6. Decorative Resin Trays
A handmade resin tray instantly elevates a coffee table, vanity, or entryway. The project is essentially a larger version of coaster making, so once you’ve mastered coasters, moving up to a tray feels like a natural next step.
Materials: a silicone tray mold, two-part resin, pigments or alcohol inks, mixing supplies, and optional additions like gold leaf, dried flowers, or decorative papers.
Steps: If you’d like a base design, glue a piece of decorative paper, fabric, or pressed botanicals to the bottom of the mold using a small amount of resin as adhesive. Once that layer is tacky, pour clear or tinted resin over the top to seal it in. Alternatively, pour tinted resin directly and swirl colors together for an abstract effect. Let it cure fully before demolding.
Time and difficulty: Active time is about 30 minutes, with 24 to 48 hours of curing. The larger volume of resin means slightly more working time, but the technique mirrors coaster making.
Display suggestion: Style your finished tray on a coffee table with a small candle, a stack of coasters, and a few decorative objects. On a vanity, use it to corral perfume bottles, rings, and everyday jewelry.
Helpful tip: Use a tray mold with raised edges and built-in handles for a polished final piece. Some crafters add wooden handles purchased separately from a hardware store, attached after the resin has fully cured.