My kids collect things. Most of those thing come from outside like sticks, rocks, and bugs. My youngest some collected som leaves he thought were cool but was sad when they curled and dried up. I suggested that we press them in books to better preserve them. While he was waiting (not so patiently) for them to dry, I had another idea. Why not add them to resin? That is how these leaf resin magnets came to be. It is actually a fun and easy project!
We got a thick heavy hardbacked book to press the leaves in.
Resin releases best from a silicone mold. If you use something else, make sure to spray oil or something in your mold to help it come out when it has set up.
I bought this silicone mold on Amazon (affiliate link).
I used this crystal clear 2 part resin. It has plenty leftover for other projects too.
Mix up half of the amount you will need. Pour a thin layer of resin into the milds. I let it sit for a bit until it got tacky before adding the leaves.
Once you have laid the leaves into the molds, mix the other half of the resin and pour another thin layer of resin.
Allow it to cure for at least 24 hours before you remove them from the molds. Then you can glue the magnets onto the back.
My son wants to try bugs next, but I think we will maybe do some flowers or shells instead :)
That is a great idea! It would be a wonderful home school project combining art and science. I love anything botanical and these are so pretty.
I've been playing around with Resin too! Love this project Stacy! :)
The perfect magnets for a master gardener. I can see you finding other places to use these gems besides the frig. Back in the day, I used to press leaves and flowers in old phone books. Not sure people use those any more, but the paper was absorbent and I didn't have to worry about leaving any marks behind.
I love those.
Your magnets are beautiful. They would be pretty with Autumn leaves, as well. I am always picking up small feathers in our yard, and think those might work also.
Beautiful, I had never seen this idea before. It's really really awesome, there are so many leaf varieties to try it with...