How to Make Resin Jewelry with Botanicals: Tutorial

UV resin is frequently used by jewelry makers because it is easy to use for small projects and it cures quickly. I made a quick pendant project using a pressed, dried leaf and I love how it turned out. Here’s how I made it. Follow along to make your own resin jewelry with botanicals!

Which Resin Should You Use?

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UV Resin [affiliate link] is a smart choice for small projects like this one because it is available in small bottles, and it cures quickly.

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Two-part epoxy resin is typically used for larger batches because it requires mixing and has longer curing times.

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Casting resin is best for using with larger, deep molds

Always be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions!

Supplies for resin jewelry making — Supplies for making resin jewelry

You Will Need These Supplies:

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Dried, pressed flowers and leaves

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Bezel frame pendants

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Silicone mat or other work surface covering

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UV resin

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Wooden craft stick

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Small scissors

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Resin tape (or heavy packing tape)

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UV lamp [affilate link] or sunlight

Resin Jewelry with Botanicals Tutorial

Now it’s time to get creative!

Get Ready to Pour Resin

Use a silicone mat or cover your work surface. Work in a well-ventilated area.

Trim the botanicals to fit inside the bezel you want to use.

Experiment with different flower/leaf placements inside the bezel.

Place the empty bezel on the sticky side of the tape. Press it down firmly so all edges of the bezel are flush against the tape.

Resin jewelry curing under a UV lamp — Curing a resin project under a UV lamp

Pour Resin into the Bezel

Add a thin layer of resin into the bezel. Cure for a minute under a UV lamp or in sunlight.

Arrange the botanicals inside the bezel. Use a wooden tool if necessary to gently nudge them into place.

Add another layer of resin and cure for three minutes.

Continue adding resin and curing the layer, repeating until the bezel is full.

A resin botanical pendant — Katie’s finished resin pendant with a pressed, dried leaf

Tips and Troubleshooting

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Work slowly and methodically to avoid creating bubbles. Some bubbles can be removed by waving a heat gun slowly near the surface of the resin.

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If the resin overflows, you can break off the extra resin once it’s cured. Use wet sandpaper to remove any excess.

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If the resin surface is still tacky, place your pendant in sunlight for a few minutes to complete the curing process.

Related Video: Resin Jewelry Making Tips

Use your new resin pendant as the focal point for your next jewelry making project!

Try Your Own Resin Jewelry Experiments