Epoxy resin is a fun and unique two-part liquid that can preserve just about anything! Resin comes with one bottle of hardener and one of the resins itself, you mix them to the brands specifications (most area 1:1 ratio) and then over time it hardens. It has a variety of uses, it can be used for flooring, art, finishes on paintings and so much more. During Covid it blew up on social media as a popular art medium. With everyone stuck inside it became an amazing craft to do with kids, to make unique gifts and items, and in
some cases sell on Etsy to make a little extra cash. Basically, all you do is, mix the desired amount, add in things like glitter and flowers, and place it in a silicone mold of your choice. For a list of my favorite 10 molds for beginners click here to be taken to that previous blog. But for now, I wanted to share my list of favorite items that you can preserve in epoxy resin.
Dried Pressed Flowers/Fake Flowers
When it comes to resin add ins, this is a go to whether its pressed daisies, sunflowers, or dried rose petals. They make a great addition to any project. When deciding to add flowers to your resin molds, you must use dried pressed flowers or fake flowers. The reason you cannot use fresh flowers is they will absorb the resin and then lose their color and, in most cases, die. They will also add water from the petals into the resin mixture which can affect the curing process. Resulting in a project that does not cure correctly making it flimsier or it can get stuck in its liquid stage. Both dry pressed flowers
and artificial flowers, can be preserved easier because they both lack moisture. Fake flowers are easier to get at the craft store, but there are lots of kits on Amazon and Etsy where you get a variety of pressed and dried flowers! Plus, they come in every color you can think of.
Pokémon Cards/Collectible Cards
I have had so much fun preserving Pokémon cards in resin, you can also use other collectible cards like sports cards, Magic the Gathering Cards, and more. They are already coated in a sealant to protect the card image, making them easy to save in the resin. Unlike most paper, these do not absorb the resin ruining the image they sit underneath it. I love to add these cards to coasters and trays. I add glitter or other colored resin to the back, I think it is a fun way to display and celebrate your favorite characters, sports team members, and fandoms. They make amazing gifts as well for
that person in your life who just loves to collect these items.
Buttons
This may seem like a weird one but hear me out! When I say buttons, I do not mean the normal round plastic with four holes, button, (although you can it would still look amazing). I mean the Disney, and Crystal buttons! The specialty buttons that are made in different shapes and sizes depicting all your favorite styles. It can add a bit of bling or whimsy to your project. My favorites are the Disney buttons you can find at Joann’s, Michaels, and Wal-Mart, they are so adorable! I put them in resin hearts to make cute little paper weights and collectors’ items for your friends andfamily. Buttons are a fun and underrated item that can be used in your next resin project.
Stickers
Stickers are an amazing add in to resin especially waterproof ones like the ones in the photo. They have a lining similar to the collectible cards that protects the image making it last in the resin. You can leave the backing on the sticker and lay it in the resin or you can create your project then stick the sticker on normally and place a top coat to seal it to the piece. I enjoy getting the big collection of stickers that come with lots of options so they last a long time.
Shattered Glass
This is an add in that not many people use but they should, it adds a unique edge to your pieces. Not only does it add the bling and the wow factor, but it also creates dimension in the piece. One the best ways I have seen this used is on paintings to help seperate colors, and in adorable resin jewelry. I have used it as a background layer in resin hearts and coasters. It would make an amazing layer in a resin pyramid. Definitely check these out and so many colors!
Small Figurines
A fun additive to your next resin project are figurines! I found these cute little ocean figurines on Amazon! You can use any figurine you want. I have seen gorgeous resin pyramids and tray molds with fun figurines at the top. You can add them as a center piece or you can even find the molds for these adorable cuties. Either way figurines are a great way to add fun details to your next resin project. Adding detail is always important especially since resin is a hard medium to add details in naturally.
Cricut Vinyl Cutouts
Cricut cutouts are a common insert, there are foil and vinyl insert options and thats just to start. Most of the current Cricut machines can cut into almost 400+ different materials. You can pick your favorite as long as it isnt paper or something similar that can absorb the resin into it and ruin it. Using cricut cutouts can give you more opportunities to customize your projects. A fun use of these inserts are these gorgeous resin coasters for a wedding where the bride and grooms name and wedding date are attached. They used it for save the dates, can you imagine what these inserts can do for you?
Flakes
Flakes are one of the resin artist staples, these are a go too to add an effortless shimmer. The special thing about flakes are that they float in resin, unlike glitter and shattered glass they will cascade down and get stuck in the resin. Which allows them to look similar to leaves falling in the wind. The main shades used are gold, silver, and copper, however flakes come in all colors. These work well with other add ins like alcohol inks, where you change the effect even more. These can be found in most craft stores and online on Amazon.
Charms
Charms are good for more than just jewelry adn keychains, they make a special addition to any resin art project. There are so many different charms to choose from. A popular use of charms in resin are to preserve photos for an anniversary and add them as embellishments. Charms can also be used with resin jewelry, or I add them at the end of my resin pens to add extra personality.
Glitter, Glitter, and More Glitter
Last but not least the number one most recognized add in for resin....GLITTER! I love glitter, it adds sparkle and color and dimension to projects. and if caught just right it can look like its falling down. Most of it will sink to the bottom of the mold, but flip it upside down and boom, looks like its raining glitter. It has so many uses, and there are many types. The best one in my opinion is nicknamed "chunky" glitter, the pieces are bigger and add more shine.
I hope you enjoyed the top items to preserve resin in, if you enjoyed this list give it a heart below, and leave a comment of your favorite resin add ins! Don't forget to sign up for our emails so you can stay on top of the updates and new blogs!
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