There’s something addictive about adding “just one more thing” to a resin pour. Whether it’s a dried flower, a piece of copper foil, or a sticker you found in a junk drawer, the right inclusion can take a project from flat to unforgettable.
But here’s the truth: I’ve wasted a lot of money on stuff that didn’t work—cheap plastic that clouded up, glitter that sank, or things that just didn’t survive the pour. So I started keeping a go-to list of **budget-friendly materials** that *actually look good in resin* (and don’t break the bank).
Here are the 10 items I keep coming back to when I want to elevate a resin piece without blowing my budget.
1. Dried Flowers (The Classic for a Reason)
I avoided dried flowers for a long time because I assumed they were overdone. But once I tried preserving sunflowers in resin, I finally got the appeal. Pressed blossoms or even random petals can create crazy depth and warmth—just make sure they’re completely dried and sealed.
2. Confetti or Metallic Foil
I once dumped leftover birthday confetti into a pour on a whim—and it worked. These bits catch the light and add movement. Rose gold foil, in particular, looks amazing when layered. I used it in a river table test pour that ended up becoming a full build.
3. Small Crystal Chips
You don’t need giant quartz slabs to get that gemstone feel. A bag of mixed crystal chips from a craft store can go a long way, especially around the edges of a pour or clustered into a center design. Just rinse them first—they’re often dusty.
4. Miniature Seashells
I keep a drawer full of tiny shells for ocean-inspired builds. They’re especially perfect for smaller pieces like coasters or trays. I used a batch of them in this seashell table build and they gave it an authentic tidepool vibe.
5. Scrapbook Stickers
Yep, the same ones you'd use in a DIY planner. As long as they’re sealed (mod podge works), they can float nicely in resin. I used a script-style sticker once to mark the back of a project—unexpectedly became the focal point.
6. Tiny Watch Gears or Steampunk Bits
Nothing adds texture like a random gear. I bought a $6 pack of “steampunk scraps” on Etsy and they’ve lasted me through five projects. Perfect for more industrial or masculine designs, or even subtly layered under translucent pigment.
7. Iridescent Bubble Beads
These are a hidden gem. They refract light like crazy and add serious dimension to otherwise flat resin. I first tried them during my volcano table build and immediately stocked up.
8. Candy Sprinkles (Yes, Really)
Cheap, colorful, and surprisingly eye-catching. Just seal them well—resin can dissolve sugar if it gets through. I’ve used faux sprinkles too for a no-melt version. Perfect for fun projects.
9. Spices or Tea Leaves
Crushed cinnamon sticks, peppercorns, even a dash of loose-leaf tea—organic textures look amazing in resin if you’re going for earthy or subtle builds. Just don’t overdo it. A little goes a long way and too much can cloud the pour.
10. Leftover Wood Shavings or Bark
This one came from a cleanup pile. I had walnut curls and offcut bark scraps from a live edge table, and on a whim I tossed them into a small mold. Total success. Adds natural contrast and looks great in smoky or clear resin.
Want to See More Resin Experiments?
I’m always testing weird materials in the shop. Some end up in tables, others in the trash—but each one teaches me something. Here are a few builds where these “budget” pieces became the star:
- Making a flower-filled resin table
- Turning found objects into focal points
- Using sea elements in deep pour builds
Got a weird material you want to try in resin? Message me—I’ll tell you if I’ve already ruined a pour with it (so you don’t have to).
— Solomon
Founder, The Resin Society
Started with small resin tables in my apartment — now building a global community of artists, collectors, and custom design lovers. resinsociety.net
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