It all began one boring Sunday afternoon during a lockdown when I came across a “DIY Resin Kit: on Instagram out of boredom and a chance Amazon ad.
It appeared to be simple enough. In the video, the girl was grinning as she added some flowers on a tray, poured a shimmering blue liquid over it, and ten seconds later. A wonderful shiny item.
“Perhaps I could pull that off,” I thought. Spoiler alert: The outcome wasn’t exactly what the video showed.
My initial attempt was a stunning failure. Gloves were not worn by me. I used the kitchen’s paper cups. I stirred too quickly. The mould overflowed, the resin was bubbling, and some way, glitter got into my hair, my floor, and even my drink.
The funny part is that I wasn’t angry.
It was strangely healing to see the resin swirl and settle. Despite all the flaws, I was captivated. The uncertainty, gloss, and “what if” of each pour appealed to me for some reason.
The Joy of Creating something from Nothing
Resin art differs from painting or sketching, where control is crucial. You have to give yourself over to possibilities, anarchy, and fluidity when working with resin. My escape was that capitulation. It felt like playing with stardust to mix pigments into resin after a demanding week of deadlines and computer screens.
Lessons I Learned along the way
Perfection Is not necessary
Sometimes mistakes produced the best outcomes. I came to accept odd shapes, colour bleed, and drips.
It is true that patience is a virtue
I ruined three projects just because I couldn’t wait 24 hours to touch them.
Less is More
First I planned to include everything: gold leaf, glitter, pigments, and flowers.
However, I discovered that self-control is also an art
Safety is a necessity
I bought gloves, a mask, and ventilation after my third headache. I promise it’s worthwhile
Why Resin Became More Than a Hobby
It was merely enjoyable at first. Then, however, people began to inquire, “Did you make this? A tray was requested by my friend. My cousin asked for personalized coasters for the wedding. I even made an internet sale of a set.
My weekend project became something more all of a sudden. Something I could expand upon. Something that made people happy.
Above all, it made me feel at peace. Resin provided me with focus, fluidity, and a hint of magic in a world full of stress and noise.
A few Favorite Projects
Ocean Tray
Created using shells and leftover beach sand that I gathered five years ago. It reminds me of leisurely sunsets and is on my coffee table.
Keychains With flowers
I made souvenirs out of the dried flowers from my mother’s birthday bouquet. When I gave her one, she started crying
Resin Bookmark
Each one is a glass-sealed expression of feeling rather than merely art.
Final Thoughts
Try resin art if you’re too worried about being flawless, too stressed out, or too scared to “fail” at something artistic.
It won’t be flawless. It will be disorganized. But you might rediscover your spark in the middle of the magic and mingling.
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