If you’re considering getting into epoxy resin, you’re probably wondering what to make first.
The good news is you don't need to be experienced or have an entire workshop to work with resin. With quality epoxy resin, a few basic supplies, and a little creativity, you can make stunning home décor, personalized gifts, jewelry, and functional pieces that you can use, share, or even sell.
One of the best things about resin crafting is its versatility. You can create everything from simple coasters to custom home décor, and every project helps you build new skills and confidence. Whether you're looking for a relaxing weekend hobby, unique handmade gifts, or ideas for starting a small business, these beginner-friendly resin projects are the perfect place to begin.
Choosing the right type of resin depends on what projects you will be working on. Counter Culture DIY Artist Resin is ideal for artwork, coasters, trays, jewelry, and decorative projects because of its longer setting time and glass-like finish. If you prefer faster turnaround times for tumblers or layered coatings, Fast Set Epoxy is an excellent option and allows you to complete projects more quickly.
Why Resin Is Great for Beginners
Resin is fairly easy to work with once you learn the basics. Many crafts require years of practice; however, resin projects can produce impressive results from your very first pour. With accurate measuring, thorough mixing, and patience during curing, even beginners can create professional-looking pieces.
Another advantage is that resin works beautifully with a wide variety of materials. You can incorporate pigments, glitter, metallic flakes, dried flowers, shells, photographs, wood, fabric, and countless other decorative elements to make every project uniquely your own.
Basic Resin Supplies You'll Need
Before getting started, gather these essentials:
Having these supplies will allow you to create many different types of projects without needing an abundance of supplies.
1. Resin Coasters
Best resin for the project: Culture Cast
One of the easiest projects for beginners. Customize coasters with glitter, mica powders, pressed flowers, metallic flakes, or alcohol inks. They also make thoughtful handmade gifts and are popular sellers at craft fairs.
2. Resin Bookmarks
Best resin for the project: Artist Resin Medium Viscosity
Create personalized bookmarks using thin silicone molds. Add dried flowers, inspirational quotes, pressed leaves, or colorful pigments for a unique design.
3. Resin Keychains
Best resin for the project: Artist Resin or UV Resin
Letter molds, initials, and fun shapes make custom keychains quick, affordable, and perfect for gifts or small business inventory.
4. Resin Jewelry
Best resin for the project: UV Resin
Design earrings, pendants, necklaces, bracelets, and rings using jewelry molds. Experiment with transparent colors, glitter, or tiny dried flowers.
5. Glitter Tumblers
Best resin for the project: Artist Resin for beginners or Fast Set for experienced artists
One of the most popular resin crafts, glitter tumblers are a favorite among makers because they're highly customizable and perfect for personalized gifts.
6. Resin Magnets
Best resin for the project: UV Resin or Artist Resin
Create colorful magnets for your refrigerator or office using glitter, mica powders, dried flowers, or small embellishments. They're easy to make and great for gifts.
7. Resin Phone Grips
Best resin for the project: UV Resin
Customize phone grips with glitter, metallic flakes, alcohol inks, or pressed flowers. They're a fun way to create a personalized everyday accessory.
8. Resin Trinket Dishes
Best resin for the project: Culture Cast
These small dishes are perfect for holding rings, earrings, keys, and other small items. Try marble effects or metallic pigments for an elegant finish.
9. Resin Serving Trays
Best resin for the project: Artist Resin
Design beautiful serving trays with ocean effects, marble patterns, or metallic colors. They make great home décor and thoughtful handmade gifts.
10. Resin Charcuterie Boards
Best resin for the project: Artist Resin
Add decorative resin accents to wooden charcuterie boards for a unique look. They're perfect for entertaining or giving as gifts.
11. Resin Wall Art
Best resin for the project: Artist Resin
Create colorful abstract artwork on canvas or wood panels. Resin wall art is a great way to decorate your home with one-of-a-kind pieces.
12. Resin Picture Frames
Best resin for the project: Artist Resin
Personalize picture frames with glitter, pressed flowers, or metallic flakes. They're perfect for displaying favorite memories or giving as gifts.
13. Resin Hair Clips
Best resin for the project: UV Resin or Artist Resin
Make colorful hair clips using small molds and your favorite pigments or glitter. They're fun to wear and easy to customize.
14. Resin Christmas Ornaments
Best resin for the project: Artist Resin
Create custom ornaments with festive colors, glitter, or names. They make meaningful keepsakes and holiday gifts.
15. Resin Plant Stakes
Best resin for the project: Artist Resin
Make decorative plant markers for herbs, flowers, or houseplants. Add names or simple designs to keep your garden organized.
16. Resin Letter Décor
Best resin for the project: Artist Resin
Use alphabet molds to create names, initials, or decorative letters. They're great for bedrooms, nurseries, and special occasions.
17. Resin Dice
Best resin for the project: Hard Cast
Create custom dice with glitter, colorful pigments, or small decorative inclusions. They're a fun project for game lovers.
18. Resin Bottle Openers
Best resin for the project: Artist Resin
Combine resin with bottle opener hardware to make practical handmade gifts. Add your favorite colors or decorative effects for a custom look.
19. Resin Drawer Pulls
Best resin for the project: Artist Resin
Update cabinets or furniture with colorful resin drawer pulls. They're an easy way to give old furniture a fresh new style.
20. Resin Night Lights
Best resin for the project: Culture Cast or Artist Resin
Decorate resin inserts to create unique night lights. Translucent colors and glitter create a beautiful glowing effect.
21. Resin Clocks
Best resin for the project: Artist Resin
Turn your resin artwork into a functional wall clock using a simple clock kit. Ocean and geode designs are especially popular.
22. Resin Candle Holders
Best resin for the project: Culture Cast
Create decorative candle holders with resin molds and colorful pigments. They add a stylish touch to any room.
23. Resin Notebook Covers
Best resin for the project: Artist Resin
Give journals and notebooks a glossy resin finish. Personalize them with glitter, flowers, or colorful designs.
24. Resin Business Card Holders
Best resin for the project: Hard Cast
Make a custom business card holder for your desk or craft show booth. It's a simple project that's both useful and decorative.
25. Resin Pen Blanks
Best resin for the project: Hard Cast
Create colorful pen blanks for handcrafted pens. Experiment with swirls, glitter, or metallic pigments for unique results.
26. Resin Wind Chimes
Best resin for the project: Artist Resin
Combine resin pieces with metal hardware to make colorful wind chimes. They look beautiful hanging in a garden or on a porch.
27. Resin Garden Art
Best resin for the project: Artist Resin or Culture Cast
Brighten your garden with colorful resin decorations. Flowers, butterflies, and abstract designs all make great outdoor accents.
28. Resin Name Signs
Best resin for the project: Artist Resin
Create personalized name signs for bedrooms, nurseries, weddings, or home décor. Customize them with your favorite colors and designs.
29. Resin Cake Toppers
Best resin for the project: Artist Resin or UV Resin
Make reusable cake toppers for birthdays, weddings, and celebrations. Personalize them with names, numbers, or fun designs.
30. Resin Decorative Bowls
Best resin for the project: Hard Cast
Use large silicone molds to create decorative bowls with beautiful resin effects. They're perfect for displaying lightweight decorative items.
31. Resin Gift Tags
Best resin for the project: UV Resin or Artist Resin
Create reusable gift tags with names, glitter, or seasonal colors. They add a special handmade touch to gifts year after year.
Tips for your first pour
Every resin artist learns through experience, but avoiding these common mistakes can help you achieve better results right away. Use these tips to ensure your first pour goes smoothly
- Ensure you are measuring the resin and hardener correctly.
- Slowly mix the solution to avoid excessive bubbles.
- Avoid pouring in cool and/or humid environments.
- Be sure the project is fully cured before removing it from the molds.
- Avoid using decorative items that contain moisture to avoid issues with the curing process.
- Allow the resin to fully cure before sanding, polishing, or using the finished piece.
Taking your time while preparing for the project often produces better results than rushing through the process.
Remember that every experienced resin artist started exactly where you are. Each project teaches something new, and your confidence will grow with every pour.
How to Personalize Your Resin Projects
One of the most exciting aspects of resin crafting is that no two projects have to look alike. Once you've mastered the basics, experiment with different techniques to create your own style.
Try combining:
- Multiple mica powder colors
- Metallic pigments
- Glitter and holographic flakes
- Dried flowers
- Seashells
- Gold or silver leaf
- Alcohol inks
- Marble effects
- Ocean-inspired designs
- Geode techniques
- Pictures
Small changes in color combinations and embellishments can completely transform the finished look.
Ready to Turn Your Hobby Into a Business?
Many resin artists begin by making gifts for family and friends before discovering that others want to buy their creations. Popular products like coasters, tumblers, jewelry, trays, bookmarks, and keychains are frequently sold at craft fairs, online marketplaces, and boutique shops.
As your skills improve, you can expand your product line and develop your own signature style. Starting with beginner projects is one of the best ways to build experience before moving on to larger, more advanced resin creations.
Ready to Start Creating?
Your first resin project doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're making coasters for your home, personalized gifts for loved ones, or products to sell, using a quality epoxy resin helps you achieve beautiful, long-lasting results.
Counter Culture DIY's premium epoxy resins are trusted by makers across the country. With a variety of resin options, you can choose the formula that best fits your upcoming project. Explore the links below to learn more about each type of resin offered by Counter Culture DIY and find the perfect option for your next creation.
UV Resin
Artist Resin
Casting Resin
Check out our TikTok page for some inspiration from creators we collaborate with!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the easiest resin project for beginners?
A: Coasters, bookmarks, keychains, jewelry, and trinket dishes are among the easiest projects because they use simple molds and require very little finishing.
Q: What type of resin should beginners use?
A: Choose a high-quality resin designed for crafts and artwork. Counter Culture DIY Artist Resin provides plenty of working time for beginners, while Fast Set Epoxy is ideal for layering and requires faster cure times.
Q: How long does epoxy resin take to cure?
A: Cure times vary depending on the product, room temperature, and project thickness. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.
Q: What can you put inside epoxy resin?
A: Popular resin inclusions include glitter, mica powders, alcohol inks, dried flowers, gold leaf, seashells, charms, crystals, photos, and other decorative embellishments that are compatible with epoxy resin. Be sure that the items you’re using do not contain moisture.
Q: Is epoxy resin difficult to learn?
A: Not at all. With quality materials, careful measuring, patience, and a little practice, most beginners quickly learn the basics and begin creating beautiful, professional-looking projects.
