Epoxy Resin Pressed Flower Coasters

by Lynn Lilly, May 31 2021

I have loved making crafts with epoxy resin for years. I have been so excited to see the rise in popularity and on trend projects created with resin. Despite doing so many craft and art projects with resin, I have never found one that I loved until now! I was so thrilled to get an early preview of the new Aleene's Clear Casting and Coating Epoxy Resin. The biggest game changer is that it has low odor, there are less bubbles, and it dries crystal clear!

I have never made a pressed flower resin project but since they are becoming so popular, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to try my hand at pressed flower coasters!

Materials:

Aleene's Clear Casting and Coating Epoxy Resin
Silicone Coaster Molds
Pressed and Dried Flowers (you can do it yourself or buy ones already pressed)
Plastic Cups
Craft Sticks
Gloves
Mask
Safety Glasses
Heat Gun
Tweezers

Directions:

Before getting started, completely read the instructions and safety precautions for the Aleene's Clear Casting and Coating Epoxy Resin.
Put on gloves, safety mask and glasses. Make sure to cover your work surface. Work on a flat area where your project can stay and cure for at least 24 hours.
The epoxy resin is a 1:1 mixing ratio but you MUST follow the instructions carefully when mixing to ensure you get the optional end product. Once you start mixing you have a 25 minute work time.
Pour 1 part resin in one cup, 1 part hardener in a second cup, ensuring it is equal amounts of each.
Pour both the resin and hardener in one cup, scraping the edges of each cup with a craft stick.
Use a craft stick to mix for 3-5 minutes until all the streaks have disappeared. Once you do not see any more streaks, mix for 2 minutes.
Pour the mixture into a clean cup, scraping the edges of the cup.
Mix for an additional 1 minute.
Pour a small amount of the mix into the silicone coaster mold.
When planning the design keep in mind the bottom of the coaster is facing up. You will need to create your design upside down.
Use a tweezer to pick up the pressed flowers. Carefully dip them in the cup of resin and let the resin drip off. Place in the resin in the coaster. This step will help eliminate air bubbles.
Once you have placed all the flowers in the coaster mold slowly pour more resin into the coaster mold until it is full. If the flowers shift, use the tweezers to adjust them.
Use the heat gun on low heat and lightly glide it over the coaster to pop the air bubbles. Keep an eye on the coasters for the next 30 minutes and use the heat gun again if more bubbles pop up.
Let the coaster(s) cure for at least 24 hours before removing from the mold.