Fun and Easy UV Resin Shaker Keychain Tutorial

Creating UV resin shaker keychains is the perfect craft project to combine creativity and functionality while keeping it easy and stress-free. This engaging activity offers countless ways to express yourself through dazzling designs, sparkly embellishments, and vibrant colors. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned crafter, the process is straightforward, quick, and guarantees stunning results. It’s truly an enjoyable and rewarding experience that anyone can try!

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This project focuses on creating unique shaker-style keychains using UV resin, a craft medium known for its ease and versatility. The magic lies in combining resin, glitter, tiny charms, and colorful fillers to create a fun, mesmerizing shaker effect. These keychains are lightweight, durable, and can be used as stylish accessories for keys, bags, or even gifted to loved ones. With endless design possibilities, this craft is suitable for all skill levels and fits perfectly into busy schedules since it’s quick and easy to make.

Credit SophiaTheHobbitCrafter

Features & Benefits:

• Skill Level: Beginner-friendly—perfect for anyone!
• Time Commitment: Quick and fun to complete.
• Versatility: Use as keychains, bag charms, or thoughtful gifts.

Required Materials

1. UV Resin (or Epoxy Resin) – UV resin is quicker to cure, but epoxy works as well. Use good ventilation with epoxy.
2. Shaker Keychain Mold.
3. Plastic Sheet – To create the transparent cover of the shaker.
4. Mica Powders – To add color to the resin.
5. UV Stickers – Custom printed stickers for decoration.
6. Small Decorative Items – Glitter, gems, mini potions, skulls, gold stars, etc., for shaker filling.
7. Sharpie – For marking outlines.
8. Baby Oil – To fill the shaker and allow the contents to float.
9. Tools:
   • Mixing cups and tools.
   • Heat gun (to remove air bubbles).
   • Jewelry tools (for attaching hardware).
   • Dremel (to drill a hole for hardware).
   • Syringe (for filling the shaker with oil).
10. Keychain Hardware – Includes jump rings and eye screws.
11. Glitter (optional) – For adding sparkle to the shaker.
12. UV Lamp – To cure the UV resin.
13. Clear Trash Plastic (optional) – As a substitute for thicker clear sheets if unavailable.

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Important Notes

• Safety First: Use gloves and work in a well-ventilated area, especially if using epoxy resin.
• Microparticles in Resin Mixing: Mix mica powders thoroughly into the resin to avoid settling.
• Oil Sealing Caution: Ensure tight sealing on the shaker to avoid leaks after filling it with oil. Use multiple resin layers as needed.
• UV vs. Epoxy Resin: UV resin may leave a slight bulge when cured, but epoxy cures evenly. Use according to your preference.
• Sticker Application: UV stickers are great because they don’t leave a background, but ensure they’re securely covered with resin for durability.
• Bubble-Free Oil: Remove bubbles from oil before sealing the shaker.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Prepare the Plastic Cavity:
  • Use a Sharpie to trace the outline of the shaker mold onto the plastic sheet.
  • Cut out the shape, ensuring the plastic piece fits slightly smaller than the mold.
• Color the Resin:
  • Mix mica powder into the UV resin in small cups.
  • Stir thoroughly to ensure even color distribution.
  • Prepare your desired colors for the shaker (e.g., pink, gold, purple).

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• Paint the Mold:
  • Use the colored resin to paint details inside your shaker mold.
  • Example: Use pink for paw pads and black for the base of a paw design.
  • Cure each layer with a UV lamp for stability before adding the next color.
• Add Glitter/Decorative Background:
  • Optional: Add a layer of glitter resin to the back of the mold for added sparkle.
  • Cure this layer with a UV lamp.
• Insert Decorative Elements:
  • Place your shaker fillings (e.g., glitter, gems, potion bottles, skulls) into the cavity.
  • Organize them to ensure they’ll move around freely once the shaker is filled.

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• Seal the Shaker:
  • Spread a layer of UV resin around the edge of the shaker mold.
  • Press the plastic sheet onto the resin to form a seal.
  • Cure with a UV lamp.
• Reinforce the Seal:
  • Apply a thicker layer of UV resin over the plastic sheet to create a strong seal.
  • Ensure there are no gaps or air bubbles.
  • Cure with a UV lamp.
• Add Baby Oil:
  • Use a syringe to inject baby oil through a small hole in the resin/plastic seal.
  • Fill the shaker until the decorations float freely.
  • Remove any air bubbles as they appear.
• Seal the Oil Hole:
  • Add a small drop of UV resin to close the oil hole completely.
  • Cure with a UV lamp. Repeat for extra reinforcement.

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• Drill a Hole for Hardware:
  • Use a Dremel or jewelry drill to carefully create a hole for attaching the keychain.
  • Avoid drilling too deep to prevent puncturing the shaker.
• Attach Keychain Hardware:
  • Insert an eye screw into the drilled hole, securing it with UV resin.
  • Attach the keychain ring and additional hardware using jewelry tools.

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• Final Touches:
  • Add an extra layer of resin over the piece for shine and protection.
  • Cure with the UV lamp.
  • Test the shaker – shake to ensure all components move freely, and check for leaks.