DIY Resin Coasters
DIY Resin Coasters are my first attempt at using resin, and I am loving them! Once you start creating with resin, it’s hard to stop! Today, I am going to share these easy DIY Resin Coasters with you.
I am a member of the StyleTech Craft Design Team. I was provided product from StyleTech Craft for this post. This post may contain affiliate links. See my full disclosure and privacy policy HERE. All opinions are my own.
Friends, creating with resin is so easy and fun! As soon as I saw that our StyleTech Craft project theme for May was “summer”, my creativity started turning and stretching. Working with resin is totally new to me, and combining it with fun vinyl may be the best combination yet! Not only am I branching out and using resin, I layered it! YES! I promise, it’s super easy and you can do this!
Adding the StyleTech Craft color change craft vinyl makes these SO much fun for outdoors! I used the Sun Pink and Sun Purple Craft Vinyl, and added dried flowers to coordinate. My daughter is obsessed with the Color Change Vinyl! And this particular craft vinyl changes color in the sun!
Since resin is clear, the concept of layering it and adding elements to get the look you want is pretty fascinating. All it takes is a simple mold, some pretty supplies, and a great idea!
The only “down side” to working with and layering resin is the wait time. This isn’t a one day project, simply because it takes time to dry and set up between layers. It can also be as easy or as complicated as you make it! So let me show you now to make DIY Resin Coasters! These will be perfect for your summer porch drinking, or in my case, a nice addition to our camper!
Supplies for DIY Resin Coasters
Silicone Molds
Gloves
Parchment paper or a piece of cardboard
Dried, pressed flowers
Popsicle Sticks
Epoxy Resin Clear Kit for Art
Coaster Resin Molds
StyleTech Craft Sun Color Change Vinyl {this changes color in the sun. SO cool!}
Silhouette Cameo or Cricut Cutting Machine
Tweezers
Transfer Tape
How to make DIY Resin Coasters
First, prepare the surface. You want to cover your work surface with parchment or wax paper or cardboard.
Next, mix your epoxy and hardening materials. You want to mix these on a 1:1 ratio. I used about 80 mls total to make my first layer of resin in my molds. Measure 40 mls in a cup and 40 mls in a second cup. Then, pouring slowly, combine them in a third cup. Using a popsicle stick, slowly stir the mixture for 3-5 minutes.
Slowly pour the resin mixture in your silicone molds, just enough to make a nice layer in the mold. Next, add your dried flowers, and then pour a little more resin to cover those. Next, using a tweezers, gently place dried flowers on your coaster. Arrange these however you want! Level out the resin by slowly shaking the mold or use a popsicle stick to level it and make sure it’s even. Allow this to dry overnight on a level surface.
While this is drying, set up your cut file in your cutting software. I used my “Be Joyful” file I had already in my library. It’s also on my Yeti cup, and it’s one I love! But you could do your last name, initials, even a shape!
Send your file to cut, and weed the extra vinyl.
After your resin is dry, it’s time to add more pretty stuff! Do NOT remove them from the mold yet. Cover your vinyl cut with transfer tape, and position it on your coaster, while it’s in the mold. Gently peel off the tape, and make sure your vinyl is smooth and adhered to the resin. Now, it’s time to mix some more resin!
Following the same ratio and procedure as before, mix about 100 mls of resin. Slowly pour this over the vinyl and allow a smooth layer to settle on top. Let this dry over night.
If you feel as if you need one more layer, you are welcome to add that! After it is all dry, gently pop your coasters out of the molds. So pretty!
Tips for Working with Resin
Use gloves! I cannot stress how important that is. Otherwise, your hands will be all sticky and it is very hard to get off your skin. If you do get some on your hands, you can remove it by soaking a towel in vinegar and rubbing the area. Or, sprinkle some baking soda on your hands and rub the area until it comes off.
Keep in mind, you are working from the bottom up, sort of like a sandwich. Sandwiching the flowers between two thin layers of resin, and allowing it to dry, makes adding your vinyl so easy!
Pouring a thin layer of resin to start with is a great idea. It gives you a “base” for your pretties!
You can use almost anything to embellish. Dried flowers, glitter, food coloring, small gems, or even small stones.
Allow an entire day for the resin to cure between layers and before you remove it from the mold.
I absolutely love these! DIY resin coasters are not only a very pretty addition to your summer outdoor decor, but could make beautiful gifts! Mother’s Day, wedding showers, even back to school gifts for teachers! The different layers are so pretty. I can’t wait to make more resin projects!
2 Comments