Epoxy resin is popular in the art space and offers endless possibilities for creating stunning, durable pieces. While clear resin projects have their own beauty, the real magic happens when you start incorporating elements—those special additions that can transform a simple resin pour into a work of art.

From nature-inspired elements like seashells and pressed flowers to everyday objects like bottle caps and coins, the right mix-ins can add texture, color, story, and visual interest to your epoxy creations. Whether you're crafting a coffee table, jewelry, or decorative art pieces, understanding which materials work best in resin opens up a world of creative possibilities.

This guide explores popular elements that can elevate your epoxy resin projects, along with practical tips for incorporating them successfully into your work.

Natural Elements That Shine in Resin

Seashells and Beach Treasures

Seashells remain one of the most popular choices for epoxy resin projects, and for good reason. Their natural curves and iridescent surfaces create beautiful focal points, especially in ocean-themed pieces. Small shells work wonderfully in jewelry and coasters, while larger specimens can anchor impressive tabletop designs.

Sand pairs perfectly with seashells to create authentic beach scenes. Fine sand provides subtle texture, while coarser varieties add more dramatic visual interest. For best results, clean your sand thoroughly and consider mixing different grain sizes for depth.

Pressed Flowers and Leaves

Botanical elements bring organic beauty to resin projects. Pressed flowers must be completely dry before embedding to prevent discoloration or decay. Popular choices include pansies, daisies, ferns, and delicate leaves. The key is selecting flowers with interesting shapes and colors that complement your overall design.

Larger leaves can create striking silhouettes, while smaller petals add delicate accents. Consider layering different botanical elements at various depths within your resin for a three-dimensional effect.

Everyday Objects with Artistic Potential

Coins and Currency

Vintage coins, foreign currency, and even casino chips can add narrative elements to your resin pieces. These objects work particularly well in memorial pieces or when creating conversation-starting furniture. The metallic surfaces of coins catch light beautifully within clear resin, creating interesting reflections and depth.

Before embedding, ensure coins are clean and consider their placement carefully—once they're in the resin, repositioning becomes impossible.

Bottle Caps and Labels

Colorful bottle caps from craft beers, sodas, or vintage collections can create playful, nostalgic designs. They work especially well in bar tops, game room furniture, or casual decorative pieces. The variety of colors, logos, and designs available makes it easy to create themed projects or eclectic arrangements.

Vintage labels, ticket stubs, or other paper memorabilia can also be embedded, though they should be sealed first to prevent the resin from making them transparent or causing bleeding.

Adding Color and Light

Pigments and Dyes

Liquid pigments and powder dyes offer the most controlled way to add color to your resin projects. Unlike other mix-ins that add texture or objects, pigments become one with the resin, creating smooth, consistent color throughout.

Alcohol inks create beautiful, organic swirls and patterns. Metallic pigments add luxury and sophistication, while fluorescent dyes can create eye-catching effects under different lighting conditions. Start with small amounts—a little pigment goes a long way in resin.

LED Lighting Elements

Battery-powered LED strips or small lights can transform resin projects into glowing artworks. This technique works particularly well with translucent or lightly tinted resin, creating ambient lighting effects that highlight other embedded elements.

Plan your lighting placement carefully during the design phase, as the battery compartments and switches need to remain accessible after curing.

Textural Elements for Visual Interest

Glitter and Mica Flakes

Fine glitter disperses evenly throughout resin for overall sparkle, while larger flakes create more dramatic effects. Mica flakes provide natural-looking shimmer that changes with viewing angle and lighting conditions.

Consider mixing different sizes and colors of glitter for complex, layered effects. Biodegradable glitters are increasingly available for environmentally conscious crafters.

Application Tips for Success

Preventing Common Issues

Air bubbles are the enemy of professional-looking resin projects. Remove trapped air by gently agitating lightweight mix-ins with a toothpick or using a heat gun on low settings. Dense objects rarely trap significant air, but their surfaces should be clean and dry.

Some materials may react unexpectedly with resin. Always test small samples of new elements before committing to large projects. Materials containing oils, moisture, or certain chemicals can prevent proper curing or cause discoloration.

Planning Your Design

Successful resin projects start with careful planning. Consider how your chosen mix-ins will look from all viewing angles, especially for pieces like tabletops that will be seen from multiple perspectives. Create a rough layout before mixing your resin to avoid rushed decisions during the limited working time.

Bringing Your Vision to Life

The beauty of epoxy resin projects lies in their versatility and the personal expression they allow. Whether you're drawn to the organic appeal of natural elements, the storytelling potential of everyday objects, or the dramatic effects of lighting and pigments, the key is experimenting with different combinations to find your unique style.

Start with simple projects to build confidence with basic techniques, then gradually incorporate more complex mix-ins and layering methods. Remember that each material brings its own challenges and opportunities—what matters most is creating pieces that reflect your vision and bring joy to their final setting.

Your next epoxy resin project is limited only by your imagination and willingness to explore the endless possibilities that creative elements provide.