Best Resin Crafts: 20 Creative Project Ideas for Beginners

If you've been scrolling through social media lately, you've probably noticed the surge in resin crafts. Whether it's stunning resin jewelry, eye-catching river tables, or delicate resin bookmarks, people are using this versatile material to create unique designs that stand out.

But what's all the buzz about? Well, the beauty of resin crafting lies in its versatility of resin—you can create just about anything, from small keepsakes to impressive home decor items. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just getting started, resin crafts offer a great way to express your creative vision and make great gifts for special events or even just for personal use.

So, if you're curious about working with resin for the first time, you're in the right place! In this post, we'll explore some of the best resin crafts, share tips on getting started, and give you the lowdown on all the essential tools and materials you’ll need.

Getting Started with Resin Crafts

Essential Supplies for Resin Crafting

Before you dive into creating those mesmerizing epoxy resin projects or that perfect coffee table you’ve been dreaming about, let’s talk about the basics. The first thing you’ll need is the best resin you can find.

Trust me, using the right formula of resin makes a world of difference in your end result. Along with that, you’ll want to grab some clear resin—this will help you achieve that glossy finish that gives your resin crafts that professional look.

But that’s not all. If you’re aiming to create intricate art projects or craft projects with small items or custom shapes, you’re going to need a silicone mold (or two). These molds are super handy for making various shapes and resin items that turn out perfectly every time.

And don’t forget the heat gun—this tool is essential for getting rid of those pesky air bubbles that can ruin the smooth surface of your resin.

What Can I Make with Resin?

The possibilities with resin crafting are nearly endless! You can create anything from small, delicate items like resin jewelry and resin bookmarks to larger, statement pieces like epoxy resin coasters and even river tables.

For those interested in home decor items, you can use resin to make serving trays, coffee tables, and art projects that add a unique touch to any space.

Resin crafts are also a great way to make great gifts for special events or special occasions. Whether you’re into making simple projects or more intricate designs, resin is a versatile material that can be used for all kinds of creative projects

What Can You Put in Resin?

One of the most exciting aspects of resin crafting is that you can embed all sorts of things into your resin items. For example, you can preserve fresh flowers, add a pop of color with mica powders or alcohol inks, or create a luxe look with gold leaf.

Resin pigments are another popular option for adding vibrant different colours to your projects. You can also use silicone molds to create custom shapes and small objects with embedded materials.

The options are truly endless, and it’s a great way to personalize your resin crafts and bring your creative vision to life.

Choosing the Right Resin

When it comes to resin crafting, not all resins are created equal. You’ll need to consider the different types of resin available, like casting resin for deep pours or uv resin for quick cures. Each type of resin has its own cure time and works best for different kinds of creative projects.

For instance, if you’re working on something like epoxy resin coasters, a doming resin might be your best bet for achieving that high gloss finish that really pops. If you're after a more fluid and glass-like appearance, opting for a low viscosity resin formula might be ideal, especially for art resin pieces that require multiple, thin layers.

But if you’re not sure which one to choose, don’t worry! There are plenty of craft stores and online retailers where you can explore different brands and find the best place to get your supplies.

What is Epoxy Resin?

Epoxy resin is a versatile material that has become incredibly popular in the crafting world, especially for resin crafts. It's a two-part compound made up of a resin and a hardener. When these two parts are mixed together, a chemical reaction occurs, causing the mixture to harden into a solid, durable surface.

This makes epoxy resin an excellent choice for a wide range of crafting projects because it’s strong, crystal clear, and provides a glossy finish. Plus, it’s known for being low viscosity, which means it flows easily and works perfectly for deep pours and thin layers alike.

Are There Other Types of Resin?

Yes! While epoxy resin is one of the most popular choices for resin crafts, there are other different types of resin formulas to consider each suited for different applications.

UV Resin

UV resin is another option that cures quickly when exposed to a UV light, making it perfect for small items or projects where you don’t want to wait for a longer cure time.

Casting Resin

Casting resin is ideal for deep pours and larger epoxy resin projects because it’s designed to cure slowly, allowing for thick layers without overheating.

Ceramic Resin

Another interesting option is ceramic resin. This type of resin is used to create pieces that mimic the look and feel of traditional ceramics. It’s a great option if you’re aiming for a durable material with a smooth, matte finish, and it’s perfect for creating home decor items like vases, bowls, or other living room accents.

I personally recommend Brea Reese's Mix2Mold Ceramic Resin, but more on that later!

Affiliate disclaimer: Although I stand by all of the products I use, I can receive a small commission from any products purchased via my affiliate links.

Doming Resin

Lastly, there’s doming resin, which is great for achieving that beautiful, raised, high gloss finish on items like jewelry and coasters. Each type of resin has its own unique properties, so it’s all about choosing the right one for your specific project.

How Long Does Resin Take to Cure?

The cure time for resin can vary depending on the type of resin you're using and the specific project you're working on. Generally, epoxy resin takes about 24 to 72 hours to fully cure. During this period, the resin undergoes a chemical reaction that transforms it from a liquid form to a solid, durable surface.

However, if you're using UV resin, the process is much quicker—it can cure in just a few minutes under a UV light. This makes it an excellent choice for small items and projects where you need fast results.

On the other hand, if you’re working with casting resin for deep pours or larger epoxy resin projects, you might need to wait a bit longer, sometimes up to a week, to ensure that the resin has fully hardened.

It’s also important to consider factors like temperature and humidity, which can affect the cure time. To achieve the best results, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and give your resin plenty of time to cure completely before handling or adding additional layers.

Patience is key to getting that perfect, glossy finish or crystal clear look you’re aiming for!

What Should I Make With Resin? The 20 Best Resin Crafts to Start With

There are great ideas for resin crafts all around! From personalized keychains to decorative trays, the possibilities are endless. If you’re looking for inspiration, try experimenting with acrylic paint, silicone rubber molds, or even incorporating a touch of elegance with gold leaf or other embellishments.

Resin Accessories

If you’re looking to make something truly unique and wearable, resin jewelry and accessories are the perfect way to showcase your personal style with endless creative possibilities. These are perfect DIY projects to start with because of their small size!

Resin Earrings

I love these creative Resin Earrings from A Beautiful Mess. How fun and colorful are the ones with sprinkles?!

Resin Bangles

Another great way to use resin is by making these fun Resin Bangles from Plaid Online. These would make a great gift!

Resin Fishbowl Necklace

If you've seen my fish-in-a-bag soap tutorial, you know I love quirky gifts. This Fish Bowl Necklace from Resin Crafts Blog is so unique!

Resin Barrettes

I can't get over how beautiful these Resin Hair Barrettes from Country Peony are - I'd love to make matching ones for me and my daughter!

Resin Home Decor

Why not bring some of your creativity into your home? Resin home decor lets you craft everything from practical pieces to eye-catching art that adds a personal touch to your space.

Resin Coasters

Coasters are probably one of the most popular resin crafts to start with because they're so easy to make and are really useful! These rainbow "Petri Dish" Resin Coasters by Artsy Fartsy Mama are so cool. If you want some of the best epoxy resin coaster ideas, check out this post.

Resin Confetti Tray

If you've been following along for a while, you know I love anything colorful. This Confetti Tray from Resin Crafts Blog is right up my alley and an easy resin item to make!

Resin Picture Frame with Legos

Struggling to throw away those old Legos once your kiddos have outgrown them? Use them to make this Resin Lego Frame from Modge Podge Rocks and always remember when they were little enough to play with Legos!

Resin Serving Board

Ocean resin crafts have become really popular in recent years. I think it's because the ocean waves look so realistic! This Beach Themed Cutting Board from Sustain My Craft Habit would make the perfect serving board for your next party.

Resin Alphabet Fridge Magnets

I fell in love with these rainbow Resin Alphabet Fridge Magnets from The Handmade Home. You could make these in a single color, but rainbow is so much more fun!

Resin Christmas Ornament

Making homemade Christmas ornaments is a great way to spend quality time with your kids during the holiday season. This year, why not try this Resin Christmas Ornament from Life's Carousel?

Magnetic Resin Tray

I could totally use this Magnetic Resin Tray from Resin Crafts Blog to hold some of my tiny art supplies. It would work well in a bathroom too!

Resin String Lights

How fun are these Pineapple String Lights from Mad in Crafts?! It's amazing what you can make with simple resin molds.

Personalized Resin Projects

There’s nothing quite like a personalized gift, and with resin, you can create custom items that are as meaningful as they are beautiful.

Resin Pet Tags

Make your furry friend a personalized tag with this Resin Pet Tags tutorial from Something Turqoise.

Resin Keychains

These Rainbow Geode Keychains from Artsy Fartsy Mama would make the perfect gift for a teacher or new driver!

Resin Tumblers

Gearing up for sport seasons this fall? You can make yourself or your athlete a custom tumbler! Check out this Resin Epoxy Tumbler tutorial from Resin Crafts Blog.

Resin Gift Tags

Steal the show this holiday season with Personalized Resin Gift Tags from Resin Crafts Blog.

Other Fun Resin Ideas

Want to try something a little different? Check out these other fun resin ideas that will spark your creativity and bring a unique twist to your crafting projects.

Resin Dice

If you play a lot of games, try making your own dice with this Resin Dice tutorial from Acrylgiessen.

Resin Notebook Covers

I love the idea of making a custom cover for a journal or drawing notebook. Check out these Notebook Covers from Amber Oliver

Resin Paperweights

Not sure where to start with resin crafts? Try these Resin Paperweights from Doodle Craft Blog. They can pretty much be made with anything!

Resin Bookmarks

These sparkly Resin Bookmarks from A Pumpkin and A Princess are the perfect gift for any avid reader.

What's the Best Craft Resin?

I used to think epoxy resin was the best for crafting projects, but then I discovered Brea Reese's Mix2Mold Ceramic Resin. This innovative material combines the strength and durability of ceramic with the versatility of resin, and it cures in just 60 minutes! With its ability to create intricate detailing and vibrant colors, it's quickly become my go-to for resin crafting.

I first came across this product at Michael's craft store. The mold powder comes in two different sizes (2lb and 5lb) and so I picked up one of each. The powder also comes in a variety of colors, but I only picked up the white powder for this test since the ceramic resin powder can be combined with Liquid Color™ to colorize or create a marble effect. The product line also includes bags of Terrazzo to create an organic looking pop of color.

The package promises to transform the powder into a solid, smooth surface similar to kiln-fired pottery with a matte finish in three steps. My mind went crazy with all of the possibilities! I knew if this worked I could make anything from trays, to candle holders, to planters and so much more!

Materials needed to create with the Brea Reese Ceramic Resin

Brea Reese Ceramic Resin (comes in a white ceramic powder and other colors)
Brea Reese liquid color (optional) I saw a turquoise bottle of green liquid color as well as some other colors at Michaels.
Brea Reese terrazzo (optional)
Silicone molds - Brea Reese makes a line of molds and planters but I already had a nice selection of molds and this product works with any silicone mold.
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Table covering
Dust mask
Sand paper
Plant pot mold (optional)
Measuring cup with markers for fl oz and cups
Tool set (optional) or mixing tools

Tips for Using Brea Reese Ceramic Resin

While working with Brea Reese Ceramic Resin opens up a world of creative possibilities, it's essential to follow proper techniques to achieve the best results. Here are some tips for using this versatile medium effectively:

Prepare Your Workspace: Before starting your project, ensure that your workspace is clean, well-ventilated, and free from dust and debris. Lay down a protective covering to prevent spills and stains.
Measure Accurately: I had a problem understanding the instructions because the scooper measurements didn't match the instructions on the back of the bag. To achieve the desired consistency and curing time, it's crucial to measure the resin and hardener accurately. It says you can use a digital scale to weigh the components in the recommended ratio, but not everyone has that at home. So...based on my experimentation, the best ratio is typically a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio by volume. They did come out with a companion tool pack, but it was sold out online and in stores so I had to do some trial and error.
Mix Thoroughly: Thoroughly mix the resin and hardener together in a clean, disposable container, stirring gently to avoid introducing air bubbles. Scrape the sides and bottom of the container to ensure all components are fully incorporated. There is no required mix time like with regular resin. I did wear gloves and use my hands to check for any bubbles or dry, unmixed pockets.
Pour and Level: Once mixed, pour the resin onto your chosen surface or into molds, spreading it evenly with a spatula or brush. Use a torch or heat gun to remove any air bubbles and promote self-leveling. I didn't have any issues with bubbles so this was not a necessary step for me. If you're pouring into a flower pot silicone molds, you will want to make sure you have enought mixture.
Add Pigments and Inclusions: Experiment with adding pigments, dyes, glitter, or other inclusions to customize the appearance of your resin creations. Mix these additives thoroughly before pouring to ensure even distribution. I also experimented with not mixing all the way and I love the resulting marble appearance. If you choose to make a simple kind marble effect, you'll want to add a few drops and then pour in a circular motion. This will make an easy swirl of the ink and the result of the pigment ink is beautiful.
Allow Sufficient Curing Time: Be patient and allow the resin ample time to cure fully before handling or de-molding your creations. Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding curing time and conditions, such as temperature and humidity levels. The package says it cures in 60 minutes but it started to harden after 20 minutes so you need to work quickly.
Finishing Touches: Once cured, sand any rough edges or imperfections and apply a clear topcoat for added protection and shine. Add the gloss finish. I used the Brea Reese gloss finish, but I probably could have just used mod podge. Your Brea Reese Ceramic Resin masterpiece is now ready to be showcased and admired!

Applications of Brea Reese Ceramic Resin

The versatility of Brea Reese Ceramic Resin lends itself to a wide range of artistic applications. Here are just a few ways in which artists can harness the potential of this innovative medium:

Mixed Media Masterpieces: Blend Brea Reese Ceramic Resin with acrylic paints, pigments, or inks to create captivating mixed media artwork. Experiment with different color combinations, layering techniques, and textures to achieve unique effects and visual depth. At the time of publishing, the Mix2mold product comes with pink ceramic powder, turquoise, purple and white. They also make a line of resin terrazzo chips additive, but you can also make your own. We experimented with creating the terrazzo-style trays. In order to do this, you'll need to mix the pieces in thoroughly and then sand once they're cured. The colorful chips are a nice addition, but I prefer using a lot of our liquid color instead.
Sculptural Creations: Sculptors can utilize Brea Reese Ceramic Resin to bring their visions to life in three-dimensional form. Whether casting small figurines or large-scale sculptures, the resin's strength and durability make it an ideal choice for creating lasting works of art.
Jewelry Design: Craft stunning jewelry pieces using Brea Reese Ceramic Resin. Pour the resin into silicone molds to create intricate shapes and designs, then embellish with metallic leaf, glitter, or embedded objects for added flair.
Home Décor: Elevate your home décor with handmade accents crafted from Brea Reese Ceramic Resin. From colorful coasters and trinket dishes to decorative tiles and wall art, the possibilities are endless for infusing your living space with personalized charm.

Is the Brea Reese white ceramic resin worth trying?

Yes! This was one of my favorite Michaels purchase items and seems to work with all experience levels. In just a few simple steps you can make unique trays in the perfect hue. I found this to be an incredible product, but I am worried that the product won't last long in stores or online because they were deeply discounted when I went to Michaels yesterday. The best part is that it truly does have a smooth ceramic finish which I was dubious about, but has such a pretty visual appeal!

What other items work well with the powder?

If I started again, I would purchase the flower pot silicone mold (I only had tray molds)
For custom terrazzo look, use the white powder and add the terrazzo chips. You can also make your own terrazzo chips by making thin layers of ceramic resin. You can add additional layers if you want multiple colors.
I would purchase a flower pot molds value set because I found it frustrating to only have one mold.
If you want a more dynamic look, add some gold leaf to your silicone flower pot molds. The end result is stunning!
You can use the glossy sealer or the matte finish sealer. The terrazzo mixture works great, too!

Is Mix2Mold food safe?

Yes! If used with other food safe mixing bowls, etc.

FAQs About Resin Crafts

What is crystal clear epoxy resin, and when should I use it?

Crystal clear epoxy resin is a type of resin known for its transparent, glass-like finish. It’s ideal for projects where clarity is key, such as jewelry, coasters, and other decorative pieces where you want to showcase embedded items or achieve a flawless, glossy surface.

What should I look for in a resin kit?

When choosing a resin kit, look for one that includes all the essentials: resin and hardener, mixing cups, stir sticks, and detailed instructions. Kits designed for beginners often prioritize ease of use, so they’re a great way to get started if you’re new to resin crafting.

Is it possible to make profitable resin art?

Yes, many artists create profitable resin art by selling their creations online, at craft fairs, or in local shops. Focusing on best-selling resin arts like jewelry, coasters, or custom home decor items can help you build a successful business.

Do I need to use protective equipment when working with resin?

Yes, wearing protective equipment is crucial when working with resin to protect yourself from fumes and skin contact. This includes gloves, a mask, and working in a well-ventilated area to ensure your safety.

Best Resin Crafts: 20 Project Ideas for Mix2Mold Ceramic Resin