DIY Paper Flower Resin Pendant for Anniversary: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 24/03/2025

Anniversaries call for special celebrations, and what better way to commemorate your love than with a unique, handcrafted gift? This year, skip the generic presents and create a stunning DIY paper flower resin pendant – a beautiful and personalized keepsake that will be treasured for years to come. The delicate beauty of pressed flowers encased in shimmering resin creates a truly captivating piece, perfect for showcasing your creativity and affection. This elegant pendant is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners.

This detailed guide will walk you through each step of the process, from preparing your paper flowers to achieving a flawlessly smooth resin finish. We'll cover material selection, essential tools, and helpful tips to ensure your pendant turns out perfectly. Get ready to embark on this rewarding crafting journey and discover how to create a truly unforgettable anniversary gift – let's dive into the step-by-step instructions!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Paper
  • Forceps
  • Super Glue
  • Mod Podge
  • Casting Resin
  • Drill
  • Forstner Bit
  • Oak Wood
  • C Clamps
  • Packing Tape
  • Heat Gun
  • Sandpaper
  • Hot Glue
  • Sanding Blocks
  • Shellac
  • Fancy String
  • Jewelry Clasps
  • Memory Wire
  • Pliers
Safety Guidelines
  • Always work in a well-ventilated area when using resin. Resin fumes can be harmful.
  • Wear gloves and eye protection throughout the entire process to prevent skin and eye irritation from resin and its components.
  • Use a heat-resistant surface and avoid contact with flammable materials while curing the resin, as it can generate heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Paper Flower

    • Print wedding vows on paper (four copies for safety).
    • Cut a spiral into one copy of the vows and twist it around forceps to form a tight coil.
    • Unwind the coil slightly and shape the paper into a flower, rounding the edges to resemble petals.
    • Cut a stem and leaf from another copy of the vows.
    Cut a stem and leaf from another copy of the vows.Cut a stem and leaf from another copy of the vows.Cut a stem and leaf from another copy of the vows.Cut a stem and leaf from another copy of the vows.
    Prepare the Paper Flower
    • Glue the stem to the back of the flower using super glue.
    • Seal the paper flower with Mod Podge to prevent staining during resin embedding (apply about four coats).
    Seal the paper flower with Mod Podge to prevent staining during resin embedding (apply about four coats).Seal the paper flower with Mod Podge to prevent staining during resin embedding (apply about four coats).
    Prepare the Paper Flower

  2. Create the Resin Mold

    • Drill a 3/4 inch hole in a 1/4 inch piece of oak wood (drill from both sides to prevent tear-out).
    • Cut the oak wood into a square.
    • Use the remaining oak wood as a temporary backing, secure it with packing tape to the main piece of oak wood.
    • Clamp the two pieces of wood together to form a mold.
    Clamp the two pieces of wood together to form a mold.Clamp the two pieces of wood together to form a mold.Clamp the two pieces of wood together to form a mold.Clamp the two pieces of wood together to form a mold.
    Create the Resin Mold

  3. Pour and Cure the Resin

    • Mix equal parts resin and hardener, pour a thin layer into the mold, and use a heat gun to remove bubbles.
    • Let the first layer harden slightly, then carefully place the paper flower into the mold.
    • Pour another layer of resin into the mold, use a heat gun and toothpick to remove bubbles.
    • Let the resin harden completely for 48 hours.
    Let the resin harden completely for 48 hours.Let the resin harden completely for 48 hours.Let the resin harden completely for 48 hours.Let the resin harden completely for 48 hours.
    Pour and Cure the Resin

  4. Sand and Finish the Pendant

    • Separate the two pieces of wood and carefully sand the excess resin and wood smooth using sanding blocks and sandpaper.
    • Sand the wood to its final shape using a sanding disc attached to a drill lathe.
    • Sand the sides and edges of the wood round, apply several coats of shellac.
    Sand the sides and edges of the wood round, apply several coats of shellac.Sand the sides and edges of the wood round, apply several coats of shellac.Sand the sides and edges of the wood round, apply several coats of shellac.Sand the sides and edges of the wood round, apply several coats of shellac.Sand the sides and edges of the wood round, apply several coats of shellac.
    Sand and Finish the Pendant

  5. Assemble the Necklace

    • Make a necklace from fancy string and jewelry clasps. Attach the pendant to the necklace using memory wire.
    Make a necklace from fancy string and jewelry clasps. Attach the pendant to the necklace using memory wire.Make a necklace from fancy string and jewelry clasps. Attach the pendant to the necklace using memory wire.
    Assemble the Necklace

Read more: Elegant Russian Spiral Necklace Tutorial: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • Use multiple copies of your vows to ensure you have enough material in case of mistakes.
  • Seal the edges of the hole in the wood with Mod Podge before pouring resin to prevent bubbles.
  • Be very careful when sanding the resin to avoid scratching it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Air Bubbles in Resin

Reason: Improper mixing or pouring techniques can trap air bubbles, resulting in an uneven, cloudy finish.
Solution: Gently heat the resin to reduce viscosity, then carefully pour and use a toothpick to pop any surface bubbles.

2. Uneven Resin Coating

Reason: Inconsistent layers of resin or insufficient curing time can lead to a patchy or uneven pendant.
Solution: Apply thin, even layers, allowing each layer to fully cure before adding the next.

FAQs

What type of resin is best for this project?
For resin pendants, epoxy resin is recommended. Choose a high-quality, clear epoxy resin designed for jewelry making to ensure a smooth, professional finish and prevent yellowing over time. Look for a resin with a low viscosity for easy pouring and minimal air bubbles.
How long does the resin take to cure completely?
The curing time depends on the specific resin used and ambient temperature and humidity. Most epoxy resins require 24-48 hours to cure initially, but it's best to allow at least 72 hours for full hardening before wearing the pendant to ensure durability.
Can I use any type of paper flower?
While you can use various paper flowers, delicate, thin paper flowers work best. Avoid excessively thick or bulky flowers as they might not be easily embedded within the resin mold. Consider using tissue paper, crepe paper, or handmade paper flowers for optimal results.