Hey everyone! It’s Megan here, and I am thrilled to be sharing with you all today my latest DIY project: a super cute Halloween chess set that glows in the dark!
Trust me, this project is going to add a hauntingly beautiful touch to your Halloween decor. So, let’s dive right in and get our crafty hands dirty!
To create this fabulous chess set, you’ll need a few materials, namely black, green, and glow-in-the-dark green acrylic paint, purple shimmer mica, and a two-part epoxy resin. Oh, and don’t forget the chess piece molds that come in handy for creating the perfect chess pieces. All of the links are in my YouTube description, here’s the direct link to the video.
Now, the chessboard itself is a bit different from the traditional molds. The grids are not deep, which means we’ll have to be a bit more careful during the crafting process. But I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve to make this work seamlessly!
First things first, let’s start with the chessboard. Mix the glow-in-the-dark green acrylic paint with UV resin, and apply it to the grids using a popsicle stick. Remember, a little drop goes a long way, so take your time and fill each grid carefully. If you accidentally overfill a grid, don’t worry, you can simply use a pipette to remove the excess resin.
For the purple grids, you’ll use the same technique but with the addition of gorgeous purple shimmer mica. I initially planned to go with just black and green for the chessboard, but after giving it some thought, I realized that multiple colors would make it much more eye-catching and visually appealing. Believe me, it’s totally worth the extra effort!
Once your grids are filled, it’s time to add the backing using a two-part epoxy. I recommend using about 200 ml resin for this step. Additionally, I like adding some black shimmer mica for an extra touch of mystique. Use a torch to remove any bubbles and let it dry for about 24 hours.
Once the epoxy has dried, it’s time to remove the chessboard from the mold. Admittedly, this step can be a bit tricky, but with a little patience and persistence, you’ll get it right. Trust me, the end result will be entirely worth it!
Now, let’s move on to the chess pieces. I chose to buy a separate set of chess piece molds since I find that the kits available online often only provide one set. This way, I can make all the pieces in one go, saving me time and effort. Mix up your two-part epoxy, adding about 100 of each color (orange and green in my case) for the chess pieces.
Pour a small amount into each mold, and to minimize air bubbles, you can “burp” the mold by pinching the head or gently tapping it against the table. Once filled, top off the molds and let the pieces dry for another 24 hours.
Finally, the moment of truth arrives – it’s time to demold the chess pieces! I won’t lie, this part can be a bit challenging, but with a gentle yet assertive touch, you’ll release those pieces from their molds. And if you do encounter any mishaps, like one of the heads falling off, no worries! A little jewelry glue, like E6000, can fix it right up.
When you place your beautiful chess pieces on the glowing chessboard, you’ll be amazed by how stunning and spooky they look. Turn off the lights and watch as they illuminate your Halloween night. It’s pure magic!
Remember, crafting is all about creativity and making it your own. Feel free to experiment with different colors, designs, or even adding personal touches like black speckles for a grungy look. Halloween is all about embracing the spookiness and uniqueness.
I hope you feel inspired to create your very own Halloween chess set. It’s a captivating and fun project that will undoubtedly impress all your Halloween guests. So gather your materials, unleash your creativity, and let’s get crafting! Happy Halloween, everyone!
And don’t forget to check out my video tutorial on my DIY crafting channel for a step-by-step visual guide to help you through the process. Happy crafting, my fellow Halloween enthusiasts!
Until next time,
Megan