Resin isn’t as intimidating as it looks!
Resin is such a fascinating craft medium – it’s a two-part combination that, once mixed, begins a chemical reaction that can be molded into any shape. After a magical 24 hours, resin hardens into a crystal clear, hard material. Tiny trinkets and glitter become so fascinating when they are encased in resin, and can be turned into resin magnets, resin jewelry, and more.
I used to be afraid of resin crafting – I had a few craftfails along the resin crafting path, but I survived and now I can help you succeed — on the first try! Let’s start with unsaturated polyester resins:
Resin Crafting Supplies
Before you begin, get ALL your supplies ready. Resin is a time-sensitive craft, so you will need to be prepared in advance.
You Will Need:
- 2-part resin (comes in two separate bottles) such as Ice Resin
- Small disposable measuring cup
- Disposable stirring stick (such as popsicle stick)
- FLEXIBLE Silicone mold (like novelty ice cube mold)
- Cute stickers or trinkets
- Glitter
- A straw
- (optional) Disposable rubber gloves
- (recommended) Paper to cover your work surface
NOTE: Work in a well-ventilated space, or outdoors.
1. Measure EXACT Amounts of Resin Ingredients
Your resin will come with instructions, be sure to read them.
First, measure 1 Tbsp. of the resin into your disposable measuring cup. Make sure your measurement is exact. The consistency of the resin is like corn syrup, so it will pour slowly into the cup.
Second, measure 1. Tbsp of the resin hardener into the cup, making sure the measurement is exact. The consistency of the hardener is slightly less thick than the resin, so it pours more quickly.
2. Mix Resin and Hardener Thoroughly
With your disposable stirrer, mix the two parts of resin in the cup together. Mix for at least one minute, scraping the sides and bottom of the cup as you mix.
When it’s thoroughly mixed, the resin should be clear, with small bubbles in it.
3. Pour Resin in Molds
Pour a small amount of resin into your silicone mold tray. You only want to barely cover the bottom of the mold.
4. Blow Air Bubbles Out
Use a straw to blow gently on the surface of the resin to get rid of the trapped air bubbles.
5. Add Inclusions
Add inclusions (stickers, trinkets, etc.) into the mold, FACE DOWN. When you un-mold the resin tomorrow, the bottom of the mold will be the front of your resin doo-dad.
Wait. Now you need to wait for several hours. Don’t skimp on time, or you risk ruining your resin batch.
6. Add 2nd Layer – Glitter!
Now is the time to add a dusting of glitter to the tops of the resin. You can add multiple colors of glitter, or larger, chunkier glitter (like tiny glitter stars or hearts), or even microbeads.
7. Mix 3rd Layer of Glittered Resin
You can immediately mix the final layer of resin like you did before. Once it’s completely mixed, add a generous amount of glitter to the mix.
Pour a thin layer of glitter into the molds. You only want the molds to be less than halfway full so the doo-dads aren’t too thick or heavy when you are done.
Wait. Now is the hard part – waiting overnight to unmold the resin!
Unmolding the Resin
Wait 24 hours until resin is hardened. Unmold each doo-dad and marvel at how cool your project turned out!
What to Do With Resin Doo-Dads:
Now that you’re done with this part, turn your resin into resin pendants, resin magnets (with heavy duty button magnets), bracelets, or whatever you can imagine.
