Resin Trinket Dish: Beginner-Friendly and High-End Looking
If you’ve ever walked past a glossy resin trinket dish in a boutique and thought, “That must be complicated,” you’re not alone. Resin projects have a reputation for being tricky, technical, or only for experienced crafters. The truth is far more encouraging resin trinket dishes are one of the laziest, most forgiving crafts you can make, even as a complete beginner.
This is the kind of craft that looks expensive without requiring artistic skill. Resin is naturally glossy, smooth, and professional-looking, which means your finished piece instantly feels high-end. When you suspend things like gold leaf, dried flowers (affiliate), or soft color pigments inside, the result feels intentional and luxurious exactly what buyers love.
For sellers, this craft is especially appealing. Resin trinket dishes photograph beautifully, work in nearly every home, and feel gift-worthy year-round. Whether someone uses them for rings on a nightstand, keys by the door, or as elegant coasters for drinks, these little dishes solve a problem while also feeling decorative.
And the best part? If you can stir and pour, you can make this.
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Materials & Tools
Materials
- Two-part epoxy resin kit (resin + hardener)
- Silicone molds for trinket dishes or coasters
- Small disposable cups
- Popsicle sticks or wooden stirrers
- Glitter (any color or finish)
- Gold leaf sheets
- Dried flowers (pressed or fully dried)
- Mica powders for color and shimmer
- Alcohol inks (optional, for translucent color effects)
Tools
- Measuring cups (if not included in resin kit)
- Toothpicks (for swirling or popping bubbles)
- Straw or small heat gun (for bubble removal)
- Flat, level workspace
- Gloves (recommended for beginners)
Everything on this list is beginner-friendly and reusable for future resin projects.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare your workspace: Resin needs a flat, level surface to cure properly. Cover your workspace and lay out your silicone molds so they’re ready to go.
- Measure and mix the resin: Follow the ratio listed on your resin kit exactly. This is the only step where precision matters. Pour the resin and hardener into a disposable cup and stir slowly for several minutes until the mixture becomes clear.
- Customize your resin: This is where the fun happens. Add mica powder for a soft shimmer, a few drops of alcohol ink for translucent color, or glitter and gold leaf for a luxurious look. Stir gently so you don’t introduce too many bubbles.
- Pour into the mold: Slowly pour the resin into your silicone mold. You can keep it simple with one color or swirl multiple colors together using a toothpick.
- Remove air bubbles: If bubbles rise to the surface, gently blow through a straw or briefly pass a heat gun over the top. Most bubbles will pop easily.
- Let it cure: This is the laziest step of all. Walk away and let the resin cure according to the instructions usually 24 to 72 hours. Do not disturb it during this time.
- Demold and admire: Once cured, gently peel the silicone mold away. You’ll be left with a smooth, glossy trinket dish that looks professionally made.
Why This Craft Sells So Well
- Resin has a natural high-end, boutique feel
- Every piece looks unique and handmade
- Perfect for gifts, home décor, and organization
- Works as both trinket dishes and coasters
- Sets increase perceived value dramatically
How Much Does It Cost to Make a Resin Trinket Dish?
One of the reasons resin trinket dishes are such a strong lazy girl craft is that the cost per piece is surprisingly low, especially once you start batching.
Below is a realistic breakdown based on beginner-level supplies and light decorative inclusions like gold leaf or dried flowers.
Approximate Cost Breakdown (Per Dish)
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Epoxy resin (per dish portion) | $1.50 – $2.50 |
| Silicone mold (amortized cost) | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Gold leaf / dried flowers / mica | $0.25 – $0.75 |
| Disposable cup + stir stick | $0.10 – $0.20 |
| Estimated total cost per dish | $2.00 – $4.00 |
What This Means for Profit
- A single resin trinket dish typically sells for $15–$25
- Even at the higher end of material cost, profit margins remain strong
- Sets (especially coasters) increase profit dramatically with very little extra effort
For example:
- 4 dishes at $3 each = $12 in materials
- Sold as a set for $40–$60
That’s an excellent return for a craft where most of the “work” is waiting for the resin to cure.
Beginner Reassurance
If you’re new to resin, your first few pieces might cost slightly more as you learn. That’s completely normal. Once you’re comfortable with mixing and pouring, your cost per dish drops quickly especially when you buy resin and inclusions in bulk.
This is a craft where experience increases profit, not difficulty.
Suggested Price Point
- Single resin trinket dish: $15–$25
- Set of two dishes: $28–$40
- Set of four coasters: $40–$60
Pricing depends on size, design detail, and whether premium inclusions like gold leaf are used.
Batching Tip
Mix one larger batch of resin and pour multiple molds at once. Prepare several molds ahead of time so you can pour continuously without stopping. This makes resin crafting far more efficient for selling.
Packaging Idea
Wrap each dish in tissue paper and place it in a small box or organza bag. For coaster sets, stack them neatly and tie with twine or ribbon. Minimal packaging works best because the resin itself is the star.
Fun Variations to Offer
- Gold leaf and pearl accents
- Pressed floral designs
- Neutral-toned minimalist sets
- Matching trinket dish and coaster bundles
- Seasonal color themes
Pro Tip
Simple designs sell best. Clear resin with one or two inclusions often looks more expensive than busy patterns and photographs beautifully on Pinterest.
Wrapping Up
The effortless resin trinket dish is proof that you don’t need advanced skills to create something stunning. With just a few supplies and a little patience, you can make pieces that look polished, modern, and gift-ready.
If you’ve been hesitant to try resin, let this be the project that changes your mind. It’s approachable, forgiving, and incredibly rewarding especially when you see how much people are willing to pay for something you made with such little effort.
