Use resin in a project
Make a small resin keychain with embedded leaves or glitter, mixing resin safely with adult supervision, then sanding and polishing.
About this activity
Make a small resin keychain with embedded leaves or glitter, mixing resin safely with adult supervision, then sanding and polishing.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Cover your workspace with protective paper or cardboard so spills are easy to clean.
- 2
Step 2
Put on your disposable gloves and your mask to stay safe while working.
- 3
Step 3
Place the silicone keychain mold on the covered workspace and lay out your leaves or glitter nearby so they are ready.
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Step 4
Measure and pour the resin and hardener into a clean mixing cup exactly following your resin kit instructions.
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Step 5
Stir the resin mixture for 2 to 3 minutes scraping the sides and bottom until it looks clear and even.
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Step 6
Ask an adult to briefly pass a heat source or blow gently across the resin surface to pop any bubbles.
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Step 7
Pour a thin layer of resin into each mold cavity slowly so it spreads evenly.
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Step 8
Place leaves into the resin layer or sprinkle glitter on top using tweezers or a stick.
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Step 9
Pour more resin slowly to fill each cavity to the top without overflowing.
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Step 10
Cover the mold and leave it undisturbed to cure for the time the resin kit says.
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Step 11
Gently remove the cured pieces from the silicone mold once they are fully hardened.
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Step 12
Sand the edges with fine-grit sandpaper until they feel smooth and safe to touch.
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Step 13
Buff the piece with a polishing cloth or apply a thin coat of clear nail polish to make it shine.
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Step 14
Attach the jump ring and keychain ring to your piece using small pliers or ask an adult to help.
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Step 15
Share your finished keychain on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I make a small resin keychain with embedded leaves or glitter?
Set up a clean, ventilated workspace and protect surfaces. Measure resin and hardener per manufacturer, stirring slowly to avoid bubbles. Pour a thin base into a silicone keychain mold, place dried pressed leaves or glitter, then add a top layer of resin. Use a small torch or toothpick to remove bubbles. Let cure fully in a dust-free spot, demold, then sand and polish edges before attaching the key ring. Always have adult supervision for mixing and curing.
What materials and tools do I need to make a resin keychain?
You’ll need a clear epoxy resin kit (resin and hardener), silicone keychain molds, dried pressed leaves or cosmetic-grade glitter, disposable measuring cups and stirring sticks, nitrile gloves, a respirator mask and goggles, a small torch or heat gun (optional), sandpaper (400–2000 grit), polishing compound, keychain hardware, and a silicone mat or parchment paper. Also keep paper towels and a well-ventilated area; adult supervision is required for mixing and curing.
What ages is making resin keychains suitable for?
Resin work is best for ages 12 and up with direct adult supervision due to chemicals, measuring, and heat tools. Children aged 6–11 can help collect and arrange leaves, add glitter, or press items but should not handle resin mixing, torches, or sanding. Teens may take on more steps with a knowledgeable adult present. Adjust tasks to skill and maturity, and always enforce PPE and safety rules.
How can I keep kids safe while making resin keychains?
Work in a well-ventilated space, wear gloves and a respirator rated for organic vapors, and use eye protection. Measure resin precisely, stir slowly to limit bubbles, and never let children handle uncured resin or torches. Use dried, fully pressed leaves to avoid trapped moisture. Keep resin away from food and mouths, clean spills immediately, and follow manufacturer disposal. Supervise all steps and have first-aid supplies handy in case of skin contact or irritation.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
If I can't find a silicone keychain mold, disposable gloves, or a mask, what can I use instead?
If you don't have a silicone keychain mold use a flexible silicone cupcake or candy mold in place of the 'Place the silicone keychain mold on the covered workspace' step, and substitute disposable gloves and a mask with nitrile or vinyl gloves plus a respirator rated for organic vapors or work outdoors following your resin kit instructions.
My resin has lots of bubbles or won't cure properly—what should I check and do differently?
Make sure you measure and pour the resin and hardener exactly as your resin kit instructions say, stir for the full 2–3 minutes scraping the sides and bottom, then briefly pass a heat source over or gently blow across the resin surface and use a toothpick to pop stubborn bubbles before the piece begins to cure.
How can I adapt this keychain project for younger children versus older kids or teens?
For younger kids let them place leaves or sprinkle glitter into the thin first layer while an adult handles measuring, stirring, and the heat pass, and for older kids (with supervision) let them mix and pour resin and finish sanding, buffing, and attaching the jump ring with small pliers as shown.
What are simple ways to personalize or improve the finished keychain beyond the basic steps?
To personalize and enhance the shine, embed tiny charms or colored resin dye into the initial thin layer before adding leaves or glitter, add a clear topcoat pour as a finish, then buff with a polishing cloth or apply a resin-specific gloss before attaching the jump ring and keychain ring.