For many resin artists, coaster sets are a favorite project. There are so many fun ways to create them. Today Sandra Lett Trumpfheller of Sandra Lett Art is showing us how to create resin flower coasters that are a dream to make!
In the video below, Sandra delves into the captivating world of crafting resin flower coasters using Dispersion Colors, mica powder, and a sprinkle of glitter. She shows us how these simple materials can be transformed into stunning pieces of art!
How to Make Resin Flower Coasters
The molds that Sandra chose for her flower coasters is one of our geode molds. The varied outline of the geode lends to the flower look of these coasters.
To add depth and vibrancy to your resin flower coasters, enter Dispersion Colors and mica powder! These magical pigments allow you to play with hues, creating intricate patterns and gradients that mimic the beauty of real flowers.
With a gentle swirl and a touch of creativity, watch as colors blend and dance in the resin, transforming your coasters into miniature works of art.
We have listed the exact supplies that Sandra used for her coasters. So if you love her gorgeous shades, you'll be able to replicate them.
But you can also use any combination of colors that you want! Grab your favorite Dispersion Colors, micas, and glitters and see what kinds of beautiful you can create!
Tips for Success
In the video below, Sandra shares all her tips and tricks for making these flower coasters a success. Here are some of the things she teaches us...
Start with Clean Molds
The first thing Sandra mentions is to make sure your molds are free of debris.
Right before you start making your coasters, use a piece of tape (packing, painters...whatever you have) and use the sticky side to remove any debris that may have settled in your molds.
Even the cleanest of crafters gets a random piece of glitter or dust. And we don't want it messing up our fabulous designs.
Work on a Level Surface
When making coasters, having a level work surface is very important. If the table we are working on tilts, so will the epoxy in our molds. Our resin does an amazing job at self leveling. But it needs a level surface to do it properly.
The easiest way to check your work surface is to use a level. So if you have one on hand, give your table a quick check.
If you don't have a level, you can set a pencil on the table and see if it rolls. If the pencil rolls, you need to adjust the side it rolled towards.
Prevent Bubbles
As resin artists, our arch nemesis is bubbles. When we mix the resin, micro bubbles are introduced that, left untreated, can appear in our finished product. But take heart, there are several things we can do to prevent them.
Heat is one way we can get rid of bubbles. Using a heat gun or a torch is a great way to pop the bubbles that rise to the surface. Just be sure to use quick, gentle motions to prevent burning the resin or the molds.
Another way to get rid of those pesky bubbles is to spritz them with isopropyl alcohol. This, along with heat, is resin artist's best friend!
Time is another great ally! Simply allowing the resin to set and checking on it every few minutes will help you eliminate all bubbles. When you check on the resin, look for any bubbles that have risen and pop them with heat or alcohol.
Resin Flower Coasters Supply List
- Protective gloves
- Filter mask
- Measuring cups
- Mixing Sticks
- Silicone mat
- Geode Coaster Mold
- Medium Viscosity Artist Resin
- Torch
- Heat Gun
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Pearl Shimmer Mica Powder
- Bora Bora Mica Powder
- Coral Reef Glitter
- Brea Reese Alcohol Ink Purple
- Armor Art White
- Blue Sapphire Dispersion Color
- Tweezers
- Dried blue flowers for the center of your coasters
Resin Flower Coasters Instructions
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Start by mixing up a batch of Artist Resin according to the package instructions. Measure equal amounts of Parts A and B (5 oz of each for this project). 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.
- Now pour about a half ounce of combined resin into 2 separate cups, and about an ounce into a third cup. This will be for the three different colors we will be using for this project.
- In the 1 ounce cup, add a couple drops of the Blue Sapphire Dispersion Color. A little bit of this goes a long way. So start small and add a tiny bit more if you need to. Mix well to combine the color.
- Then add a bit of the Bora Bora Mica Powder to the same cup and mix well.
- In the next cup, add a bit of White Armor Art and mix well. Then add a bit of the Pearl Shimmer Mica Powder to the same cup and mix again.
- In the last cup add a little bit of the Pearl Shimmer and mix. Then add a couple drops of the Purple Alcohol Ink and mix again. Add a little of the Bora Bora and mix one more time.
Pouring your Resin Flower Coasters
- Now it's time to pour! Start by adding a layer of clear resin to each coaster mold. Then gently use a torch to pop any bubbles.
- Spritz the resin with alcohol to help pop bubbles. Then take a toothpick and go along the edge of each coaster to release any bubbles that are forming there.
- Then use tweezers to place your dried flowers at the center of each coaster.
- Now scoop a bit of the Coral Reef Glitter over the flowers. Take a toothpick and move it around a bit to even it out. Remember that when you demold your coasters, the top will be the bottom. So the flowers will be framed by the glitter.
- Pour a tiny bit of clear resin over this area and use the toothpick again.
- Next, add your darkest blue around the edges of your coaster. You can squeeze your cup to pour a thinnish line. Or you can use a piping bag for easier application.
- Then pour a circle of the lighter blue, just inside your dark blue rings.
- Now pour a ring of the white just inside the lighter blue. Then swirl the white in a circular motion around the center flower.
- Next use a heat gun to warm and move your resin. Then use a toothpick to pull lines of resin from the outside in. This will form the petals of your flower.
- Let your coasters cure for 6-8 hours before demolding. Then allow a full 24 hours of curing time before using the coasters.
The Finishing Touches
And that's how you make beautiful resin flower coasters! You can try any combinations of colorant, mica, and glitters with this method. Which gives you an infinite amount of color pallet possibilities!
A big thanks to Sandra for sharing her skills and tips with us! The coasters she made are gorgeous. And we are so excited to give them a try. If you want to see more of her art and tutorials you can find all her links here!
As you pour, mix, and create, each resin flower coaster becomes a labor of love, a testament to your passion for crafting and your appreciation for the beauty found in nature. The meditative process of crafting these coasters, with Dispersion Colors swirling, mica powder glistening, and glitter sparkling, is a celebration of creativity, artistry, and the sheer joy of making something truly unique.
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