How To Make Your Own Custom Keychain Using Resin And Dried Flowers

Creating a custom keychain with resin and dried flowers is more than just a craft—it’s a way to preserve nature’s beauty in a functional, wearable keepsake. Whether you’re making a gift for someone special or crafting a personal memento from your garden blooms, this process combines artistry with practicality. With the right materials and attention to detail, you can produce a durable, glossy accessory that captures delicate petals and memories alike.

Resin crafts have surged in popularity due to their versatility and professional finish. When paired with botanical elements like dried flowers, they transform into miniature works of art. This guide walks you through every stage—from selecting the perfect blooms to sealing your final piece—with precision and care.

Choosing the Right Materials

The foundation of a successful resin keychain lies in high-quality supplies. Using subpar components can lead to cloudiness, bubbles, or structural failure over time. Invest in reliable tools and materials from the start to ensure longevity and clarity.

• Epoxy Resin: Choose a two-part clear casting resin specifically designed for jewelry or small crafts. Look for brands labeled UV-resistant and non-yellowing.
• Dried Flowers: Small, flat blossoms work best—think baby’s breath, lavender, pansies, or rose petals. Avoid thick stems or overly moist plants.
• Silicone Molds: Use keychain-shaped molds with a loop attachment point. Many are available in geometric shapes, hearts, circles, or even animals.
• Mixing Supplies: Disposable plastic cups, wooden stir sticks, and digital scale for accurate resin-to-hardener ratios.
• Ventilation & Safety Gear: Nitrile gloves, safety goggles, and a well-ventilated workspace are essential when handling resin.
• Tweezers & Toothpicks: For precise placement of flowers and popping air bubbles.
• Keychain Attachments: Metal split rings or lobster clasps for connecting your finished piece to keys or bags.

Tip: Test your mold with water before pouring resin to check for leaks and confirm capacity.

Preparing Your Dried Flowers

Fresh flowers contain moisture that can react poorly with resin, leading to browning or mold. Proper drying ensures vibrant color retention and long-term stability within the cured piece.

The most effective method is pressing. Place flower heads between layers of parchment paper inside a heavy book for 5–7 days. Alternatively, use a microwave-safe flower press with short bursts (10–15 seconds at a time) until fully dehydrated. Silica gel drying preserves shape and hue better than air-drying but requires more setup.

Once dried, store flowers in an airtight container away from light and humidity until ready to use. Handle them gently—pressed petals are fragile and can crumble easily during placement.

“Dried botanicals must be completely moisture-free before encapsulation. Even residual dampness can compromise clarity.” — Lena Torres, Resin Artist & Educator

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Keychain

Follow this detailed sequence to create a flawless resin keychain. Allow ample time—most resins require 24 hours to cure fully, and rushing steps increases risk of flaws.

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Cover surfaces with wax paper or silicone mats. Ensure good airflow—open windows or use a fan. Wear gloves and eye protection.
2. Measure Resin Accurately: Weigh equal parts resin and hardener according to manufacturer instructions (typically a 1:1 ratio). Stir slowly for 3–5 minutes to avoid introducing bubbles.
3. Pour First Layer (Base Coat): Fill each mold cavity about one-third full. Let sit for 5 minutes to allow initial bubble release.
4. Position Flowers: Using tweezers, carefully place dried flowers onto the tacky surface. Don’t overcrowd; leave space around edges to prevent overflow later.
5. Pour Final Layer: Mix a fresh batch of resin and slowly fill molds to the top. Gently drag a toothpick through the surface to dislodge trapped air.
6. Debubble (Optional): Use a heat gun or lighter held several inches above the surface to pop visible bubbles. Do not overheat.
7. Cure Undisturbed: Leave molds flat and covered (to block dust) for 24–48 hours depending on resin type. Avoid temperature fluctuations.
8. Demold & Finish: Flex silicone molds gently to release pieces. Sand minor imperfections with fine-grit sandpaper if needed.
9. Add Hardware: Attach a split ring through the molded loop. Consider adding a jump ring for extra durability.

Tip: Pour resin in thin layers to reduce heat buildup and minimize shrinkage cracks.

Do’s and Don’ts of Resin Flower Preservation

Avoid common pitfalls by following these guidelines. The difference between a professional-looking piece and a flawed attempt often comes down to small details.

Do’s	Don’ts
Use ultra-violet (UV) stabilized resin to prevent yellowing in sunlight.	Don’t use fresh flowers—they retain moisture and will rot.
Work in temperatures between 70–75°F (21–24°C) for optimal curing.	Don’t pour resin too quickly—it traps air and causes overflow.
Label mixing cups with tape to track batches and timing.	Don’t touch uncured resin—skin oils can disrupt the surface.
Allow full cure time before sanding or wearing.	Don’t reuse mixing tools—cross-contamination affects curing.
Store leftover dried flowers in a dark, dry container.	Don’t skip ventilation—resin fumes are harmful in enclosed spaces.

Real Example: A Memorial Keepsake Keychain

Sarah wanted to honor her grandmother who loved gardening. After her passing, Sarah collected small blooms from her backyard—lavender, marigold, and a single pink rose petal—all pressed and stored for six months. She chose a circular silicone mold with a heart-shaped cutout in the center.

She poured a base layer of resin, arranged the flowers to form a subtle “G” shape (for Grandma), then sealed them under a second coat. Over two days, she monitored the curing process, ensuring no dust settled on the surface. Once demolded, she attached a brushed gold keyring engraved with “Always Growing.”

The result was a deeply personal token she carried daily—a quiet reminder of love rooted in nature and memory. Friends began requesting similar pieces after seeing it, turning Sarah’s grief into a meaningful creative outlet.

Enhancing Your Design: Creative Variations

While simple flower-in-resin designs are beautiful, consider elevating your project with added elements:

• Color Accents: Add a drop of alcohol-based pigment or mica powder to tint the resin subtly without obscuring the flowers.
• Layered Depth: Create dimension by setting different floral elements in successive pours spaced 4–6 hours apart.
• Inclusion Combos: Pair dried flowers with tiny charms, handwritten notes on rice paper, or flecks of gold leaf.
• Custom Shapes: Combine multiple molds or embed the finished piece into a larger pendant for a statement look.
• Personalization: Use alphabet molds to add initials or dates alongside botanicals.

Tip: For a frosted edge effect, lightly sand the outer rim after curing and apply a matte sealant.

Essential Checklist Before You Begin

Ensure you’re fully prepared before starting your project. Missing one item can derail the entire process.

✅ Materials Gathered:

- Epoxy resin & hardener

- Silicone keychain mold(s)

- Dried, pressed flowers

- Mixing cups, stir sticks, digital scale

- Tweezers, toothpicks, heat source

- Safety gear (gloves, goggles, mask)

- Keychain rings or connectors

✅ Environment Ready:

- Clean, level workspace

- Good ventilation

- Temperature between 70–75°F

- Covered area to prevent dust contamination

✅ Time Allocated:

- Minimum 2-hour active work window

- 24–48 hour undisturbed curing period

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any type of flower?

No—not all flowers hold up well. Thin, flat blossoms like daisies, violets, and chamomile dry cleanly and fit easily into molds. Thick flowers like sunflowers or peonies may discolor or take up too much depth. Always test one sample first.

Why did my resin turn cloudy?

Cloudiness usually results from moisture contamination, improper mixing, or curing in cold conditions. Ensure flowers are fully dry, mix thoroughly, and maintain a stable room temperature during curing. Some resins naturally cure clearer than others—choose a jewelry-grade product.

How do I fix mistakes after curing?

Minor surface scratches can be buffed with polishing compound. For deep flaws or bubbles near the surface, sand down the area lightly and apply a thin “repair coat” of fresh resin. Always clean the surface thoroughly before re-pouring.

Final Thoughts and Encouragement

There’s something profoundly satisfying about transforming fragile, fleeting blossoms into lasting treasures. Each keychain becomes a capsule of time—a bloom from spring worn close to hand in winter. Beyond aesthetics, the act of crafting fosters mindfulness, patience, and connection to the natural world.

You don’t need years of experience to begin. With careful preparation and respect for the materials, anyone can produce stunning results. Start small, learn from each piece, and let your creativity evolve. These handmade tokens carry emotional weight far beyond their size—they become heirlooms, gifts imbued with intention, or symbols of growth and remembrance.

💬 Ready to create your first resin keychain? Gather your favorite dried flowers, pick a mold, and pour with purpose. Share your creations online or gift them to someone who needs a little beauty in their everyday. The smallest keepsakes often hold the biggest meaning.