“Dad Rocks” Resin Keychain

Tell dad how much he “rocks” with a punny DAD ROCKS resin keychain for a birthday or Father’s Day using EasyCast Clear Casting Epoxy and actual rocks!

Hello, Resin Crafters! Lindsay from Artsy-Fartsy Mama here with a fun resin project for you to make for dad! I love a good dad joke, and what better way to celebrate the dad in your life with a punny “Dad Rocks” resin keychain made using EasyCast Clear Casting Epoxy?! These keychains are a great gift idea for Father’s Day or birthdays. Because grandpas and uncles are also a big part of our lives, I added designs to make a special keychain for them, too. If you are a resin beginner, these keychains are a fun and simple project to get started with!

SUPPLIES TO MAKE YOUR OWN “DAD ROCKS” RESIN KEYCHAIN:

• 8 oz EasyCast Clear Casting Epoxy
• Mold Release and Conditioner Spray
• Measuring Cups
• Stirring Sticks
• Disposable Gloves
• 1.5″ Circle Keychain Mold(s)
• Transparency Film
• Resin Spray Sealer
• Free Printable “Dad Rocks” Keychain Design (download below for personal use only)
• Scissors
• Small Rocks or Pebbles

Safety first! Before you start working with resin, make sure that you’re wearing disposable gloves & protective eyewear, and that your work surface is covered. Always work with resin in a well ventilated area.

STEP 1:

Download the free printable “Dad Rocks” keychain design (personal use only), and print it on transparency film*. Carefully cut the circle(s) out using sharp scissors.

*Make sure to check your transparency packaging for printing instructions. If you print using an inkjet printer, you will need to spray a coat of clear resin spray sealer over the printed photos to prevent the ink from bleeding into the resin. Let the sealant dry completely before moving on to the next step.

STEP 2:

Prep your silicone mold with Mold Release and Conditioner Spray and let it dry completely. This will help to make sure your project comes out perfectly every time.

Each keychain mold will need 5 ml/cc EasyCast Clear Casting Epoxy. Prepare the resin according to package directions and follow all safety guidelines. Pour in equal parts resin and hardener to the mixing cup. Stir the resin mixture together SLOWLY with a stir stick for two minutes, and then pour the resin into a clean mixing cup. Stir the resin again for another minute or two with a clean stir stick. If the resin still has streaks running through it, keep mixing until it becomes clear.

STEP 3:

Pour 5 ml resin into each of the mold cavities, and then gently lay the circles face-down into the epoxy. Lightly drag the stir stick from the center to the outer edge of the transparency to bring any bubbles out that are stuck underneath the to the surface.

Pop any bubbles that rise to the top by blowing through a straw, using a heat gun, or lightly spritzing with alcohol. Leave the resin to cure in an undisturbed area for at least 2 hours, or until the resin has a gel-like consistency. DO NOT REMOVE FROM THE MOLD.

STEP 4:

Prepare another 5 ml/cc EasyCast Clear Casting Epoxy per keychain. Pour in equal parts resin and hardener to the mixing cup. Stir the resin mixture together SLOWLY with a stir stick for two minutes, and then pour the resin into a clean mixing cup. Stir the resin again for another minute or two with a clean stir stick. If the resin still has streaks running through it, keep mixing until it becomes clear.

Add a generous amount of small rocks or pebbles to the resin. Stir the resin mixture together until everything is combined. Pour 5 ml into each keychain mold, and tilt the mold a little bit in each direction to make sure that the entire keychain is covered.

Pop any bubbles that rise to the top using a heat gun, by blowing through a straw, or lightly spritzing with alcohol. Leave the resin to cure in an undisturbed area for at least 24 hours. You will know that the resin is completely cured when it is no longer tacky.

STEP 5:

Carefully remove the keychains from the molds and admire your work! “Demolding” is one of my favorite parts of working with resin. My projects are usually made “upside-down”, so the big reveal so exciting! If you have any over-poured resin around the edges, you can trim the excess away using a craft knife or scissors. If the keychain still feels a little flexible, it may just need more time to cure. Let it sit in a warm, flat area to cure for a few hours (or days)

STEP 6:

To transform the resin disc into a keychain, you need to make a hole in the top. I used my tiny hand drill, but you could use a Dremel or other power tool instead if you have one.

STEP 7:

Gather your materials to make a keychain: tiny jewelry eye screws, key rings, jump rings, and a small length of chain. I would also recommend having a pair of jewelry pliers to make assembling easier.

Add a little bit of strong adhesive to the screw part of the eye screw, and then twist it into the hole using jewelry pliers. This will make the screw more secure, and less likely to come out later as the keychain is being used.

STEP 8:

Use jewelry pliers to open a jump ring and hook it through the eye screw and the chain. Close the jump ring, and the keychain is complete.

These keychains are such a simple project, but will make such an impact when given to dads on Father’s Day or birthdays! As always, I would love to hear what you think about this “Dad Rocks” Resin Keychain made with EasyCast! Be sure to check out these other resin keychain tutorials for more inspiration, and share your own creative resin projects in the ETI Facebook Group!

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