DIY Resin Crafting Projects: A Beginner's Guide to Making Clear Resin Jewelry, Paperweights, Coasters, and Other Keepsakes

by Teodora Petkova

Keep memories made by nature!

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction

104 pages, Paperback

Published March 16, 2021

About the author

I am a philologist fascinated by the metamorphoses of text on the Web. Curious about the ways the Semantic Web unfolds, I explore how content writing is changing, changing us and the way we think, write and live.

With an educational background is in Classical Studies and Creative Writing, I am inclined (at times dangerously) to dig deep into words and concepts and ...code.

You will find me blogging here: http://www.teodorapetkova.com

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

DIY Resin Crafting Projects is a beautifully presented and put-together book of resin craft projects with step-by-step instructions and beautiful photographs.
The book starts with an introduction to Crafting using resin and includes some fantastic tips and tricks along the way, too. The author/artist opts more towards Crafting with resin using flowers as her theme, but don't let this put you off if your not a fan of flowers or floral as there is still so much to learn and will give you great ideas too. I really want to try and make some resi crafts at some point soon and this gave me some great ideas, tips and information to get started.

[Kristie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts with a nice description of the different types of resin as well as how and when to use each type. This is followed by a useful glossary. I like this format. You do not need to flip to the back of the book when you don’t understand something; the terminology is given to you ahead of time.

I like that prepping for resin is included, such as how to dry and use flowers. You aren’t dropped into a project without knowing how to prepare your items ahead of time.

The book includes very understandable directions with a lot of pictures to aid understanding and prod creativity. There are also plenty of tips and troubleshooting suggestions. There are many different projects to try. Some you will need to buy molds for. I love that you can modify some of the projects to make similar items.

I thought resin looked interesting, but this book made me really want to try my hand at it. If you have any interest in trying out resin to create a variety of projects definitely give this book a read.

This is a book that I could see myself purchasing to keep on hand with my crafting items.

Thank you to NetGalley and Fox Chapel Publishing for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to using resin, with clear photos of every step. The author has a very definite style, using flowers in the resin and, at first, I did think this would be a bit limiting. However, the projects turned out to be quite varied and I can see how they could be adapted to my own ideas. Not sure about the dead bugs though! Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this arc.

[Jennyfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gorgeous book all about resin crafting. The author's preference is for embedding dried flowers in resin, but even if flowers aren't your thing, this book is filled with loads of useful tips, tricks and technical details to get you crafting anything in resin.

The first half is filled with a detailed explanation of the different types of resin, tools used, and crafting techniques. The second half is all about projects to make, from jewellery to homewares, to keep or gift. The steps are detailed and easy to follow, and accompanied by lovely photographs.

~Many thanks to Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~

[LittleRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love jewelry and crafts that have flowers and other items imbedded in them and want to learn how to make them yourself, this book is for you! If you’ve made resin crafts before, you may not be as invested, but you’ll still like the projects and the pictures that are included and maybe pick up a trick or two. Definitely a work of love and art.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy from NetGalley and this is my freely given opinion.

I love crafting books and do a variety of different crafts myself. Dabbling in resin is one of them - I have made a variety of small projects with resin, including jewelry pieces, coasters, magnets, and a house sign. I have worked with UV cure resin, different types of 2 part resin, and resin clay. So I was very interested in this book.

I am hoping that, as this is a preview copy, that the issues at the beginning of the book will be fixed. The first 3-4% of the book appears to have pictures that likely are examples of some of the projects inside. But in the copy I have, they are all blurry white squares, with XXXXXs where I presume there are titles or reference numbers. Annoying to say the least.

From the 5% point onward, the pictures are quite clear.

I liked the information provided about different types of resin, and the equipment needed. One thing I wish was included was that there was mention of the use of gloves and all it said was you do not want to get resin on your skin. I do wish a bit more detail about the cautions of that were put in as resin can cause severe skin problems, especially repeat exposures. Also, the risk of inhaling dust or fumes when working with resin, heating resin, or sanding resin was not really addressed, so I wish there was a bit more on safety.

Also, this crafting book focused mostly on working with resin and botanicals or organics such as insects. This is great if that is what you want. One issue I had with working with some botanicals is that they can capture a lot of bubbles and there were some tips on how to address that in this book which I found helpful, and I liked the step by step pictures provided on the projects and things like finishing.

I loved some of the projects; that cast resin LOVE sign using wedding bouquet botanicals is a wonderful idea for a wedding keepsake! I quite like the wood pendent with the floral arrangement and may give that a try myself, and love the collage photo idea too.

But do keep in mind that the focus seems to be on the use of botanicals/organics. I would have liked to have seen more about using things like inks/paint and other additives since I have had hit/misses with uses of stamped images, printed images, etc with resin. For example -mica powder and glass glitter, or iridescent paints look gorgeous under resin, but things like faceted gems and sequins looks their dimensionality under resin. Some coloured papers bleed with resin and Sharpies too as well. But I seemed to have good luck with acrylic paints, and archival inks. Tissue paper just about disappears in resin, which has a neat effect also. Some glues or the thickness of glues seem to interfere with how some resin cures. Regardless, the projects were lovely and I am inspired to do a bit more with resin and botanicals - when the weather warms up enough to work with resin. Cold causes bubbling and cloudiness with resin too.

4 stars out of 5.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

DIY Resin Crafting Projects is an instruction guide with tutorials to resin crafting for beginners by Teodora Petkova. Due out 26th Apr 2022 from Fox Chapel, it's 104 pages and will be available in paperback format.

This is more than just a collection of pretty resin casting tutorials. The author spends a fair bit of of the intro showing how to choose and use resin along with the tools, supplies, and techniques for getting the best finishes. The tutorials (18 by my count) include decor items, jewelry, ornaments, keychains, and more. All of the items are really professional looking and beautiful. There are many which appealed to me, and I could imagine myself making.

Each of the tutorials includes tools and supplies in a highlighted text box, a pic of the finished project, and step by step tutorial photos with instructions. The detailed process photos are clear and easy to follow. Almost all of them take a very small amount of materials and would be great for a family weekend project (with an adult or responsible older kid to help). The author has included a one page index along with a list of supplies links suitable for materials sourcing.

There's so much good information here. The tutorials are upbeat and fun and the finished products are just beautiful. Definitely a good selection for the crafter's home library as well as for maker's groups and crafting studios when we're allowed to assemble together again.

Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this review and more on my blog, uncovered-books.

I received a free copy of DIY Resin Crafting Projects from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

You know those pretty epoxy decorations that are really pretty decorations that a lot of people have taken up recently, well if they intrigue you then this book will guide you on how to make your own.

While on the surface making these projects seems almost easy, it is a lot more involved and a lot more components than it appears. Every component that is require is broken down, and the alternatives are explained very well.

After the instructional section of how to actually create these resins, the rest of the book has projects. While they are labeled as project, they appear to me more as inspiration. Unless you are a fan of very floral based projects, then none of these projects will appeal to you. Hopefully though, even if floral is not your cup-of-tea, the projects do inspire you for how to go about your style.

If you are already interest in resin craft, then this book would be a great book to guide you in your journey; but I do not believe that it will convince the average person to give it a go.

[Jonann loves book talk❤♥️❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making resin necklaces, earrings, keychains, and hair clips is the current new rage in craft projects!


"DIY Resin Crafting Projects" by Theodora Pergola is a comprehensive book for learning to make resin gifts and unique items to sell at craft shows. Theodora Petvoka has years of experience and markets her own creations on Etsy.com. The book has basic step-by-step instructions on the materials, tools, and endless array of molds one can get to make these beautiful treasures using simple techniques. Best of all is a section on adding flowers, butterflies, seashells, feathers, and personal pictures to the resin in order to preserve life-long memories. The author provides pictures and instructions for eighteen stand out project to get the reader started.

Thank you NetGalley and Fox Chapel Publishing for providing this gorgeous e-book book in exchange for my honest review. DIY Resin Crafting Projects will be published July 6, 2022.

I marked my calendar to order my own personal copy of this book. I can't wait to get started on this new craft adventure!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Resin crafting is a perfect way to preserve meaningful artifacts like floral pieces from a wedding, bouquet, flowers from grandma's garden, a found feather or butterfly wing: etc.
DIY Resin Crafting Projects is a great place to start for beginners interested in starting out with resin. The author does a great job of explaining different types of resin, tools required, and the process involved. There are a variety of projects presented from coasters to jewelry and my personal favorite: rocks. This author focuses on epoxy resin for the projects presented in the book.
One thing that didn't sit well with me is that I found it lacking in safety information as burning bubbles out of resin produces harmful vapors and crafters should be encouraged to consider a vapor respirator.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Fox Chapel Publishing for the opportunity to preview this ARC and leave an authentic review.
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[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been wanting to try resin crafting for sometime. I’ve seen kits and supplies in stores and it looks so easy. After reading this book I’m not sure it so easy. That is not a criticism of the book instead it just shows how thorough the author’s instructions are for the projects. I really thought you pour the liquid resin in the mold, throw some dried flowers or glitter in and when it dries you have a nice piece of jewelry. This book provides clear detailed instructions that will result in quality items. I don’t think I would get the same results with my method. So, if you really want to do this right and not look like a 5 yr old did an arts & crafts project this is the book you need. Thank you to Net Galley for a opportunity to preview this book.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

DIY Resin Crafting Projects -A Beginner's Guide to Making Clear Resin Jewelry, Paperweights, Coasters, and Other Keepsakes is an excellent book for anyone who is interested is making items using resin.
The author has done a wonderful job of explaining the entire process.
The wording is easy to follow, and the step-by-step directions are great. The photos to go with the directions are very helpful for a beginner.
I appreciated the author giving me suggestions on the products she uses. I have never done a resin craft but after reading this I feel like I can give it a try and have success. I am going to preorder this book for myself as well as some of my crafting friends.
Thank you NetGalley, Teodora Petvoka and Fox Chapel Publishing for the ARC. This is my personal review.

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an electronic copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for honest feedback. Thank you to the author, photographers, publisher, and NetGalley!

Another fantastic instructional book! This time, it's for resin crafting, which I do a lot of in my small business.

There are projects in this book that I would never have though to do, like a resin wall hanging! It also walks you through the best ways to dry flowers to preserve them, which is something I've been searching for a good tutorial on for quite some time!

This book also gives you supply recommendations for each project, as well as TONS of education on the different types of resin and how to choose the correct type.

This is a great book to read if you want to do any kind of preservation with resin!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

For some reason I've been afraid to try resin projects. I had managed to convince myself that a) the resin would somehow kill me, b) too much math involved in getting the ratio right, c) I'd ruin my one project I really wanted to get just right. This book soothed my fears by making resin crafting seem doable and far less complicated, and yes....not likely to kill me or any innocent bystanders. I will stop trying to learn about this craft on the internet where there is far too much information and will simply stick to this one resource. I will still avoid math at all costs, but no longer suffer from "resin ratio" anxiety. Thank you #netgalley and #TeodoraPetvoka for this wonderful tutorial on #DIYResinCraftingProjects.

[Carey’s Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars! Great book to read if you want to get into resin crafting. This is a complete guide to everything you need to know when getting into resin. Definitely a recommended read for all beginners. This book walks you through the material’s you’ll need, what you need to know, techniques for working with resin, sanding and polishing resin and troubleshooting help. Also includes a couple of additional reading resources and resin crafting projects that the author than walks you through, step by step. Perfect for beginners of resin crafts!
*I received this book at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will help anyone-whether a beginner or beyond. It is full of instructions and examples of how to incorporate various items into beautiful objects. The instructions for using resin is spot on. I know from experience that you must follow them exactly so that the final project comes out perfectly. Then the author showcases using resin on cutting boards and a few other projects that I had never considered trying but am certainly planning on it now.
This is one book that will not sit idly on my bookshelves but rather be prominent on my craft table!

I received a free copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Leyla Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been interested in working in resin for some time, but always thought it was difficult and the equipment hard to source. No so, it seems, with the very clear information and beautiful step by step photographs, the resin articles become doable. There are beautiful bangles , earrings, key chains and paper weights made in various shapes which hero some lovely flowers, enhanced photos and add a feature to home ware..
The hardest thing to do is decide what to add to the resin for the piece one want to make
Really good fun and make lovely gifts, I have made some lovely paper weights for Christmas.

[Flora · Rating 4 out of 5]

The resin craft projects in this book - 18 of them altogether - are so pretty! I have admired the look of colorful dried flowers in resin in all sorts of shapes such as coasters, earrings and paperweights for a while.

This guide is a great resource for beginners interested in picking up the skill. The basic information and detailed step-by-step instructions accompanied by clear and well-taken photographs are more than adequate.The author, Ms Teodora Petkova, is an experienced resin crafter who started experimenting with the medium more than 10 years ago. She opened her Etsy shop selling jewellery not long after.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve seen craft segments on TV for resin projects and I wanted to try them but didn’t know where to start.

This is an excellent book for someone with no experience. It gives very good description of tools and processes. There’s a nice variety of projects from signs, coasters, hair clips, jewelry, trinket box, keychains, ring dish, cutting board, napkin rings, picture frame, rocks, wall art, holiday ornament, and a paperweight.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book for the beginning crafter or resin artist, nature artist, or even for someone with a bit of experience who wants to better understand the techniques and processes.
I enjoyed learning about the different types of resins, the many varieties of projects for which it can be used, and appreciated the different projects included. A great jumping off point for an artist's imagination!

[Lyndi (mibookobsession) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've seen ideas for this on Pinterest and YouTube but this book gives detailed and creative ideas and directions. Descriptions of different types of resin, tips for working with the resin for the best results, this book is great. I'm really excited now to start a project of my own.
I received a complimentary advance reader copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

[Sue Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an e-ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review. This book brought back a craft that I'd loved as a young teen years ago; bringing it up to a modern art. If you are looking for a new craft, something to do with your children or grandchildren, this book is exactly what you are looking for. Give it a try, it's a fun craft!

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is really interesting and now that I am retired I am looking at things to do. This explained in a no nonsense way how to do projects and it has given me the confidence to go and but products ready to start.

I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own

[Witch-at-Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic book on resin crafts. There is a huge variety of craft projects with very good quality instructions and pictures. I was very impressed with how much information is packed into this book. I found several things I intend to try. I can't wait to get started. I highly recommend this book.

[Arlene Arredondo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting projects, beautiful pictures and great ideas.
This is a really well assembled collection of projects with easy to follow thecnics, and step by step guide.
Great to start a new hobby.

Note: I received an Arc for review purposes and an honest and unbiased opinion.

[The Hobbyist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC copy in return for an honest review.
So informative and detailed in the instructions! Fun beginner projects included. A variety of projects to let your imagination soar!

[Laura Slabach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never tried at make resin projects before but after reading this book I feel confident that this is something I could try. The pictures were easy to follow as were the step by step instructions. I can't wait to try this out!

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect introduction into resin craft.

The differences between the various resins are explained. There are detailed explanations and pictures for how to set up the resin, how to dry flowers and, each project also comes with a list of materials and tools.

[luckykarmatx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book to start if you’re a complete beginner. There’s enough information to get you started selecting the correct type of resin and has helpful suggestions for dealing with common issues a beginner is bound to encounter.

[Mags (mbooksbycandlelight) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty good book. Short and simple, but with all the information necessary so you can star making resin crafts. It has a ton of project suggestions and they all look simple enough for a beginner to follow. If this is something that interests you I really recommend this book.

I received an eArc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.