17 Unique Things To Put In Resin
Here’s a list of unique things to put in resin. If you’re looking for unusual things to put in resin and UV resin, I’ve made a fun list to help spark some ideas.
There are so many cool things to put in resin like dried flowers, tiny charms, and little treasures that make each piece one of a kind. I’ve added a mix of cute things to put in resin and some unexpected resin stuff that’s perfect for crafters who love trying something new.
I’ve been working with resin for a long time, and one of my favorite parts is choosing what to add inside. Sometimes I use keepsakes I’ve saved.
And another time I helped someone make a memory piece from a dog tag from their beloved pet. It’s those little touches that turn resin into amazing things.
As a note, before using any of these ideas make sure you do a test piece first so that you do not waste or ruin your big project. Some of these items might need to be sealed first.
Unique Things To Put In Resin
1. Book Pages
Book pages or favorite quotes look so sweet inside resin pieces. Just be sure to seal the paper with something like Mod Podge before pouring, or the resin might cause it to blur. You can tuck them into keychains, pendants, or even larger trays for a personal touch.
Check your local thrift stores, in my city there is a book shop that has stacks of books for free as a last chance before they go to the recycle center.
See this guide on how to seal paper for resin.
2. Faux Moss In Resin
Faux moss is such a cozy little addition to your resin scenes. It works great in woodland trays, fairy garden coasters, or even to tuck around tiny mushrooms. Since it’s not real, you don’t have to worry about sealing or preserving it. Just make sure it’s dry and press it in gently before pouring.
3. Real Coffee Beans
Real coffee beans look amazing in resin, especially for coasters or trays in a cozy kitchen theme. They keep their shape and give off that warm café look. You can even pair them with a cinnamon stick or two for extra.
4. Antique Watch Gears
Antique watch gears add a really unique look to resin pieces, especially if you’re going for something vintage or steampunk. They work great in keychains, pendants, or even paperweights. Try arranging a few with clear resin so all the little details show through. Some of these are very small so they are good if you are looking for tiny things to put in resin.
5. Sea shells For Deep Pours
Seashells are one of those things that always look pretty in resin. You can use tiny ones for jewelry or save your bigger beach finds for trays or deep pours. Make sure they’re clean and completely dry before you add them in. They pair nicely with sand, sea glass, or even a little holographic powder for that ocean feel.
6. Butterfly Wings In Resin
Butterfly wings in resin can look so delicate and magical. If you’re using real wings, make sure they’re ethically sourced and fully dried before sealing them. They work beautifully in pendants or bookmarks, and you can pair them with dried flowers for epoxy or shimmer to really bring them to life. I’ve seen some makers make jewelry pendants and they look amazing.
7. Laser Cut Wood Shapes
Laser cut wood shapes can be used in all kinds of sizes and they are things to embed in resin that can be painted, glittered or used plain.
8. Broken Vintage China
Broken vintage china is one of those hidden treasures that looks stunning in resin. You can use the floral pieces in trays, jewelry, or even in larger projects like tabletops. Just seal the back if it’s porous, and make sure the edges aren’t too sharp. It’s such a special way to repurpose something for your resin crafting crafts.
9. Pet Ashes
Pet ashes can be added to resin to create something really meaningful. People make keychains, pendants, and even small decorative pieces to keep close. If you’re thinking of making one, Etsy has a lot of memorial resin ideas that can help inspire you. Always handle the ashes gently and seal them well before adding them in.
10. Glow In The Dark Powder
Right up there with my favorite things to put in epoxy resin. Glow in the dark powder is one of the most fun things to add to resin. It works great for keychains, coasters, and even night lights. You can mix just a little into clear resin or layer it under transparent colors. I have a helpful article about some of the best glow powders for resin.
11. Alcohol Inks
Alcohol inks are a favorite when it comes to resin. You can drip them into clear resin and watch the colors swirl and bloom into dreamy patterns. Some artists even use them to create petri dish effects. Try experimenting on a small piece first because every pour turns out different.
Here’s an article about using alcohol inks in resin for more brand ideas. And I also have a list of the best liquid resin dyes to use.
12. Resin Pigment Paste
Resin pigment paste gives your resin deep, rich color that doesn’t fade or look streaky. A little goes a long way, and the creamy texture mixes in so easily.
If you’re not sure how to use it, I’ve put together a helpful blog post and tutorial to walk you through it step by step. It’s one of my favorite ways to get bold color in my resin projects. How to use resin pigment paste.
13. Fireglass
This is one of the best resin filler ideas. Fireglass is one of those unique add ins I keep going back to. I’ve used it a ton for different resin projects, and it always catches the light in the prettiest way. It comes in all kinds of colors too, so it’s easy to match whatever look you’re going for. Great for trays, geode style pieces, or anything that needs a little sparkle.
14. Lace Ribbon
Pressed lace or crochet pieces look beautiful in resin, especially when you’re going for a soft or vintage style. Just make sure to seal them with a clear drying glue or Mod Podge first, so the resin doesn’t soak in and darken the fabric. They work well in trays, coasters, or wall art.
15. Polymer Clay Embeds
Another popular resin add ins. Polymer clay embeds are such a fun way to add tiny details to resin. I like to add little flowers, fruit slices, or even mini mushrooms and tuck them into molds before I pour the resin. This shop on Etsy has a ton to choose from. You can make your own or buy them pre made, which is a huge time saver when you’re doing a batch of projects.
16. Large Polymer Clay Things
Handmade polymer clay creations are a fun way to add something special to resin. You can make larger pieces, like mushrooms, leaves, or tiny animals, and use them in trays, coasters, or even resin tables. Just shape the clay, bake it, and it’s ready to embed.
17. Gold Leaf For Resin
Gold leaf is one of my favorite things to add to resin. It gives everything a soft shimmer that catches the light in such a pretty way. I usually tear it into small pieces and gently swirl it in, or put it on top an add another coat of resin. This is one of those supplies I always like to keep nearby.
I hope this gave you a few new ideas for things in resin. From tiny shells to glittery charms, there are endless cute things to put in resin that can make your projects really stand out. Feel free to share this list of resin decorating ideas with your crafty friends!
