Resin art is all about creativity, and one of the best ways to make your pieces pop is by adding inclusions—objects you embed within the resin to create texture, color, and visual interest. With so many options, you can turn your resin projects into miniature worlds, sparkling landscapes, or even memory-filled keepsakes. Whether you’re new to resin or looking to experiment, here are some fun and unique inclusion ideas to make your resin art one-of-a-kind.
1. Dried Flowers and Botanicals
Dried flowers bring a natural, delicate beauty to resin, perfect for everything from coasters to jewelry.
- Ideas: Use pressed flowers for a flat, elegant look, or dried petals, leaves, and ferns for more depth.
- Tip: Make sure flowers are fully dried to avoid moisture, which can cause cloudiness in resin.
- Pro Tip: Add a layer of fine glitter or gold flakes around the flowers to give a magical, floating effect.
Botanicals create timeless pieces that highlight nature’s beauty in every layer.
2. Crystals and Gemstones
Crystals and gemstones bring a hint of luxury and energy to your resin creations. Their natural sparkle and colors make each piece feel special.
- Ideas: Quartz, amethyst, and citrine are popular choices for their vibrant colors and light-catching qualities.
- Tip: Layer crystals at the base of the mold or sprinkle them throughout the resin for a geode-inspired look.
- Pro Tip: Try placing crystals in coasters or trays for an eye-catching and functional art piece.
Crystals add a touch of magic and elegance, giving your resin projects a high-end feel.
3. Glitter and Metallic Flakes
For sparkle lovers, glitter and metallic flakes are a go-to choice that instantly adds glamour to resin art.
- Ideas: Mix fine or chunky glitter into the resin, or sprinkle gold, silver, or copper leaf flakes for a metallic shimmer.
- Tip: Use sparingly for a subtle sparkle, or go bold for a dramatic effect!
- Pro Tip: Try layering different types of glitter to create a multi-dimensional effect.
Glitter and metallic flakes bring the wow factor, perfect for creating statement pieces.
4. Shells, Sand, and Sea Glass
Capture the essence of the beach by adding shells, sand, and sea glass to your resin pieces. This theme is ideal for coastal decor or summer keepsakes.
- Ideas: Create beach-themed coasters, jewelry, or even wall art with tiny shells, sea glass, and a sprinkle of sand.
- Tip: Layer the sand and shells in sections for a natural “shoreline” look.
- Pro Tip: Use a few drops of blue and white alcohol ink in the resin to mimic waves and ocean foam.
These beachy inclusions make for beautiful, ocean-inspired art that brings a touch of the coast indoors.
5. Photos and Memorabilia
Resin can be used to preserve personal keepsakes, turning your art into a meaningful memory piece.
- Ideas: Embed small photos, tickets, charms, or even snippets from old letters for sentimental value.
- Tip: Seal photos or paper items with a layer of Mod Podge or clear spray to protect them from resin.
- Pro Tip: Use resin molds designed for keepsakes, like frames or shadow boxes, for a thoughtful display piece.
These inclusions add a personal touch, making resin art a special gift or keepsake.
6. Feathers
Feathers are lightweight, intricate, and bring a soft, ethereal quality to resin art.
- Ideas: Use feathers from different birds for a range of colors and patterns. Peacock feathers, for example, create a stunning effect.
- Tip: Trim feathers to fit the mold size and layer them carefully to avoid bubbles.
- Pro Tip: For extra flair, add a few small metallic flakes or glitter to enhance the feather’s natural beauty.
Feathers add a touch of whimsy and texture, perfect for ethereal, nature-inspired pieces.
7. Dried Herbs and Spices
Dried herbs and spices not only look unique but can also give your piece a rustic, earthy feel.
- Ideas: Try cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, or dried lavender for a textured, aromatic addition.
- Tip: Arrange spices in geometric patterns for a modern, stylish look.
- Pro Tip: Pair herbs and spices with dried flowers to create a rustic, farmhouse-style piece.
Herbs and spices add a cozy, textured effect that’s perfect for seasonal decor.
8. Small Toys and Miniatures
For playful, whimsical pieces, use small toys or miniatures. This approach is perfect for fun, themed projects or personalized gifts.
- Ideas: Try mini animals, cars, sea creatures or tiny figurines for custom keychains, coasters, or jewelry.
- Tip: Arrange miniatures in layers for a diorama effect.
- Pro Tip: Create a “scene” by pairing miniatures with backgrounds like sand, rocks, or glitter for a story-like feel.
Miniatures make resin art fun and imaginative, perfect for unique, novelty items.
9. Fabric and Lace
Fabric and lace add a soft, textured element that’s ideal for vintage or romantic-style resin pieces.
- Ideas: Use lace for a delicate effect or colorful fabric swatches for a bolder look.
- Tip: Seal fabric with Mod Podge to prevent fraying or absorption of the resin.
- Pro Tip: Pair lace inclusions with pearls or small gemstones for an elegant, antique feel.
Fabric and lace add a touch of sophistication, perfect for jewelry and decorative items.
10. Dried Fruit Slices
Dried fruit slices, like oranges, lemons, or even starfruit, add a pop of color and an earthy, natural vibe.
- Ideas: Create fruity coasters or decorative pieces using thinly sliced and fully dried fruit.
- Tip: Make sure the fruit is completely dried to avoid moisture, which can cloud the resin.
- Pro Tip: Add a hint of gold leaf or glitter for a modern twist on nature-inspired decor.
Dried fruit slices make resin art fresh and colorful, with a unique, organic look.
Final Thoughts
Adding inclusions to resin gives you endless creative possibilities, allowing you to transform each piece into a personal, eye-catching work of art. From glitter and crystals to pressed flowers and personal memorabilia, each inclusion brings a new layer of meaning, texture, and beauty.
So grab your resin, experiment with these ideas, and see how each inclusion adds something magical to your work. With a little imagination, your resin art can truly stand out and tell its own story!