Leaf Resin Magnets

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 :)