Supplies:
All these spplies except vials, can be purchased at hardware store:- Tiny vial and cap, also called name on rice vials
(purchase at QueenBeanDestash on Etsy)
- Cotton swabs
- Denatured alcohol (rubbing alcohol can be substituted)
- 2-part epoxy adhesive (I prefer Devcon 5 minute epoxy)
- Wax paper
- Jump ring
- Bamboo skewer or any small stir stick with pointed end
- Option: floral foam to hold vial while curing/finishing
1- Cover your work area with a sheet of wax paper. Wax paper is the best surface for so many craft projects since nothing sticks to it and it will protect your work surface incredibly well.
2- Use cotton swab and alcohol to clean the inside of your bottle and cap. I found that the bottles will often be dusty or have some residue from the manufacturer. Alcohol is best since it will evaporate completely and not leave any impurities that can cause mold or problems after the vial is sealed.
3- Place your item inside the vial: paper, sand, glitter, dried seeds, lock of hair, etc. If you use liquid it needs to be distilled water or magnifying/immersion oil (from microscope supply companies). Tap water has too many impurities and minerals, and food-grade oils will turn rancid and change color. Anything organic (tiny flower, seeds) you place inside must be completely dried or they can cause mold and condensation inside the vial. Note: I don’t use the plugs that come with some vials. They have to be trimmed for the caps to fit and they always show somewhat after the cap is sealed on top.
4- Use the non-pointed end of a bamboo skewer to mix a small amount of the 2-part epoxy adhesive. I like Davcon 5-minute epoxy from the hardware store. It is the most permanent seal and will be completely waterproof and the vial glass will break long before the cap will come off. You can mix the epoxy right on the wax paper.
5- Once the epoxy is mixed (only a few seconds), use the pointed end of the skewer to pick up some of the epoxy and run it around the inside of the cap. You don’t want to fill the cap with epoxy, but be sure to run the skewer around well.
6- Place the cap on the vial (vial needs to remain upright if sand or liquid is inside to avoid contact with the epoxy). Use some pressure to hold the cap for a minute or two, until the cap no longer lifts off. The epoxy will harden enough to not be fluid in a minute or two.
7- Set the vial aside and allow to fully cure and permanently seal for about 24 hours. I push the bottom of the vial into a piece of floral foam to hold the vial upright. This is a great tip, also to hold vials if you are going to alter the finish of the vial.
8- Once the vial is sealed, you have the option to add a finish (paint, etc.) to the cap. If not, add a jump ring through the hole in the cap. This makes a much nicer looking charm/pendant than stringing cord or chain directly through the cap hole.
Feel free to email with questions through my destash Etsy store or use the contact form.
TIP:
You want to keep the epoxy from oozing out of the cap. If it starts to ooze, wipe with a paper towel carefully. You can scrape excess epoxy from glass in about an hour or so. The expoxy is not completely cured for 24 hours.