Epoxy resin is a fantastic material for crafting, offering versatility and a remarkable range of possibilities. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a complete beginner, epoxy resin is an accessible and rewarding medium to work with.
But if you're new to epoxy, you may not know where to start. What's a good first project? Below, we've listed ten creative epoxy resin projects perfect for those just starting out.
#1. Custom Coasters
Coasters are one of the easiest and most popular projects for epoxy beginners.
How to Make Them:
- Use silicone molds in your desired shapes (e.g., circles, squares, hexagons).
- Add alcohol inks, mica powders, or glitter to UltraClear Art & Craft Epoxy for a personalized design.
- Let the resin cure fully before demolding.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Small, manageable size.
- Minimal materials needed.
- A chance to experiment with colors and patterns.
We've written a step-by-step guide to making resin coasters, which you can see here.
#2. Decorative Keychains
Keychains make for fun, functional, and personalized gifts.
How to Make Them:
- Pour UltraClear Art & Craft Epoxy into small silicone molds.
- Embed charms, dried flowers, or tiny trinkets.
- Attach a keyring using small metal findings once cured.
Tips:
- Work in thin layers to avoid bubbles.
- Experiment with layering embedded objects.
Check out our beginner-friendly guide for more information!
#3. Jewelry Pieces
Create stunning earrings, pendants, or bracelets with epoxy resin.
How to Make Them:
- Use UltraClear Art & Craft Top Epoxy with small jewelry molds.
- Add pigments, glitter, or inclusions like tiny shells or beads.
- Attach jewelry findings after curing.
Why It’s Fun:
- Compact and quick to make.
- Highly customizable for unique designs.
Learn more with our in-depth guide to resin jewelry, located here.
#4. Resin Bookmarks
Make lightweight and colorful bookmarks as gifts or for personal use.
How to Make Them:
- Pour UltraClear Art & Craft Epoxy into long, narrow silicone molds.
- Add pigments, glitter, or dried flowers.
- Attach a tassel or ribbon to complete the design.
Why It’s Easy:
- Simple design process.
- Minimal materials required.
For a detailed guide, check out our article on resin bookmarks.
#5. Serving Trays
Add an artistic touch to functional serving trays.
How to Make Them:
- Coat a wooden or metal tray with a layer of UltraClear Bar & Table Top Epoxy.
- Use alcohol inks or epoxy colorants to create swirling patterns or a beach-inspired design.
- Seal the edges with painter’s tape to prevent leaks during curing.
Pro Tip:
- Sand and seal the tray’s surface before applying epoxy for better adhesion.
#6. Photo Frames
Create personalized photo frames with embedded memories.
How to Make Them:
- Pour UltraClear Art & Craft Epoxy into a frame mold.
- Add photos, pressed flowers, or handwritten notes.
- Ensure objects are sealed with a clear layer of resin to protect them.
What Makes It Special:
- Combines sentimental value with a unique design.
For advice on embedding objects, read our guide to embedding.
#7. Resin Paperweights
Paperweights are simple and functional while allowing for creative flair. You can customize them in many different ways through the use of colorants and embedments, and by shaping their form.
How to Make Them:
- Use UltraClear Deep Pour Epoxy for thicker molds.
- Embed objects like stones, coins, or dried flowers.
- Sand and polish the cured piece for a glasslike finish.
Why It’s Beginner-Friendly:
- Straightforward process with room for experimentation.
#8. Personalized Wall Art
Create custom art pieces for your home or as gifts. This can be as simple as coating a painting with a clear layer of epoxy or something more involved such as using small batches of pigmented epoxy to create a colorful work with a sense of depth.
How to Make It:
- Pour UltraClear Art & Craft Epoxy over a wooden or canvas panel.
- Use pigments and a heat gun to create dynamic swirls or abstract patterns.
- Add glitter or metallic leaf for extra texture.
Pro Tip:
- Use painter’s tape to protect the edges and achieve clean lines.
#9. River-Style Cutting Boards or Serving Trays
Bring the river table aesthetic to smaller kitchen items.
How to Make It:
- While mixing a batch of UltraClear Deep Pour Epoxy, add epoxy colorants to customize the appearance of the epoxy vein (e.g., blue resin dyes to mimic flowing water).
- Use UltraClear Deep Pour Epoxy to fill a carved-out groove in a wooden cutting board. You can also create a tray using two separate pieces of wood and have a vein that runs the full depth and length of the tray.
- Sand and seal the entire board for a smooth finish.
Pro Tip:
- Use a food-safe epoxy like any of our UltraClear Epoxies for any surface that will contact food.
Learn how to make these right the first time with our guide to epoxy river serving trays.
#10. Epoxy Magnets
Create decorative magnets for refrigerators or noticeboards.
How to Make Them:
- Pour UltraClear Art & Craft Epoxy into small molds. You can color the epoxy first as desired.
- Add fun designs, glitter, or tiny photos.
- Attach a magnet to the back after curing.
Why It’s a Great Starter Project:
- Quick and low-cost.
- Easy to customize for any theme or occasion. These can also make nice personalized gifts.
A Great Place to Begin and Return to
These beginner-friendly projects are a great way to start your epoxy crafting journey. With high-quality products like UltraClear Bar & Table Top Epoxy and UltraClear Deep Pour Epoxy, you can achieve professional results even as a novice. Whether you’re making coasters, jewelry, or wall art, epoxy resin is a splendid medium for creative expression. Have fun experimenting and discovering your unique style!
Have questions? Want advice? Contact us!
If you have any questions about epoxy resin, or if you'd like assistance in planning an epoxy project, please reach out to us at UltraClear Epoxy—our epoxy experts are ready to assist!
You can contact us via phone or email here. During business hours, you can also text chat online with one of our resin specialists by clicking the Help button at the bottom of your screen.
In our online store, you'll find a variety of useful tools and supplies, ideal for resin projects, plus our award-winning UltraClear Bar & Table Top Epoxy and our UltraClear Deep Pour Epoxy.
