What to Put Inside Resin – Creative Ideas for Beginners
Not sure what to put inside resin? That's one of the most exciting parts of resin art — you can turn simple everyday things into beautiful, glossy creations. From flowers to photos, there are endless possibilities waiting to be explored.
Why Adding Items Inside Resin is Popular
Adding objects inside resin makes your creations unique and personalized, visually attractive, and perfect for gifting or selling. This is why resin jewellery, keychains, and custom gifts are so popular and in such high demand.
1. Dried Flowers and Leaves (Most Popular Choice)
Dried flowers are one of the most beautiful things to use in resin. Ideas include rose petals in pendants, leaves in coasters, and floral keychains. They give a natural, aesthetic look that customers love.
Always use completely dried flowers. Fresh or damp flowers will cause bubbles and cloudiness inside the resin.
2. Photos and Paper Cutouts
Perfect for personalized gifts. Ideas include photo keychains, name tags, and memory frames. Great for birthdays, anniversaries, and couple gifts.
Always seal paper or photos before embedding. This prevents air bubbles from forming around the edges.
3. Glitter and Pigments
Adds shine and colour to your resin art. Types include fine glitter, chunky glitter, and metallic powders. Makes your designs vibrant and eye-catching.
Use glitter in small quantities for the best clarity. Too much glitter can make resin look cloudy rather than sparkling.
4. Beads, Stones and Decorative Items
Adds texture and depth to your designs. Ideas include shells for a beach theme, stones for a natural look, and mini charms. Great for creative storytelling designs that tell a visual story.
5. Small Objects and Miniatures
Fun and unique designs using tiny toys, letters, and symbols. These are very popular for kids and cute-themed products.
6. Natural Elements
Use everyday natural materials creatively. Ideas include coffee beans, sand, and seeds. Adds originality and a unique character to your resin art that cannot be replicated exactly.
7. Colours and Swirls for Abstract Art
You do not always need physical objects — colours alone can create magic. Effects include marble designs, galaxy art, and ocean themes. Perfect for modern resin wall art and abstract pieces.
What NOT to Put Inside Resin
Wet or fresh flowers, water or any liquids, food items that can decay, and soft plastics that may melt should never be used inside resin. Always use dry, solid, and clean materials for best results.
Pro Tips for Better Results
- Use small amounts of items — less is more
- Place items carefully and avoid overcrowding the mould
- Remove any bubbles before curing
- Use layers for better placement and visual depth
Pour a thin base layer first and let it partially cure for 3–5 hours until slightly sticky, then place your items and pour the final layer on top. This holds items perfectly in place and stops them floating.
Beginner Project Ideas
If you are just starting, try these simple and popular projects:
- Flower pendant with dried rose petals
- Name keychain with personalised text
- Glitter earrings in your favourite colour
- Mini photo frame with a special memory
- Dried flowers are the most popular and beautiful inclusion in resin art
- Always seal paper or photos before embedding to avoid bubbles
- Never use wet flowers, liquids, or food items inside resin
- Use glitter sparingly for clarity — too much makes resin cloudy
- Pour a base layer first, let it partially cure, then place items for perfect positioning
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put fresh flowers in resin?
No, always use dried flowers. Fresh flowers contain moisture that causes bubbles and cloudiness inside the resin.
Can I put paper inside resin?
Yes, but seal it first with a thin layer of resin or Mod Podge to prevent air bubbles forming around the edges.
Can I mix multiple items together in one piece?
Yes, but avoid overcrowding. Too many items in one pour can make the design look busy and affect clarity.
Can I experiment with new items not listed here?
Absolutely — resin art is all about creativity. Just make sure any item you use is completely dry, solid, and clean before embedding.
How do I stop items from floating to the top?
Pour a thin base layer first and let it partially cure (3–5 hours until slightly sticky), then place your items and pour the final layer on top. This holds items perfectly in place.