Make your own custom floral resin charms using pressed flowers from your own garden or a special bouquet to preserve forever. This easy DIY tutorial walks you through every step.
I first saw resin flower jewelry at Target about a year ago and was instantly enchanted by them. They are so dainty and pretty. Like tiny gardens preserved in glass.
As someone who grows a big backyard garden full of flowers and plants, I knew that I had to try making some of those pendants for myself.
I loved the idea of preserving special blooms and bits from my own garden. Maybe the first fern frond of spring, sweet alyssum to remind me of the time it ran wild along the pathway, or all those four-leaf clovers that seem to find me when I least expect it.
You can see some of the cut flowers I love to grow in this post.
These charms can then be turned into:
- necklaces
- bracelets
- bookmarks
- backpack or bag charms
- napkin rings
- keychains
- zipper pulls
- phone charms
I really enjoy making DIY gifts for friends and family, so I also thought having several of these on hand would make great last minute gifts as well.
Last summer, I pressed lots of small flowers, ferns, and interesting leaves so I could make a batch of resin charms.
I’m excited to press even more flowers from this year’s garden and making another set of flower charms.
One flower I wish I’d preserved more of is feverfew. In fact, most of my favorite filler flowers from this post would look great in resin!
Let me show you how I made these.
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Materials Needed for DIY Floral Resin Charms
Here’s everything you’ll need to make DIY resin charms.
- small pressed flowers and leaves
- clear ModPodge
- small paintbrush
- UV resin and light (I used this exact kit)
- lighter (for popping bubbles)
- open bezel pendants
- resin tape
- toothpick or tweezers
- resin dye (optional)
- small, disposable mixing cup (if using dye)
- craft stick (if using dye)
- glitter, or other add-ins (optional)
This UV resin kit includes almost all these things including pressed flowers.
While two-part epoxy resins are an option, I decided to go with UV resin because it sets quickly and I’m using such small amounts, that it just makes more sense to go with the pre-mixed stuff.
I like the look of open bezels, but you can use a closed bezel, or a silicone mold made for resin jewelry if you prefer.
How to Press Flowers and Leaves
You will need pressed flowers and leaves for this project. These can be bought online or at a craft store, but it’s also really easy to press your own!
It just takes a little bit of time for the flowers to dry using this method below.
Here’s how to do it:
- Collect flowers and leaves to press. I used yarrow, feverfew, sweet alyssum, delphinium, hydrangea, and larkspur flowers, along with ferns, Japanese maple leaves, and four-leaf clovers.
- Stick the flowers and leaves between two sheets of parchment paper in a book and place a weight on top.
- Leave them for two weeks until they completely dry.
NOTE: Do not use fresh or partially dried flowers or leaves in resin. Moisture in the resin will cause the flowers to degrade over time.
How to Make Dried Flower Resin Charms
Step 1: Prep the Materials
Brush both sides of your dried flowers and leaves with clear ModPodge to seal them. This will protect delicate dried flowers and leaves from damage. You won’t be able to see the ModPodge at all once the flowers are encased in resin.
While the ModPodge dries, prep your bezel. Cut a piece of resin tape slightly larger than the bezel. Stick the tape firmly on the back of the bezel, ensuring that there is no opening for the resin to leak.
TIP: If your bezel charm has a top part that sticks out a bit, be sure to press the tape down below that top part.
Step 2: Dye the Resin (optional)
If you’re planning to dye the resin for the background, pour a small amount in a disposable cup. My UV resin kit came with these little cups, but you could use a disposable shot glass cup or an old liquid medicine dispenser.
Add a few drops of dye and stir it into the resin using a craft stick. Stir slowly to avoid getting bubbles in the liquid.
Personally, I like the look of clear resin with pressed flowers in it, but I also like how a dark background makes the white flowers pop.
Step 3: Pour the First Layer
Pour a small amount of dyed or clear resin into the bezel.
Use a toothpick or tweezers to place and arrange your sealed flowers and leaves in the resin.
Wave a lighter over the poured resin to pop any bubbles that appear. (This part is really fun, but be careful not to burn your dried flowers and leaves.)
Put the bezel under the UV light and turn the light on for about 2 minutes to cure.
Once the top of the first layer has hardened, flip the pendant over and cure the back under the UV light for another 2 minutes.
Sometimes the dye and flowers will prevent the UV light from penetrating the resin and hardening the bottom of the pendant. Doing this step ensures that the whole thing is hardened properly.
Step 4: Pour the Final Layer
Add another layer of UV resin and any other additions (glitter, gold flakes, more flowers, etc.) that you would like.
Let the resin level out (it may take a minute, or you can tip the bezel to ensure resin is evenly distributed).
Then cure it under the UV light again for 2 minutes or until fully hardened.
You can also put the charm out in direct sunlight to cure naturally.
Step 5: Remove the Tape
Once the piece has cooled, gently peel off the resin tape.
If any sticky residue remains, dab it with the sticky side of the tape to lift it off. You can also try rubbing it off with your fingers or using Goo Gone to get the residue off.
Add a jump ring and attach the pendant to a necklace or keychain to finish it off!
Tips for Success
- Use self-leveling UV resin for this project. It makes it so much easier to dome the resin on the top layer.
- Work in a well-ventilated area. Wear a mask if you have one.
- Working in small layers is key. Cure each layer completely before adding more resin.
- Get creative and add small crystals, sand, tiny shells, or whatever you want to preserve in the pendant.
These floral resin charms are a beautiful way to preserve a season, a memory, or a piece of your garden. Pressed flower charms are a great spring craft, and perfect for a seasonal reset.
Whether you’re making one as a keepsake or crafting them as gifts, I think you’ll love the outcome.
Enjoy, and happy crafting!