Resin and pressed flowers are one of the most magical combinations in the craft world. When done properly, resin suspends petals in a crystal-clear, glass-like surface, preserving their colour and shape for years. From coasters to jewelry, phone grips to bookmarks, resin art offers endless creative possibilities — and the results are stunning.

If you've been wanting to try resin crafts using real flowers, this guide will take you through everything: supplies, techniques, safety, troubleshooting, pricing, and craft-market tips. I’ll also share where to source materials and how to choose the right flowers. And if you prefer not to do your own pressing, I offer locally grown pressed flowers from my farm near Toronto that are perfect for resin work.

Let’s dive in.

Why Resin Crafts Work So Well With Pressed Flowers

Resin magnifies colour and detail, making petals look like tiny stained-glass windows. The clarity enhances every vein, curve, and shade — which is why choosing the right flowers is crucial.

Pressed flowers work better than fresh flowers because:

• They won’t release moisture inside the resin

• They won’t turn brown or rot

• They stay flat, reducing bubbles

• They’re lightweight and easy to embed

The result: a durable, glossy, artistic piece that holds nature’s beauty forever.

What You Can Make With Pressed Flowers and Resin

Some popular (and profitable) project ideas:

• Coasters

• Trinket trays

• Bookmarks

• Earrings and pendants

• Keychains

• Phone grips

• Paperweights

• Decorative magnets

• Resin art panels

• Letter keycaps

If you’re selling at craft markets, resin + pressed flowers is one of the most reliable categories for customer interest. People love botanical pieces that are functional and artistic.

Supplies You’ll Need (With Approximate Pricing)

Below is a detailed breakdown of essential and optional materials.

1. Pressed Flowers

The flowers must be fully dried and pressed to avoid moisture issues. Flat, thin varieties work best.

Great options:

• Larkspur

• Queen Anne’s lace

• Cosmos

• Daisy petals

• Hydrangea

• Violas and pansies

• Small ferns and fronds

If you don’t want to do your own pressing, I offer locally grown, naturally dried and pressed flowers from Ontario, sorted specifically for resin crafters (thin, flat, minimal browning).

Cost: $10–$18 per assortment depending on size

2. Epoxy Resin or UV Resin

Epoxy Resin

Best for large projects (coasters, trays, paperweights).

• Mix ratio is usually 1:1

• Slow curing (12–48 hours)

• Excellent clarity

Price: $25–$45 per kit
Where to buy: Michaels, Amazon Canada, specialty resin shops

UV Resin

Best for small projects (jewelry, keychains).

• Cures in seconds under a UV lamp

• Great for quick layering

• Slightly more expensive per ounce

Price: $12–$20
UV lamp: $20–$40

3. Resin Molds

Silicone molds produce the best finish and easy release.

Popular molds:

• Coaster molds ($8–$18)

• Bookmark molds ($6–$10)

• Earring molds ($8–$15)

• Tray molds ($12–$25)

Shop: Amazon, Etsy, resin suppliers, Michaels

4. Safety Gear

Do NOT skip this step — resin fumes can be harmful.

• Nitrile gloves ($8–$12)

• Respirator mask rated for organic vapours ($35–$60)

• Protective apron ($10–$20)

• Well-ventilated workspace

5. Tools & Accessories

• Mixing cups ($5–$10)

• Stir sticks ($3–$6)

• Silicone mat ($10–$15)

• Tweezers

• Heat gun or butane torch ($15–$30)

• Toothpicks

• Wax paper

Optional extras:

• Gold leaf flakes

• Metallic foil

• Shimmer powders

• Decorative charms

Where to Buy Resin Supplies in Toronto & Online

Local Stores

• Michaels — resin kits, molds, glitter, basic tools

• DeSerres — artist-grade supplies and silicone molds

• Above Ground Art Supplies — unique tools and pigments

• Dollarama — mixing tools, craft mats, disposable cups

Online

• Amazon Canada — huge selection of molds and resin types

• Etsy — unique molds, botanical embellishments

• Specialty resin shops like ArtResin or Crystalac

And for floral materials, you can shop my Ontario-grown pressed flower packs, which are curated specifically for resin clarity and colour retention.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Pressed Flower Resin Crafts

This method works for any mold-based resin craft.

Step 1: Prepare Your Flowers

Use:

• Fully dried

• Completely pressed

• Thin, flat petals and foliage

If flowers are still soft, bendy, or thick, moisture will get trapped and cause browning or bubbling in the resin.

Tip:
If your petals are fragile, store them between parchment sheets until you’re ready to use them.

Step 2: Mix Your Resin

1. Measure equal parts resin and hardener (most epoxies are 1:1).

2. Pour into a mixing cup.

3. Stir slowly for 3–5 minutes.

4. Ensure no streaks remain.

Stir gently — vigorous mixing adds bubbles.

Let the resin sit for 1–2 minutes to release some air naturally.

Step 3: Pour a Thin Base Layer

Before adding flowers, pour a very thin base layer of resin into your mold (just enough to coat the bottom).

Why?

• It prevents flowers from touching the bottom of the mold and creating texture marks

• It helps position flowers more easily

• It reduces bubble formation around petals

Let this layer sit for 5–10 minutes.

Step 4: Place Your Pressed Flowers

Use tweezers to gently place flowers onto the partially set resin.

Tips:

• Flowers will float, so don’t expect them to stay in place — you’ll layer resin on top later

• Keep petals spaced out for clarity

• Use small flowers or individual petals for intricate designs

If you need more flowers, I sell curated pressed flower sets sized for resin pieces, so you don’t need to trim or press your own.

Step 5: Add the Second Layer of Resin

Slowly pour resin over the flowers until they are fully covered.

Pour close to the surface to reduce bubbles.

Use a toothpick to guide resin around petals.

Step 6: Remove Bubbles

Use a heat gun or small torch lightly over the surface to pop air bubbles.

Do NOT overheat — it can scorch flowers.

Step 7: Let the Resin Cure

For epoxy:

• Cover to protect from dust

• Cure for 12–48 hours depending on the brand

For UV resin:

• Cure under the lamp for 1–3 minutes per layer

• Flip and cure the backside too

Once cured, your piece should be crystal clear and firm.

Step 8: De-Mold and Finish

Gently flex the silicone mold until the resin piece releases.

Optional finishing touches:

• Sand edges

• Add findings for jewelry

• Coat with a thin resin topcoat for extra gloss

• Apply gold foil accents

Troubleshooting Resin + Flowers (Advanced Tips)

Flowers Turning Brown

Cause: Moisture inside the petals.

Fix:

• Only use fully dried, well-pressed flowers

• Air-dry flowers longer or use silica for quicker drying

• My pressed flower packs are dried slowly to retain colour

Bubbles Around Petals

Cause: Air trapped beneath flowers.

Fix:

• Seal petals with a super thin layer of resin before embedding

• Add them onto a tacky (partially cured) base layer

Resin Staying Sticky

Cause: Incorrect mixing ratio or cold room.

Fix:

• Mix thoroughly

• Work in a warmer space (22–25°C)

Flowers Floating Upwards

Fix:

• Pour resin in thin layers

• Use a toothpick to anchor petals

• Let the first layer cure partially before adding flowers

Cost Breakdown (Per Piece)

Varies based on project type:

Coasters

• Resin: ~$2.50 each

• Flowers: $0.75–$2

• Mold cost spread: ~$0.40
  Total: ~$3.50–$5 each

Jewelry

• Resin: $0.10–$0.60

• Flowers: $0.10–$0.30

• Hardware: $0.20
  Total: ~$0.50–$1.10 per piece

Bookmarks

• Resin: ~$0.50

• Flowers: $0.30–$0.60
  Total: ~$0.80–$1.10

If selling, typical market pricing is 3–5× supply cost.

Where to Get Pressed Flowers for Resin Crafts

If pressing your own flowers feels overwhelming — or you want consistent quality for selling at markets — I sell locally grown, hand-pressed flowers from my Ontario farm, carefully selected for resin clarity, thinness, and long-term colour retention.

Each pack is:

• Dye-free

• Naturally grown

• Sorted by size for molds

• Ready to use immediately

You can browse seasonal colours or assorted packs depending on your project style.

Final Thoughts

Creating pressed flower resin crafts is one of the most rewarding ways to blend nature and art. With the right tools and a bit of practice, you can produce pieces that look professionally made — whether for personal enjoyment, gifts, or craft markets.

If you want help sourcing flowers, you can explore my Ontario-grown pressed flower assortments, curated specifically for resin clarity. And if you'd like, I can also create tutorials for specific resin projects (like coasters, trays, jewelry, or bookmarks).