I have been seeing Geode Resin Art advertised on my social media for quite some time, and I am so mesmerized watching the artist creation videos (almost like kids with slime videos). However, the kits I saw advertised had bad reviews or shipping was going to take 6+ weeks. I finally just did the research myself and ordered what I needed from amazon, and I had everything by the next day.
If you don’t know me well I thrive on being busy 24/7. Relaxing is really not part of my vocabulary (I’m working on it). Anyways, these past few months I have come up with quite the list of things to do while stuck at home. Texas cases are soaring and flu season is coming up quickly. I am fully embracing the fact that this may be my way of life for awhile, and I’ve come to accept it.
So, if you are sitting on the couch wondering how you are going to spend another minute in the house, this quarantining series will be for you. Today we are starting with a Geode Resin Art DIY.
RESIN ART
For starters I am NOT an artist. I enjoy the occasional crafting day but that’s the extent of my knowledge. I am by no means an expert on this (I’ve done it just a handful of times) so I’m just going over the basics and what I have learned so far. First off, I recommend watching a few video tutorials on youtube or pinterest before you start to get the idea. I spent around $150 for all of my supplies and have plenty of stuff for multiple projects. I’ll link all of the products I have personally used. If you aren’t tech savvy, all of the bolded words in this post are links to the products. Just tap on the bolded word.
SUPPLIES
RESIN: This is your base. It will come with two bottles: a resin and a hardener that you mix together. You must make sure that you accurately measure the resin + hardener and follow the instructions correctly so that it cures properly. This is why highly recommend disposable mixing cups with measurements on the side. Also, rinsing cups out with resin in them is NOT ideal and using things you can throw away is ideal. If you are wanting to make larger projects or make multiple items I recommend the larger bottles of resin linked here.
SILICONE MOLDS: This is what you use to make the shape you want, and there are so many different options. I used this geode coaster mold and this serving tray. I actually have already ordered more including a three tiered tray. If you cant find what you want on amazon, try Etsy. They have some very unique options.
MICA POWDER: This is what I used to color the resin and they have a beautiful sparkly sheen to them. Absolutely love them. You can also use paint, but I haven’t personally tried that. The Mica powder was super easy to use and mix together with the resin.
TOOLS: Pipettes, popsicle sticks, toothpicks: These all work great for manipulating the resin. You will want to throw all of this stuff away at the end because this stuff is STICKY. However, my resin actually came with a few of each of these so I would check and see before you order all of this.
GLOVES: make sure to wear gloves. Its almost impossible to get the stickiness off of your hands if you don’t. I didn’t link them because they are way overpriced on Amazon right now. You can get them at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart etc. for much cheaper.
Here’s a list of all the supplies you need that you can screenshot.
EXTRAS
These are things you don’t necessarily need but are great accessories depending on what you want to make.
CRYSTALS: these can be used to give the actual geode effect giving things a three dimensional feel. I actually made my own from dollar store glass vase filler I had around the house. Here’s the link for the diy.
GOLD MARKER: this can be used to add a rim to the outside of the coaster to give it more of a geode like effect. I ordered rose gold and gold.
FOIL STICKER FLAKES: these look beautiful added to the centers for extra detail if you don’t want to use crystals.
HEAT GUN: bubbles can ruin the look of your resin. I actually didn’t have a huge problem with bubbles forming. Just make sure to stir your resin slowly to decrease the amount of air introduced into it. I also let my projects dry outside in the heat which seemed to make the bubbles rise to the top. I have also seen people use their blow dryer as well.
RESIN GEODE TRAY AND COASTERS STEPS
STEP 1: PREPARATION
I laid down wax paper on my dining room table. Resin is sticky and hard to clean. Make sure you wear gloves. Don’t try to clean anything you use with water. Water and resin don’t mix and it will make a huge mess. I let my “messes” dry and then it was easy to peel off.
Decide what color scheme you want to use. If you need some inspiration I’m attaching a few photos throughout but pinterest has SO MANY cool ideas. I have a few on my board linked here.
STEP 2: PREPARE THE RESIN
Mix your resin and hardener together based on the instructions. Accuracy is important here and why I recommend the disposable measuring cups. Make sure to mix for the recommended amount of time and to scrape the edges.
Now, add your mica powder colors to the different cups. Make sure to mix one cup with just clear resin if you are wanting to make the geode with the crystals.
STEP 3: POUR YOUR MOLD
Start from the outside and pour your various colors in your mold. Im attaching a video below. Be creative here. It doesn’t have to be perfect and as the colors settle they will blend together. You do not need to fill the mold to the top at this point.
Finally, once you get to the center this is where you want to pour your clear resin. Then place your crystals in the clear portion so that light will be able to shine through once finished. Here’s a video for a visual.
STEP 4: WAIT PATIENTLY
Allow this first layer to cure overnight. Don’t touch it.
STEP 5: ADD DETAILS
This is where I added the rose gold detail in the center and used glitter glue for a little extra. Be creative. You can add whatever you want here. Allow this to dry for about an hour or so.
STEP 6: FINAL POUR
Mix more of your resin and hardener to add to the top of the tray or coasters. You want to fill it to the top of the mold, but be careful not to let it spill over. If it does, don’t panic and just let it dry that way. If you are wanting to add handles to the serving tray place them in the wet resin so it can dry into the mold and you won’t have to attach them later. If you do this step in the morning it may be ready by evening. If not, wait until the next day.
STEP 7: DEMOULDING
After drying, remove your resin art from the silicone mold. I used an electric nail file I had around the house that worked amazing at smoothing everything out. You could also use sandpaper, nail file, etc,…or just be more careful when pouring than I am.
STEP 8: FINAL DETAILS
The final step is to outline the edges with your paint marker. You don’t have to do this, but I loved the way it pulled everything together.
Overall, resin art was a perfect stress relief activity that I enjoyed it so much. I was very pleased with my results and have so many ideas of other things I want to make. It may even become a hobby. Let me know if you decide to do this and send me pictures of your creations. I would love to see them.
If you’re a pro or have any advice feel free to message me. I love learning new tips and tricks.
