See how to make DIY resin ornaments! The easy tutorial shows how to cast beautiful resin snowflakes and elegant resin Christmas ornaments. Included are different design techniques, tips for the best ornament molds, and ideas to display your creations.
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DIY resin ornaments
After sharing clay ornaments, pinecone ornaments, and birdseed ornaments, we welcome a new member to our collection of homemade holiday decorations: sparkly DIY resin ornaments!
I’m here with all the tips and tricks to help you cast resin ornaments like a pro, from mixing the resin to de-molding and everything in between.
Epoxy ornaments are perfect for holiday decorating and make stunning, inexpensive gifts for your friends and family.
Plus, you can customize your resin decorations in near-endless ways. I’m sharing the best techniques and showing you how to create iridescent ice crystals, marbled snowflakes, resin inlays, and so much more!
This post is sponsored by IntoResin. All opinions are my own. Thank you for continuing to support the brands who help make this site possible!
Resin ornament supplies
I know you might be thinking all those materials must be a little costly, but thanks to IntoResin you can get most of these in one spot at affordable prices. Let’s find out what we need to cast resin ornaments!
Materials
Resin ornaments are easy to make, and you only need a handful of materials. Ornament molds and resin are a must, the rest are optional.
- Resin: The key to any resin project is a high-quality resin that produces impeccable results. I used IntoResin’s Fast Cure Casting Resin. We’ll talk more about this product in a moment.
- Ornament molds: I received two sets of molds to play with: snowflake molds and Christmas molds. I’ll show you how to use each resin ornament kit.
- Mica powder (optional) is a great way to color resin. Mica produces a gorgeous shimmer effect that is just perfect for DIY resin Christmas ornaments. I recommend buying a kit, so you have different options to choose from.
- (optional) adds a little sparkle. I used regular glitter and a holographic glitter mix to create iridescent resin ornaments.
- Snow spray (optional) gives resin ornaments a frosted look.
- Fine tip markers (optional) are helpful to paint in small details.
Tools
And here’s your list of tools:
- Disposable plastic cups to mix the resin and hardener.
- Wooden stirrers for mixing.
- Toothpicks to perfect the details.
- Plastic pipettes to fill in small accents.
- Nitrile gloves protect your hands from being exposed to resin.
- Face cover to ensure you aren’t inhaling any resin fumes.
- Drop sheet: Cover your work surface with a drop sheet or old newspaper to protect it from spills and drips. Uncured resin is super sticky and hard to remove.
What is the best resin for resin ornaments?
Wondering about the best resin for ornaments? As mentioned, earlier I used the Fast Cure Casting Resin from IntoResin. Here are a few facts about the product:
- 1-to-1 ratio: The mixing ratio resin-hardener is 1:1, and the product is measured by volume.
- Easy to mix: The resin and hardener must be stirred together for 5 minutes. After combining the resin and hardener, you have approximately 20 minutes working time.
- Short cure time: The cure time is 8 to 12 hours. For comparison, other types of casting resin need to cure 24 to 48 hours.
- Almost bubble-free: After pouring, most bubbles rise to the surface and disappear. You could use a lighter or heat gun to dissolve bubbles, but I didn’t find it necessary.
- Crystal clear: As you can see in the photos, the resin cures crystal clear.
- No yellowing: A few months ago, I created resin dice with the Fast Cure Casting Resin. The dice are still in immaculate condition. No trace of yellowing in sight!
If using another resin, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Snowflake resin ornament molds
Next, let’s talk about the snowflake resin molds from IntoResin. The set consist of 5 different designs, each more beautiful than the next. The following sizes are included:
- Large 6-pointed snowflake: 4.4 in x 3.8 in / 11.2 cm x 9.8 cm
- 12-pointed ice crystal: 4.3 in x 4.3 in / 11 cm x 11 cm
- Medium 6-pointed snowflake: 3.2 in x 2.9 in / 8.3 cm x 7.4 cm
- 8-pointed snow crystal: 3.2 in x 3.2 in / 8.3 cm x 8.3 cm
- Small 6-pointed snowflake: 3.6 in x 2.7 in / 7.5 cm x 6.8 cm
The molds are made of soft, high-quality silicone. They are durable, resistant to tearing, and sturdy yet flexible enough to release the epoxy resin ornaments. They’re also easy to clean after each use.
The molds are still perfectly intact after casting 50+ plus epoxy snowflakes, and I will get many more pours out of them.
The best part is how incredibly detailed the molds are! Each shape is very intricate, and the mold produces shiny resin ornaments that look like cut glass or crystals.
Polishing isn’t necessary to achieve sparkly and smooth surfaces. Just look at the photos to see how gorgeous these resin snowflakes are.
How to assemble the snowflake molds
- The snowflake molds have little handles attached at the top. These handles can create a hole for hanging the resin decoration.
- Break one handle off and insert it into the hole you see in one corner of each snowflake ornament. Make sure it lines up with the opening below (inside the mold.)
- Leave the other handle attached to the mold as a replacement in case you ever lose the first.
How to make resin ornaments
How do you make resin ornaments? It’s easy to do, and the hands-on time is only 20 minutes. Let’s break it down step by step!
Step 1: Prep
- Ensure your work area is clean and free of dust. Cover your work area with a drop sheet or old newspaper.
- Gather all supplies and materials and assemble the snowflake molds
- Put on nitrile gloves and a mouth cover.
Step 2: Mix the resin
- The Fast Cure Casting Resin is 1-to-1 part by volume. So, mark 2 disposable plastic cups with measurements lines. You need approximately 1/4 cup of each resin and hardener to cast all 5 molds.
- Measure out equal amounts of both resin and hardener into the cups.
- Pour the hardener into the resin.
- Using a wooden stirrer, mix for 5 minutes. Stir thoroughly until you see no more streaks between the resin and hardener and the mixture looks clear.
Step 3: Color the resin (optional)
- If making colored resin ornaments, stir the colorant into the resin until well dispersed throughout.
Step 4: Fill the mold
- Slowly pour the resin into the ornament mold until half full.
- Carefully pick up the mold and gently sway to distribute the resin to every corner.
- Set down again and fill up with resin. Be sure to bring the resin all the way up to the edges of the mold.
- Run the tip of a toothpick along the edges inside the mold to remove air bubbles and ensure the resin reaches everywhere.
Step 5: Cure
- Let the resin cure, undisturbed and at room temperature.
- The curing time for the Fast Cure Casting resin from IntoResin is 8 to 12 hours. The curing process can take 24 to 48 hours if using another brand.
Step 6: De-mold
- After the resin is fully cured, unmold the ornaments. Use a toothpick to loosen up the mold and then pull the mold away from the ornament.
Tips to avoid air bubbles
The edges and points of the ice crystal resin molds are covered in silicone, and this is where air bubbles can get trapped. Here are my top tips for avoiding bubbles and creating perfect resin ornaments every time:
- Test: If you’ve never worked with resin before, do a test pour before committing to a whole batch to familiarize yourself with the molds.
- Go slow: Pour the resin slowly into the mold. That way, air has a chance to escape. If you pour too fast, air bubbles get trapped in the corners of the mold.
- Add resin gradually: Add a little and sway the mold to disperse the resin into each corner. Then fill the mold to the rim.
- Toothpick: Run a toothpick inside the mold and be sure to get into each point.
- Needle: Pock the mold with a needle to release the most stubborn bubbles. Some bubbles get trapped in the corners and won’t come out. Using a needle creates an escape for the air bubbles and doesn’t harm your resin mold.
Resin snowflake variations
What I love so much about crafting with resin is that you can create various styles by adding and swapping a few extra ingredients. Check out the ideas below!
Clear crystal
Resin and snowflakes are made for each other! The material is perfect to create spectacular snowflake ornaments.
My favorites are these clear snowflakes that contain no color or glitter. They look like precious cut crystals, incredibly clear and shiny. Add a drop of alcohol ink as coloring if desired.
The transparent resin ornaments also attest to the quality of IntoResin’s Fast Cure Casting Resin. They have almost zero bubbles and are completely transparent, and I think the photos speak for themselves.
Mica marble
Next up are two-toned mica marble resin ornaments. Mica consists of tiny particles that create a luxurious shimmer and reflect light beautifully.
I opted for white mica and different shades of blue because these hues go so well with the icy theme. Of course, you can choose any color combination you like.
Follow these steps:
- Mix the resin and hardener as indicated.
- Divide the liquid equally between to plastic cups.
- Add white mica to one portion and blue mica to the other.
- Mix until the powder is fully dissolved and you no longer see any lumps.
- Pour both colors into the mold at the same time.
- Use a toothpick to swirl the colors together.
- Let cure.
Iridescent glitter
For a sparkly iridescent effect, use clear resin without any colorant and add holographic glitter. Here is what to do:
- First, pour the mold 1/3 with resin and sway the mold to cover each surface inside.
- Then sprinkle holographic glitter into the mold and fill it up with resin.
- Use a toothpick to gently push the glitter particles into each point of the snowflake mold.
- Add a final glitter sprinkle and cure.
Frosted snow
My last technique requires snow spray to create a soft, frosted texture. A touch of white glitter adds a subtle sparkle. I used clear resin ornaments, but white snowflake ornaments would probably look even better. Do this:
- Unmold your resin ornaments and arrange them on a flat surface lined with paper or a drop sheet.
- Shake the snow spray. Holding the spray can 10 in / 25 cm above the work surface, frost the ornaments with a light coat of snow.
- Optionally sprinkle with white glitter.
- Allow drying for 20 to 30 minutes.
Resin Christmas ornament molds
In addition to the snowflake molds, IntoResin send me a set of their cheerful Christmas resin molds. This kit contains the following 6 designs:
- Bell ornament with reindeer: 3.2 in x 3.8 in / 8.1 cm x 9.7 cm
- Christmas tree ornament: 3.4 in 3.7 in / 8.6 cm x 9.4 cm
- Bell ornament with Christmas tree: 3.2 in x 3.8 in / 8.1 cm x 9.7 cm
- Bauble ornament with snowflake: 2.55 in x 3.14 in / 6.5 cm x 8 cm
- Gift tag ornament: 2.16 in x 2.75 in / 5.5 cm x 7 cm
- Snowflake ornament: 3.14 in x 3.14 in / 8 cm x 8 cm
Like the ice crystals molds, these resin holiday molds are made of flexible silicone, appear durable, and are very easy to use.
How to make resin Christmas ornaments
The steps for making resin Christmas ornaments are identical to the resin snowflakes. A specialty of the molds is that they have festive shapes imprinted, which allows you to pour resin inlays.
For the best effect, work with contrasting colors such as gold + white or red + white. Follow these instructions:
- Cast the resin ornaments as described above. Let cure overnight.
- De-mold the decorations and lay on a flat surface.
- Prepare a small amount of resin and tint with a color that contrasts well with the color of the ornament.
- Using a plastic pipette, pick up liquid resin and carefully pipe it into the imprint.
- Add resin until the shape is filled. Wipe away spills with a paper towel.
- Let the resin inlay cure for several hours.
Tips
I found that the inlay technique works best for the bauble ornament (snowflake) and the holiday bells (reindeer, Christmas tree).
The lettering on the gift tag and Christmas tree is too fine for this method, and you will have better success using an ink marker.
Design ideas
I tried a few different designs to illustrate how versatile these molds are. First, I created white ornaments (some gold marbled) and added a gold inlay. These white and gold ornaments look incredibly elegant and festive.
Next, I cast ruby red ornaments with white inlays. I colored my resin with dark red and white mica. Red and white is a classic holiday color combo and looks super cozy.
I also made two-toned snowflakes by piping gold resin into the outer parts of the snowflake mold and filling up the center with white resin.
How to use holiday resin ornaments
How do you use epoxy ornaments? These resin holiday ornaments are super versatile, and you have soooo many possibilities!
Decorate your home, give them as handmade gifts, or use them in other craft projects. Not sure where to start? Have a look at these ideas:
- Tree ornaments: Resin Santa ornaments make gorgeous tree ornaments. For a cohesive look, tint the ornaments in a color that matches the rest of your holiday decor.
- Gift wrapping: Epoxy ornaments are a lovely accessory for gift wrapping. For a personalized, touch pair them with a pretty bow and gift tag.
- Window decor: Shiny resin decorations also make beautiful window decor. They look magnificent when sunlight breaks through! Thread the snowflakes on fishing line and secure them to the window frame with a thumbtack.
- Jewelry: The smaller ice crystals are lovely pendants for a necklace.
- Key chain: Another idea is to make resin key chains by affixing a snowflake ornament to a key chain holder.
- Craft supply: These DIY holiday ornaments can be incorporated into craft projects, for example, a DIY winter wreath.
FAQ
Are resin ornaments breakable?
No, resin ornaments are pretty sturdy and won’t break if one accidentally falls down. You would have to smash them really hard on the floor to break them.
How can I personalize resin Christmas ornaments?
To make resin personalized Christmas ornaments, use permanent marker to write the recipient’s name or a cute holiday message on your epoxy ornaments.
My resin doesn’t cure hard and stays soft. What did I do wrong?
You probably got the resin-to-hardener ratio wrong and added too little hardener.
Resin Ornament Instructions
See how to make DIY resin ornaments! The easy tutorial shows how to cast beautiful resin snowflakes and elegant resin Christmas ornaments. Included are different design techniques, tips for the best ornament molds, and ideas to display your creations.
Materials
- Fast Cure Casting Resin
- snowflake molds
- Christmas molds
- mica powder (optional, I used white and dark blue)
- holographic glitter (optional, I used the silver glitter)
- snow spray (optional)
- white glitter (optional)
- fine tip marker (optional)
Tools
- disposable plastic cups
- wooden stirrers
- toothpicks
- plastic pipettes
- nitrile gloves
- face cover
- drop sheet or old newspaper
Instructions
- Prep. Ensure your work area is clean and free of dust. Cover your work area with a drop sheet or old newspaper. Gather all supplies and materials and assemble the snowflake molds. Put on nitrile gloves and a mouth cover.
- Mix the resin. The Fast Cure Casting Resin is 1-to-1 part by volume. So, mark 2 disposable plastic cups with measurements lines. You need approximately 1/4 cup of each resin and hardener to cast all 5 molds. Measure out equal amounts of both resin and hardener into the cups. Pour the hardener into the resin. Using a wooden stirrer, mix for 5 minutes. Stir thoroughly until you see no more streaks between the resin and hardener and the mixture looks clear.
- Color the resin (optional). If making colored resin ornaments, stir the colorant into the resin until well dispersed throughout.
- Fill the mold. Slowly pour the resin into the ornament mold until half full. Carefully pick up the mold and gently sway to distribute the resin to every corner. Set down again and fill up with resin. Be sure to bring the resin all the way up to the edges of the mold. Run the tip of a toothpick along the edges inside the mold to remove air bubbles and ensure the resin reaches everywhere.
- Cure. Let the resin cure, undisturbed and at room temperature. The curing time for the Fast Cure Casting resin from IntoResin is 8 to 12 hours. The curing process can take 24 to 48 hours if using another brand.
- De-mold. After the resin is fully cured, unmold the ornaments. Use a toothpick to loosen up the mold and then pull the mold away from the ornament.
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Becky
Friday 30th of December 2022
My snowflake molds didn't come with the handles attached. What can I do to keep the hole open so I don't have to drill the ornaments?
Cyna | Country Hill Cottage
Friday 30th of December 2022
Hi Becky! Do your molds still have the little holes to put the handles? If so, maybe you could fit a piece of a toothpick or skewer into the hole.
Kerrie Austin
Wednesday 26th of October 2022
I tried these molds using Amazing resin and it doesn’t mater what I do I always get bubble! Any suggestions?
Cyna | Country Hill Cottage
Friday 28th of October 2022
Hi Kerrie! Every resin works a little differently. I haven't used Amazing Resin before, so I can't say if it bubbles more than other resins.
After you've poured the resin into the mold, blow over the mold with a heat gun to pop any bubbles. Let cure for 20 to 30 minutes, then give it another blow-over.
If you notice bubbles in the corners of the snowflakes, use a toothpick or needle to push them into the opening and pop them there.
I hope this helps you out and please let me know how it goes!
Jackie Hudson
Friday 4th of February 2022
This would be a very fun craft that my Grand daughters 13, 13, 15 yr. olds & myself could make.
If we started them this spring we would have some unique Christmas Presents for several family
members & have fun making them.
looking forward for more information on Resin Ornaments & other projects regarding resin.
Thank You
Cyna | Country Hill Cottage
Saturday 5th of February 2022
Thank you, Jackie! That is a really sweet idea. Have fun crafting these ornaments with your granddaughters!