How to Make Resin Christmas Ornaments with Silicone Molds: A Step-by-Step Holiday DIY

Making your own resin Christmas ornaments is a rewarding holiday craft that lets you create personalized, heirloom-quality decorations. With silicone molds, the process is beginner-friendly and yields professional results. Whether you want to gift them or add a handmade touch to your tree, this guide will walk you through every step.

Silicone molds are ideal for resin ornaments because they release easily and capture fine details. You can find festive shapes like snowflakes, trees, and photo frames at Craft Resin. In this tutorial, we'll use a few popular molds and share tips for achieving crystal-clear results.

Gather Your Materials

Before you start, make sure you have all the essentials: epoxy resin (like Craft Resin’s clear casting resin), silicone molds such as the 3D Snowflake Molds - 5 pcs or the Christmas Tree Resin Molds - set of 4, mixing cups, stirring sticks, a heat gun or torch for bubbles, and any decorations like glitter, dried flowers, or small charms. You'll also need a drill with a small bit if your mold doesn't have a hole for hanging.

Work in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves and a respirator if recommended by the resin manufacturer. Cover your work surface with a silicone mat or wax paper for easy cleanup. Having everything prepped will make the pouring process smooth and enjoyable.

• Choose molds with shallow cavities for faster curing and less resin waste.
• If your mold lacks a hanging hole, you can drill one after demolding or embed a small eye screw while the resin is still tacky.

Prepare and Pour the Resin

Measure and mix your epoxy resin according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, you’ll combine equal parts resin and hardener by volume, stirring slowly for 2-3 minutes to avoid introducing bubbles. Scrape the sides and bottom of the cup to ensure thorough mixing. Then, let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow bubbles to rise.

If you want colored ornaments, add a drop of resin pigment or alcohol ink and stir gently. For a glittery look, sprinkle a small amount of fine glitter into the mold before pouring. Pour the resin slowly into the mold, filling each cavity just below the rim. Use a toothpick to guide resin into intricate details. After pouring, use a heat gun or torch to pop any surface bubbles—pass the flame quickly over the resin without lingering.

• Work in thin layers if embedding objects like dried flowers to prevent them from floating.
• For a two-tone effect, pour one color, let it partially cure, then add a second color.

Embed Decorations and Demold

This is where your creativity shines. While the resin is still liquid, you can embed items like tiny pinecones, gold leaf, or small photos. For a photo ornament, use the Christmas Photo Frame Resin Mold and place a trimmed photo face-down in the cavity before pouring. Use a toothpick to position items and ensure they are fully coated with resin.

After pouring, cover the mold with a dust cover (like a cardboard box) and let it cure for 12-24 hours, depending on the resin. Once fully hardened, flex the silicone mold gently to release the ornament. If the edges are sharp, sand them lightly with fine-grit sandpaper. For a glossy finish, apply a thin topcoat of resin or a UV resin layer.

• Avoid overfilling molds—resin shrinks slightly as it cures, so leave a tiny gap.
• If using a mold like the 3D Snowflake Molds, check for air bubbles in deep crevices with a toothpick.

Add Hanging Hardware and Display

If your mold didn't include a hole, you can drill a small hole near the top of the ornament using a Dremel or hand drill. Go slowly to avoid cracking. Alternatively, you can glue a small eye screw into a pre-drilled hole with a dab of resin or jewelry glue. Thread a ribbon, twine, or metallic string through the hole and tie a knot.

Your handmade resin Christmas ornaments are now ready to hang on the tree or give as gifts. They also make lovely package toppers or window decorations. Store them in a box with soft padding to prevent scratches. With proper care, these ornaments can last for years and become cherished family keepsakes.

• Use a fine drill bit (1/16 inch) for clean holes in cured resin.
• For a rustic look, pair with natural twine; for elegance, use satin ribbon.

Making resin Christmas ornaments with silicone molds is a fun and satisfying holiday project that yields beautiful, personalized decorations. With the right molds and a bit of practice, you can create ornaments that rival store-bought ones. Experiment with colors, glitters, and embedded treasures to make each ornament unique. Happy crafting and happy holidays!