What Can You Put in Resin Molds? 20 Creative Ideas

So you've got your resin molds ready. You've mixed your resin. And now you're staring at the kitchen drawer wondering — can I put that in there?

The answer, more often than not, is yes. Resin is one of the most forgiving creative mediums out there precisely because it plays so well with other materials. Whether you're working with a flexible silicone mold for jewelry, a deep mold for a decorative centerpiece, or a plaster casting form, the right inclusion can transform a simple pour into something truly memorable.

This guide walks you through 20 tried-and-tested objects you can embed in resin, plus the practical tips you need to get clean, bubble-free results every time.

Why the Type of Mold Matters

Before diving into inclusions, it's worth understanding how your mold choice affects the end result.

Silicone molds are the gold standard for most resin casting. Because resin doesn't bond to silicone, demolding is clean and effortless — which is exactly what you want when you've spent time carefully placing inclusions. They're flexible, reusable, and come in hundreds of shapes. Browse our best-selling silicone molds to find a shape that suits your next project.

Resin molds (typically rigid polycarbonate or acrylic) are ideal when you need sharper definition and a glassy finish on both sides. They work beautifully for coasters, trays, and display pieces.

Plaster molds are used in more traditional casting contexts — decorative tiles, architectural ornaments, and sculptural work. Explore our plaster mold collection if you're interested in this style of casting.

Knowing what you're working with helps you plan your pour depth, layer timing, and how to manage heavy or buoyant inclusions.

20 Objects You Can Put in Resin Molds

1. Dried Flowers and Botanicals

Dried flowers are one of the most popular resin inclusions — and for good reason. Pressed pansies, baby's breath, lavender sprigs, and eucalyptus leaves all look stunning suspended in a clear pour.

Key tip: Fresh flowers cannot go directly into resin. The moisture content will cloud your piece and prevent proper curing. Always dry or press your flowers completely first — this can take a few days with silica gel or up to two weeks with traditional pressing.

Once dried, flowers are lightweight and may float toward the surface as resin cures. Pour a thin base layer into your mold first, let it become tacky, then place your botanicals before adding the final pour. This anchors them at your desired depth. Our scallop edge silicone tray mold or the round moon & star tray mold both work beautifully for botanical resin pieces.

2. Shells, Sand, and Sea Glass

If you love beach-themed crafts, these three materials are your best friends. Tiny shells, coarse sand, smooth pebbles, and sea glass can turn a simple silicone mold into a miniature coastal landscape.

The challenge? Weight. Shells and stones will sink to the mold bottom if dropped into liquid resin. The fix is layering: pour a base, let it firm up to a gel stage, place your heavier pieces, then top up with a final pour. This creates a beautiful dimensional effect without unwanted sinking.

3. Crystals and Gemstones

Crystal inclusions are a staple of geode art and high-end decorative pieces. Whether you use genuine amethyst clusters, rose quartz chips, or quality glass rhinestones, crystals catch light in ways that make finished pieces look expensive and intentional.

Transparent crystals may become less visible once surrounded by clear resin — colored stones tend to pop more. You can also let certain crystals protrude above the surface for a dramatic 3D effect. This technique looks especially striking in larger resin mold shapes where there's room to build layered geode compositions.

4. Glitter and Metallic Flakes

Glitter is one of the easiest inclusions to work with and one of the most effective for beginners. It adds sparkle, depth, and color without requiring any prep.

Ultra-fine glitters tend to stay suspended in the resin, creating a galaxy or shimmer effect. Chunkier glitters and holographic flakes may settle a little but still look stunning against light. Gold and silver leaf flakes create a luxurious aesthetic in large tray or decorative mold projects.

Pro tip: Mix glitter directly into your resin before pouring rather than sprinkling on top. This gives more even distribution throughout the finished piece.

5. Wood Pieces and Slices

Resin and wood have a natural affinity — they've made some of the most iconic home décor items of the past decade together. Think river tables, coasters with resin fills, serving boards, and framed slice art.

Wood can be cast into resin or have resin poured over it. When casting wood within a mold, make sure it's fully dry — moisture in the wood will cause bubbles and adhesion issues. Sealing the wood with a thin flood coat of resin first, then letting it cure before the main pour, prevents trapped air from bleeding out during casting.

6. Memorial Ashes (Pets and Loved Ones)

One of the most meaningful applications of resin casting is creating memorial pieces using the ashes of a loved one or pet. Pendants, paperweights, ornaments, and keepsake stones can all be made this way.

Because ashes are very lightweight, they move freely in liquid resin. The most reliable method is to pre-cast the ashes in a small silicone mold with a tiny amount of resin, let it cure fully, then use that solid piece as an inclusion in a larger, final pour. This gives you full control over placement and prevents the ashes from dispersing unpredictably.

This is deeply personal work. Always practice with a neutral material like fine sand before working with irreplaceable ashes.

7. Hair — Baby's First Cut, Pet Fur

Similar to ashes, locks of hair make beautiful, sentimental inclusions. Baby's first haircut, a curl from a beloved pet — these are the kinds of details that turn a resin piece into an heirloom.

Hair can protrude from the resin surface if not handled carefully. Work in layers, trimming any stray strands between pours. Hair may also appear darker or "wet-looking" once encased — this is normal and often adds to the visual interest rather than detracting from it.

8. Photographs and Printed Images

Photographs can be beautifully preserved in resin, but they require preparation. Paper absorbs resin and will become translucent or discolored if not properly sealed first.

Before placing a photo in your mold, seal both sides with a decoupage medium (like Mod Podge) and allow it to dry completely. This creates a barrier that prevents resin from soaking into the paper fibers. Laser-printed images tend to hold up better than inkjet prints.

9. Puzzle Pieces

This is a surprisingly popular one — especially for preserving a completed puzzle as wall art. The trick is to mount the puzzle on a rigid backing (like MDF cut to size) before applying resin, so the pieces don't shift.

Apply a sealer to the puzzle surface first, as resin may darken slightly where it seeps between pieces. You'll likely need multiple thin pours to fill the gaps evenly. Sand lightly between layers for the smoothest finish.

10. Fabric and Lace

Fabric doesn't fully absorb resin — instead, resin coats it, stiffens it, and gives it a "wet look" that, once cured, is actually quite striking. Lace in particular looks stunning embedded in resin jewelry or decorative pieces.

Test your fabric first with a small pour to see how the color and texture respond. Some fabrics darken significantly; others maintain their look beautifully. Sheer and open-weave fabrics like lace and organza tend to give the most elegant results. Our jewelry mold collection includes shapes perfectly sized for small fabric inclusions.

11. Polymer Clay Shapes

If you sculpt with polymer clay, you can incorporate cured clay pieces directly into resin. Pre-baked clay is fully solid and compatible with resin — it won't react or release moisture during curing.

This opens up creative possibilities: embed miniature flowers, letters, or abstract shapes into resin jewelry molds or decorative plaques. For alphabet and letter shapes, our 3D alphabet letter silicone mold is a great companion tool for personalizing pieces.

12. Ceramic Tiles and Fragments

Broken ceramic tiles, mosaic pieces, and small decorative ceramics can all be cast in resin. This is a great way to create mosaic-style coasters or decorative panels using silicone tray mold frames.

Important note: Ceramics are sensitive to thermal shock. Briefly warming the ceramic pieces before the pour reduces the risk of resin cracking or pulling away from the ceramic surface as it cures.

13. Insects and Natural Specimens

Preserved insects — butterflies, beetles, dragonflies — are a striking inclusion for collectors and nature-inspired artists. The preserved specimen market means you can source ethically collected insects without any welfare concerns.

Because insects may have hollow areas, air can escape during curing and create surface bubbles. A slow pour and a light pass with a heat gun manage this well. High-quality replicas are also available if you prefer a cruelty-free option.

14. Beads and Craft Gems

Beads of all kinds — glass, wood, acrylic, pearl — can be layered into resin projects. They're especially effective in jewelry molds and keychain molds.

Like shells, beads with any significant weight will settle to the bottom of the pour. Use the layering technique or add them once the resin has reached a thick, gel-like consistency.

15. Stickers and Decals

Paper stickers can be sealed with a decoupage medium and embedded in resin for fun personalized pieces. Vinyl stickers are more water-resistant and generally require less preparation before pouring.

The same rule applies as with photos: seal paper-based stickers before contact with resin. One thin coat of Mod Podge on top is usually enough to prevent the resin from causing discoloration or paper bleed.

16. Small Plastic Figurines and Toys

Plastic objects cast well in resin — resin bonds to most plastics with the notable exception of silicone. Toy figurines, miniature cars, plastic charms, and small action figures can all be encased in clear resin for display pieces, paperweights, or novelty jewelry.

This is a wonderful way to preserve a child's toy collection in a unique art piece. Our animal mold collection is a great starting point if you'd like to cast your own resin figurines to combine with other inclusions.

17. Coffee Beans

Coffee bean coasters are a niche but genuinely popular resin project. Scatter whole beans into a silicone coaster mold, pour clear or lightly tinted resin over them, and you get a rustic, aromatic result.

No pre-treatment is needed — coffee beans go directly into the pour. Being denser than resin, they will sink, so add them after the base layer begins to firm up.

18. Gold Leaf and Foil

Gold leaf in resin is one of the most reliably beautiful combinations in craft work. The thin metallic sheets catch light at every angle, creating pieces that look like luxury art objects.

You can mix torn gold leaf directly into the resin before pouring, or apply it in layers to a partially cured surface and seal with a topcoat. Both techniques produce excellent results, though the latter gives more control over placement. This technique works especially well in large decorative resin molds.

19. Resin Offcuts (Terrazzo Style)

Don't throw away your resin waste. Cured drips, leftover tiles, and scrap pieces from previous pours can be broken into chips and embedded in new pours for a terrazzo effect. The result is colorful, textured, and uniquely your own — no two pieces will ever look the same.

This is a sustainable way to reduce material waste while creating something visually interesting. Pair this technique with our scallop edge tray mold for a stunning finished piece.

20. Crystalized Salt (Display Only)

For purely decorative projects, crystalized salt structures can create extraordinary organic textures inside resin. These are not food-safe applications — display only. The formation of the material inside cured resin creates interesting abstract patterns that look genuinely unique every time.

What NOT to Put in Resin Molds

Not everything plays well with resin. Avoid these:

• Fresh flowers or wet plant material — moisture causes cloudiness and curing failure
• Anything silicone — resin simply won't bond to it (though this is exactly why silicone molds release so cleanly)
• Fresh food — it will rot inside the cured piece over time
• Unsealed porous materials — paper, raw wood, and untreated fabric should always be sealed first
• Plastic films and shopping bags — these act as release agents and your resin won't adhere

Tips for Working With Inclusions in Silicone Molds

Getting clean results with inclusions takes a little technique. Here are the most useful habits to develop:

• Layer your pours. Pour a base layer, let it reach a gel stage, place inclusions, then top up. This prevents sinking and floating.
• Seal porous materials first. A light coat of resin or decoupage medium over paper, wood, and fabric prevents air bubbles and discoloration.
• Use a heat gun carefully. Light passes over the surface after pouring help release surface bubbles — don't linger too long over any one spot.
• Work in a warm environment. Cold resin cures more slowly and is more prone to cloudiness. Aim for 21–24°C (70–75°F).
• Match your mold to your inclusion depth. For thick layered inclusions, look for deeper mold options — our full resin mold range includes options for both shallow and deep pours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put real flowers in resin molds?

Only dried or pressed flowers. Fresh flowers contain moisture that will cloud the resin and prevent it from curing properly. Dry your flowers completely before use — silica gel speeds up the process significantly.

Do I need to seal objects before putting them in resin?

Porous materials like paper, untreated wood, and raw fabric should be sealed with a layer of resin or decoupage medium before embedding. Non-porous items like metal, plastic, and glass generally don't need sealing.

Why do my inclusions keep sinking to the bottom of the mold?

Dense objects sink because they're heavier than liquid resin. The solution is to pour in layers — let your base layer reach a thick, gel-like stage before placing heavy inclusions on top.

Can I put food in resin?

Technically yes, but it's not recommended for long-term pieces. Organic materials like food will decompose inside cured resin over time. For display purposes only, highly processed foods (like candy) tend to last longer than fresh items.

What's the best mold type for embedding inclusions?

Silicone molds are ideal for most inclusion work because they're flexible, non-stick, and easy to demold cleanly. Browse our best-selling molds to find options suited to your project size and shape.

Can I embed ashes in resin myself at home?

Yes, with care. Practice with a similar-weight material (like fine sand) first. Pre-casting the ashes in a small silicone mold before adding to a larger pour gives you the most control over placement.

How thick can I pour resin over inclusions?

This depends on your resin type. Standard casting resins are typically poured up to 6mm (¼ inch) per layer to manage heat buildup. Deep-pour resins are formulated for thicker single pours, making them ideal for large inclusion projects. Use our resin calculator to estimate exactly how much resin you need for your mold.

Find the Perfect Mold for Your Next Project

The inclusion you choose often guides the mold you need. Here are some themed collections to spark your next idea:

• Making seasonal gifts? Browse our Christmas molds, Halloween molds, and Easter molds.
• Crafting for someone special? Our romantic molds and birthday molds are great starting points.
• Love nature and animals? Explore our animal molds and angel molds.
• Looking for functional pieces? Check out our keychain molds and jewelry molds.
• Want to make candles too? Our candle mold collection includes shapes like the twisted snake candle mold, alpaca candle mold, and relief bear candle mold.

Not sure how much material you'll need? Use our free calculators before you start:

• Resin Calculator
• Plaster Calculator
• Candle Calculator

Have a question about a specific project? Contact our team — we're always happy to help you find the right mold for what you have in mind.