How to Make a Resin Sand Dollar

Hey there, ocean lovers and crafting connoisseurs! Are you ready to dive into a world of shimmering seas, sandy shores, and the enchanting allure of ocean wonders?

Today, we're setting sail on a creative journey to craft an ocean-themed resin sand dollar using Dispersion Colors, mica powder, glitter, and Armor Art for those gorgeous wave effects—a project that promises to bring the beauty of the beach into your hands.

Meg Epps of Maker Magic with Meg Epps by Lyndly Grove is bringing us a resin sand dollar tutorial that has all the beautiful beach feels!

Let's explore the depths of creativity and create a coastal masterpiece that captures the essence of the sea!

Get ready to hold your ocean-themed resin sand dollar in your hands and feel the serenity of the sea encapsulated in its delicate form. Let this coastal creation transport you to sandy beaches, salty breezes, and the soothing rhythm of the tides.

Display it as a decorative piece, gift it to a fellow ocean enthusiast, or simply treasure it as a token of your love for the maritime world—each sand dollar carries a piece of the ocean's soul within.

It's All About the Layers

When you are doing any sort of ocean art, layers are key. This pretty sand dollar is no exception.

Meg shows us how to lay our foundation of colors. And then how to slowly build on that to get the gorgeous look of the ocean.

Layering the colors and Armor Art is what gives the depth and detail that you see in the actual ocean. There is no right or wrong way to do this, it's just about adding what feels right and blending as you go!

Making Waves

Heat and White Armor Art are your must have tools for producing those fabulous waves. In the video below, Meg explains the importance of laying a base for your waves by first mixing the Armor Art in resin and using a heat gun to fan it out.

Once she has her base, she adds the Armor Art directly to the sand dollar for the defined cells and lacing that make the waves pop.

A final blast of heat from your torch, right at the end of your pour will give your wave beauty and definition!

Resin Sand Dollar Supply List

Step By Step Instructions

Start by peeling the backing off one side of your sand dollar. Then give it a base coat of Pure White Pop of Color Paint, let that dry.
While the paint is drying, mix up a batch of Artist Resin according to the package instructions. Measure equal amounts of Parts A and B.
Then pour part B into part A and mix well for 3-5 minutes. Be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of your cup as you go, as well as your mixing stick. This ensures that all of your epoxy will be well incorporated.
Pro Tip: Pour your epoxy into another cup, scraping it all out. Then mix for a few more minutes.
Set out 8 medicine cups and separate your combined resin into them, leaving a little bit of clear resin back. In one cup add a drop or two of Sky Blue Dispersion Color, in another Aquamarine Dispersion Color. To the third cup add the Sand Dispersion Color. Mix them all well to combine.
To the next cup add the All American Mica Powder. In the 5th cup add the Armor Art. Then add one of each glitter (about 4 scoops of each) to the three remaining cups. Make sure everything is incorporated well.

Pouring your Resin Sand Dollar

Set your sand dollar on two upside down cups. Starting with the All American resin, pour a bit on the top portion of the sand dollar and use a gloved finger to spread it around. Right now we are just laying out where our colors will go so this doesn't need to be perfect.
Under the All American, pour your Turquoise and spread it. Then the Sky Blue under that.
Leave a small area of white under the Sky Blue and add the Sand resin to the bottom portion of the sand dollar.
Now go back in with the more of the colors you just poured and drizzle them into place. Start at the top of the sand dollar and run your finger from left to right over the whole blue area, blending your colors as you go.
Repeat the same process again, leaving a little of your blues in the cup.
Now use your heat gun to gently move and blend your blue resins.
Next, add a tiny bit of the Blue Fusion glitter resin over the All American Blue. Continue to add color where you want and blend as you need.
Then repeat the same process with your Shiny Cerulean glitter over the Aquamarine resin area.
Next, add a few lines of the white resin where the blue meets the sand. Then pour a little bit of clear resin over this area.
Now use your heat gun to gently push your resin from below the white area. Don't point your heat gun straight at it, you are trying to fan the resin out to form the white cells for the waves.
Add another layer of white and do the same thing with the heat gun.
Next add some white into the other areas of blue and move it with the heat gun.
Now that you have a good base, go in with straight white Armor Art and add it where you want to form more cells and lacing. Use the heat gun to move it.
Go back in with more of the blues and Armor Art if you need to. Continue adding and blending until you love the way it all looks.
Finally, drizzle your gold glitter over the sand and blend it a bit. Hit your Armor Art with a final blast of heat from a torch to really get those cells and lacing. Let your sand dollar cure and it's ready to go!

The Finishing Touches

A big thanks to Meg for showing us how to make this beautiful ocean themed resin sand dollar! If you love learning from Meg like we do, you can find her on Facebook page and YouTube Channel!

Crafting an ocean-themed resin sand dollar with Dispersion Colors, mica powder, and glitter is more than just a craft project—it's a tribute to the beauty, mystery, and tranquility of the sea.

So immerse yourself in the allure of the ocean, let creativity wash over you like a wave, and create a piece of coastal art that captures the essence of seaside splendor.

May your crafting journey be as vast and beautiful as the ocean itself—where every creation tells a story of the deep blue sea and the treasures it beholds!

Pop of Color Shock Paints are sold exclusively at Counter Culture DIY. So now you have even more reasons to stop by!

You can find more awesome video tutorials like this one on our YouTube channel!

Be sure to follow us on Pinterest so you can stay on top of everything that’s new and never miss a blog post!

If you want more inspiration and information we have a Facebook group for that. Join us in Counter Culture DIY Artist Support where we, and other artists, offer ideas, answer questions, and support each other!

Do you have an art project using any of our products that you want to share? Send it to us at support@counterculturediy.com, and we can feature them here!

How to Make a Resin Sand Dollar