2. Pressed Flower Resin Bookmarks
Bookmarks are a wonderful small project that makes a heartfelt handmade gift. They use very little resin, cure quickly, and showcase the natural beauty of pressed flowers or leaves in a clear, glassy finish.
Materials: bookmark silicone molds, two-part resin, real pressed flowers or thin leaves, tweezers, a toothpick, mixing supplies, and clear protective gloves.
Steps: Start with a thin base layer of resin in the mold and let it cure until tacky, usually around 90 minutes depending on your resin brand. Arrange your pressed botanicals on top of that tacky layer using tweezers, then pour a second clear layer of resin to cover everything fully. Use a toothpick to pop any air bubbles clinging to the flowers and to gently reposition anything that floats.
Time and difficulty: Plan on about 30 minutes of active work and 24 hours for full curing. This project is a tiny bit more delicate than coasters because the flowers can shift, but it’s still very manageable for someone just starting out.
Helpful tip: Press your flowers between parchment paper inside a heavy book for at least one week before using them. Thin, flat flowers like pansies, violets, ferns, and small daisies work beautifully. Avoid anything too thick or fuzzy, as it can trap bubbles and discolor over time.
Budget-friendly swap: If you don’t have access to real flowers, use thin washi tape, dried herbs, or small printed images sealed between resin layers.