DIY Crafting with Resin – Epoxy Resin and UV Resin

DIY Resin Craft Projects – Epoxy Resin and UV Resin

Welcome to the colourful and creative world of DIY resin craft projects! Whether you’re just discovering resin crafting or looking for exciting new ideas, epoxy resin and UV resin offer endless opportunities to create something beautiful and unique. From sparkling jewellery, pendants and charms to decorative coasters, colourful keychains, acrylic bookmarks and beautifully embellished seashells, there’s so much you can make! Add a little personality with dried flowers, shimmering mica powders, glitter, beads or metallic flakes, and turn simple projects into eye-catching handmade treasures. With the right supplies, proper safety precautions and a little imagination, resin crafting can be a fun and rewarding hobby for creative beginners and experienced crafters alike.

Let’s explore the exciting world of resin crafting!

Possible Supplies you may need for DIY Resin Craft Projects, depending on the project you choose

Resin Supplies

• Epoxy resin (two-part resin system) – Resin and Hardener
• UV resin
  • UV lamp (for curing UV resin)

Both require:

• • Silicone measuring cups
  • Mixing sticks or craft sticks
  • Disposable gloves
  • Silicone work mat or protective table covering
  • Toothpicks for removing air bubbles
  • Tweezers for placing small embellishments

Molds: Choose according to your DIY Resin Craft Projects – Silicone molds, Wooden Coaster molds, etc.

Colourants and Effects: Mica powder; Resin pigments; Alcohol inks (if compatible with your resin); Fine or Chunky glitter; Gold foil flakes or Silver foil flakes.

Embellishments and Fillers: Dried flowers; Pressed flowers; Small shells, Sequins, Decorative charms, Rhinestones, Mini beads, Alphabet beads, Confetti, crystals, etc.

Jewellery Findings and Accessories: Earring hooks; Jump rings; Necklace chains; Waxed cord or necklace cord; Lobster clasps; Bracelet chains; Jewellery pliers; Finishing Tools; Fine-grit sandpaper; Polishing cloth; Resin polish (if desired); Small drill or hand drill for making holes

Supplies Tip: Beginners can start with Just Resin for adults and teens, a silicone mold, gloves (optional), mixing tools, and a few decorative items such as glitter, dried flowers, or beads. Additional supplies can be added as your projects become more advanced.

YouTube Video: Alcohol Ink Pour – Alcohol Ink can be used with Resin

Resin Art for Beginners and Experienced Crafters

 

UV Resin Earrings

Make a Polymer Clay Bracelet – if you are not working in a ventilated space

How to Resin a Coaster Decorated with Dried Flowers

Working with Resin, Molds and Mica Powder

Resin and Gilding Flakes

Kid-Friendly Alternative Craft Supplies

For projects using Mod Podge Dimensional Magic, plaster, or air-dry clay:

• Mod Podge Dimensional Magic

• Air-dry clay

• Plaster of Paris
  • Acrylic paints
  • Paintbrushes
  • Silicone molds
  • Cookie cutters
  • Letter stamps
  • Glitter
  • Sequins
  • Beads
  • Craft glue
  • Disposable table covering
  • Paper towels for cleanup

What’s the Difference Between Epoxy Resin and UV Resin?

Epoxy Resin

Epoxy resin comes in two parts that must be mixed together before use. Once combined, the resin slowly hardens over several hours.

Best for:

• Coasters
• Serving trays
• Light switch covers
• Decorative signs
• Larger molds and projects

Features:

• Two-part resin system
• Longer working time
• Usually cures within 12–24 hours
• Excellent for larger pours

UV Resin

UV resin is ready to use right out of the bottle and cures in minutes when exposed to a UV lamp or direct sunlight.

Best for:

• Earrings
• Pendants
• Keychains
• Charms
• Small decorative projects

Features:

• No mixing required
• Fast curing time
• Ideal for small molds and jewellery
• Great for quick projects
• Easy Resin Projects for Beginners

DIY Resin Coasters

• Mix epoxy resin according to package directions.
• Add mica powder or resin pigment for colour.
• Pour a thin layer into a coaster mold.
• Add dried flowers, glitter, shells, or decorative elements.
• Pour the remaining resin to cover decorations.
• Allow the resin to cure completely before removing it from the mold.

Fun Idea: Create marble effects by swirling two or three resin colours together.

Decorative Light Switch Covers

• Place flowers, foil flakes, glitter, or other embellishments inside the mold.
• Mix and pour epoxy resin.
• Allow the resin to cure completely.
• Remove from the mold and install according to the cover manufacturer’s instructions.

A simple way to add personality to craft rooms, bedrooms, offices, or creative spaces.

DIY Resin Earrings

• Place dried flowers, glitter, mica powder, or small charms into a silicone earring mold.
• Fill the mold with UV resin.
• Remove air bubbles with a toothpick.
• Cure under a UV lamp according to the resin manufacturer’s instructions.
• Remove from the mold and attach earring hooks using jump rings.

Fun Idea: Create matching sets using pressed flowers or metallic mica powders.

DIY Resin Pendants and Charms

• Add beads, flowers, glitter, foil flakes, or charms to a pendant mold.
• Fill the mold with UV resin.
• Cure completely.
• Remove from the mold and attach to a necklace chain, cord, bracelet, or keyring.

Fun Idea: Use alphabet beads to create personalised name pendants.

Fun Materials to Add to Resin Projects

Add colour, sparkle, and texture with:

• Fine glitter
• Chunky glitter
• Gold foil flakes
• Silver foil flakes
• Holographic flakes
• Mica powders
• Resin pigments
• Dried flowers
• Small shells
• Decorative charms
• Alphabet beads

Silicone Molds vs. Wooden Molds

Silicone Molds

Silicone molds are the most popular choice for beginners.

Available in shapes such as:

• Hearts
• Stars
• Letters
• Animals
• Coasters
• Paw Prints
• Light Switch Covers

Jewellery pieces

Benefits:

• Flexible and easy to release
• Reusable
• Available in hundreds of designs
• Beginner-friendly

Wooden Molds

Wooden molds create rustic, natural-looking projects.

Ideal for:

• Serving trays
• Decorative signs
• River-style art
• Home décor pieces

The combination of wood and resin creates beautiful contrasts and unique patterns.

More DIY Resin Craft Projects and Ideas

Personalised Name Keychains

Use:

• Alphabet beads
• Letter molds
• Glitter
• Charms

Perfect gifts for:

• Birthdays
• Teachers
• Friends
• Team members

Sparkling Coasters

Create custom coasters using:

• Mica powder
• Glitter
• Dried flowers
• Gold foil

Try matching your coaster colours to your home décor.

Decorative Bookmarks

Resin bookmarks are beautiful and practical.

Decorate with:

• Flowers
• Quotes
• Letter beads
• Glitter

These make excellent gifts for readers, teachers, and book lovers.

Memory Keepsakes

• Create meaningful keepsakes by preserving:
• Vacation souvenirs
• Tiny shells
• Ticket stubs
• Dried flowers from special occasions

Always ensure items are completely dry before embedding them in resin.

Safety First

Resin crafting is fun, but safety is important.

Always:

✔ Work in a well-ventilated area

✔ Wear disposable gloves

✔ Protect your work surface

✔ Follow the manufacturer’s instructions

✔ Keep resin away from children and pets

Never:

✘ Allow uncured resin to touch skin

✘ Pour leftover resin down drains

✘ Use food containers for mixing

✘ Leave curing resin unattended around children or pets

Kid-Friendly Alternatives to Resin

Because epoxy and UV resin are not recommended for young children, consider these safer alternatives.

Mod Podge Dimensional Magic

This water-based product creates a clear, raised finish that resembles resin.

Kids can use it to make:

• Pendant charms
• Decorative magnets
• Keychains
• Suncatchers
• Scrapbook embellishments

Try filling shallow silicone molds with beads, glitter, sequins, or paper designs and sealing them with Dimensional Magic.

Adult supervision is recommended.

Air-Dry Clay

Press clay into silicone molds, allow it to dry, then paint and decorate.

Great for:

• Ornaments
• Decorative plaques
• Jewelry dishes
• Magnets
• Keepsakes

Plaster Casting

Pour plaster into molds to create:

• Ornaments
• Trinket dishes
• Magnets
• Decorative tiles
• Wall art
• Garden decorations

Once dry, children can paint and personalise their creations.

Salt Dough Crafts

An inexpensive family craft activity.

Create ornaments and keepsakes using:

• Silicone molds
• Cookie cutters
• Letter stamps

Paint after baking for personalised decorations.

Why Resin Crafting Is So Popular

Resin allows crafters to combine art, creativity, and personalisation in a way few other materials can. From sparkling jewellery and colourful coasters to meaningful keepsakes and home décor, there’s always a new project to try.

And when younger crafters want to join the fun, alternatives like Mod Podge Dimensional Magic, clay, and plaster offer safe and creative ways to use many of the same molds and embellishments.

So gather your molds, beads, flowers, charms, and glitter—and start creating something uniquely yours!

Keep Creating!

• Discover a world of creativity in our Craft Store, where you’ll find a variety of unique stencils, moulds, and other fun craft accessories to inspire your next project. For more DIY ideas and inspiration, browse our blog posts.
• We also have some ready-to-give gifts for any occasion in our Craft and Gift Store.

 

✨ Happy Crafting! ✨

 

Safety Note

• Epoxy resin and UV resin should be used by teens and adults according to the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
• Use of many resin products require a respirator for prolonged use or larger projects as well as gloves and goggles
• Small beads, charms, glitter, and other craft components may present a choking hazard and are not suitable for young children.
• Finished resin items are decorative and not food-safe unless specifically made with food-safe resin products.

Disclaimer:

Crafting projects and techniques featured in this article are provided for informational and inspirational purposes only. Users are responsible for determining the suitability and safe use of all materials, tools, and products. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions, warnings, and safety recommendations before beginning any project. Epoxy resin and UV resin may contain chemicals that require careful handling and adequate ventilation. Appropriate protective equipment, such as gloves and eye protection, should be worn when recommended by the manufacturer. Small beads, charms, glitter, and similar embellishments may present choking hazards and should be kept away from young children. Adult supervision is required for children’s crafting activities. The author and publisher are not liable for any injury, damage, or loss arising from the use of the information or projects described herein.