decided to try the opposite approach: inserting it inside the bowl to force the curve. This was actually my second attempt with this mold, and I was still trying to crack the code. Forcing the flat, semi-hardened resin into the bowl caused the edges to start ripping. (The first time I tried this, it cracked completely because it was too hard).
Determined to save it, I thought, “How on earth am I going to fix this?” I left it crammed in the bowl overnight, using a heavy bottle of vinegar in the center for makeshift pressure.
The next day, I was still brainstorming. Epoxy resin isn’t cheap, and the thought of wasting that much material was painful. On my way to the store, I formulated a plan: I’d use resin tape to support the cracks, fill them in with fresh epoxy, and then use the puff paint I typically use on my mixed-media paintings to create a brand-new design over the flaws. It was going to be fantastic!
…WRONG.
When I got to the studio table, I was greeted by a flower bowl that had completely broken into pieces.
It is truly one of the hardest things to face as an artist. The piece had been so stunning, and now it was just a pile of fragments. Of course, this isn’t my first creative failure—and it won’t be my last. Over the years, I’ve had plenty of mishaps. Some are still waiting in the wings for their moment to be transformed, while others get saved to be used as beautiful filler material for future projects.
The Art of the Transformation
If there is one major takeaway from my artistic journey, it’s this: no matter how upsetting a broken piece or a failed painting might be, there is always a way to transform it into something beautiful. No one is perfect, and a single setback is never a reason to give up. I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today if I had let my very first failed painting discourage me.
Over the years, I’ve turned quite a few scrapped projects into my favorite new pieces. In fact, my husband (who works with glass) once suggested I incorporate some glass into my paintings and seal it with epoxy. We broke some tempered glass, experimented, and a whole new style was born!
Take this geometric piece, for example. It actually started as a failed attempt at a neon design that just wasn’t coming together. After a week of staring at it, I decided to start fresh. I coated the entire canvas in black paint, kept the geometric triangle vision I was determined to achieve, and used a similar color scheme to completely reinvent it.
It went from a mistake to an absolute keeper.
To my readers: I hope this serves as a little reminder to keep creating, keep experimenting, and never be afraid to make mistakes.
Have you ever had a mistake turn into a happy accident? Let me know in the comments!