easy fall placecards

With all things holidaisical on the horizon, we’re hoping we’re able to gather for a few things with our family.

So I decided it would be really fun to come up with some easy place cards, just in case. And then I had so much fun doing them… here we are.

Even if it’s with your own people, or if you’re saving it for future ideas… {anyone else tired of my no-gathering appropriate disclaimers because Covid?} We thought this would make a really fun project

This is a simple resin mixing project. If any of you have been around for a while, then you know that I dove into all things resin this spring once said aforementioned apocalypse hit. While I’ve tried to reel it in and spare you guys my obsession, I still love sharing when I feel like it’s a fun idea. it may be my very favorite fun material to work with, just for the sake of doing it. There’s something pretty cathartic about the materials, once you master the mixing part!

These place cards would be a fun idea for parties, dinners, weddings and more. The possibilities are kind of endless. Want to make some of your own for the upcoming holidaisical seasons?

Here’s what you’ll need:

{Some of the links below are affiliate to support our borderline ridiculous resin addiction}

• resin kit – I like the easy cast because it comes with thorough instructions. I’ll cover more of that below.
• large measuring cups – make sure they are marked for measuring.
• stirrer stricks {a popsicle stick works fine here – I just use the plastic kind that I can wipe off and use again}
• fillers – these are so fun!
• silicone soap mold – these were left over from this project and are prefect for soap, too.
• wax paper or a protective surface – resin doesn’t clean up once it’s dried, so make sure you’re covered + gloves
• gold pen – we used one similar here

Work off a protective surface, and in an area that is well-ventilated. Also make sure it’s one that can be left that way to give the resin plenty of time to cure. This takes about 12-24 hours, give or take, so be flexible with wait time and the area being able to be left alone. {AKA the family dinner table is probably not a good option}

Measure out your resin according to the instructions.

Before I began, I read the directions about three times over, because it’s a very temperamental substance.

Note: I recommend test measuring it out beforehand with water, depending on how much you want to make. That way you know how much you need to measure out.

What I learned:

• Use two different measuring cups to measure out your resin + hardener precisely. It’s a 1:1 ratio so make sure you have it right. I’m not kidding when I say this may include getting on the floor so that your head is level with the table and you can make sure your measurements are precise. Do what it takes and you’re good to go.

• If you don’t get the measurements right, you can have cloudy, sticky mixtures that never dry. So pay attention.

• Pour one into the other after you’ve measured, and stir in a figure 8 motion, with your stirrer. Work the sides, too.
• You’ll see it cloud up, which means the reaction is happening

• The instructions will be more precise, but stir for 2 minutes.
• Do not remove your stirrer, when stirring. This reduces air bubbles.
• After two minutes, pour it into another measuring cup, with a fresh stick. {I’ve started using plastic ones I can wipe down with a paper towel}

• Stir for 1 minute. The mixture should start to clear up.

Pour just a little of your resin mixture into the bottom of each mold.

Put a few drops of dye into the mold, and stir gently with a toothpick, to give it the marbleized effect. {Your resin will go from liquid to soft gel in about 15 minutes.} We put little drops of dye in ours, and then moved it around with the toothpick.

It’s so fun to play with all the fun designs! The possibilities here really are endless.

Let it dry, for about 12 – 24 hours until it’s no longer tacky, and you’re done!

Clean up notes: you can use alcohol on your measuring cups while the resin still wet. I just clean them out with paper towels and some alcohol at the table. Don’t pour it down the sink when cleaning – thus the paper towels. Also, if you get some on your skin, baking soda + salt are a good option for removal.