Adding natural elements like dried flowers, leaves, herbs, and even shells to resin coasters can transform them into elegant, organic pieces of functional art. These materials bring warmth, texture, and a sense of nature to your creations—making each piece unique and visually striking.
While working with resin opens up endless creative possibilities, incorporating organic materials requires a few extra considerations to ensure the final result is both beautiful and durable. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to successfully embed natural elements into your resin coasters.
Choosing the Right Natural Materials
Not all natural elements behave the same way in resin. Fresh plants or untreated organic matter may contain moisture that can react poorly with resin, causing cloudiness, bubbles, or even mold over time. That’s why it’s essential to choose dry, clean, and properly preserved materials.
Dried Flowers and Leaves: These are among the most popular additions. Pressed flowers and flat leaves work best because they lay evenly in the mold and reduce the risk of bubbles forming underneath.
Herbs and Spices: Rosemary sprigs, lavender buds, and cinnamon sticks are commonly used for their texture and earthy tones. Just make sure they’re completely dry.
Shells and Stones: Small, lightweight shells and pebbles can be incorporated for a coastal or natural mineral aesthetic. Clean them thoroughly and avoid items with rough or sharp edges that may pierce the mold.
Wood Pieces: Thin slices of bark, wood shavings, or even tiny branches can add rustic character. Ensure that any wood is fully dried and sealed if necessary to prevent discoloration.
Prepping Your Materials
Even dried flowers and leaves need some prep work before embedding in resin. If you’re pressing flowers at home, let them dry completely between parchment sheets under heavy books or in a flower press. This typically takes one to two weeks.
You can also purchase pre-pressed flowers and leaves from craft suppliers. If you’re working with shells or stones, clean them with warm water and mild soap, then let them dry completely for at least 24 hours.
Some natural items, like flowers with delicate petals, may benefit from a light coat of sealant (such as a spray fixative or clear-drying glue) to help preserve their color and prevent air bubbles.
Layering and Placement in Resin
Resin is poured in stages to give you more control over how your natural materials appear in the final piece. Start with a thin base layer of resin and allow it to set partially. This creates a smooth surface and helps suspend the items evenly in the next pour.
Once the base is slightly tacky, you can carefully place your dried elements using tweezers. Be gentle, and take your time to arrange them just as you want—resin magnifies every detail, so placement matters.
After your items are positioned, pour a second layer of resin slowly over them. Pouring too quickly can cause air bubbles or dislodge delicate materials. Use a heat gun or torch to remove any surface bubbles after pouring.
Curing and Finishing Touches
Let the resin cure fully according to the product instructions. This usually takes between 24 and 72 hours. Once cured, demold your coasters and inspect the edges. If needed, sand any rough spots using fine-grit sandpaper.
You can also add a clear topcoat of resin for extra shine and protection, especially if any part of your embedded materials are exposed or protruding from the surface.
Color Preservation Tips
One challenge when embedding natural elements is color fading over time. Sunlight and UV exposure can cause organic materials to yellow or dull. To combat this, use UV-resistant resin and keep finished pieces away from direct sunlight. Sealing your materials before embedding also helps preserve their original hues.
Creative Ideas to Explore
- Combine flowers and glitter for a soft, romantic look.
- Use seasonal leaves for coasters that reflect autumn or spring.
- Mix dried citrus slices and herbs for a kitchen-themed design.
- Pair shells with a beach sand background for coastal-inspired decor.