Step-by-Step Guide: Create Beautiful Custom DIY Resin Keychains at Home

In this tutorial, I’ll show you exactly how to make your own DIY resin keychain using acrylic tags, inkjet sticker paper, and nail polish.

I love small projects that let me incorporate a little piece of my personality or a symbol of something I like into something I make. And I imagine you probably do too.

Alternatively, instead of using symbols that are meaningful to you, you can make it for a friend with symbols that they like.

I’m excited to share it all with you.

Look at how awesome the Keychain above is. I’m very proud, haha.

• Acrylic block shapes and keychain kit

• clear inkjet sticker paper

• white nail polish

• glitter glue

• puffy paint

• other small embellishments

• UV resin

Below is an image of the sticker paper and the box of acrylic tags I bought:

The tags came with keychains and little tassels.

There are links at the bottom to get the supplies on Amazon.

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Resin Keychain:

Step 1 - Pick and resize images

Pick out some images online that you’d like to use for a keychain. Use whatever software program you have to resize them to fit on the acrylic tag you have.

I used the program GoodNotes on my iPad. It allowed me to draw a circle, and so I could see how the image would fit. But I know you can use Word to resize images. That’s how I did it pre-pad.

Or you can use the images in the printable PDF below when you sign up for my newsletters!!

Step 2 - Print images

Print out your image(s) on the clear inkjet sticker paper.

Put your printed images aside while you take the next steps.

Step 3 - Remove film

The acrylic tags come with a film piece adhered to both sides to prevent scratching. Remove the film on one side.

Step 4 - Paint one side with nail polish

Paint the exposed side with white nail polish. Let dry.

I found that the clear image stickers don't show up very well without a light color behind them. So, painting a white background makes the image pop. Plus, when you place the sticker on the other side, you can see the image's shadow on the white background. It's cool.

I happened to use gel nail polish, which requires UV light to set, so you can totally just leave it out in the sun for a few minutes. Or, like I did, put it under a UV nail light.

The link that says “white nail polish” in the supply list at the top will take you to the Amazon listing for the gel kind. The nail polish image link at the bottom of this page goes to regular nail polish, so you don't have to worry about any UV requirements.

Step 4 - Remove film

Now remove the other side's film.

Step 5 - Cut out images

Pick up your printed stickers and cut out the image you want to use. Cut about a quarter-inch around the image so that it fits in your shape.

I printed many images so I could make multiple keychains and use them for other future projects.

Step 6 - Place sticker

Carefully place your image on the tag, being mindful of what direction you put it in so your image is right side up when dangled later.

Step 7 - Add extra embellishments

Add glitter glue or other tiny embellishments to add to your image.

Step 9 - Outline with puffy paint

Go around the edge with puffy paint. You need a raised edge going around your tag to fill it with resin. There are other ways you can do this that I'll show you at the end.

I decided that I needed more color around the edge, so I added some more glitter glue on top of the puffy paint.

Let everything dry.

Step 10 - Cover with UV resin

Now, cover your image and everything with UV resin. Add enough so it covers the whole tag within the border you made with the puffy paint.

For a quick overview of safe handling when working with resin, Resin Obsession has a great guide

Set your project in the sun. You won't have to wait too long. I gave mine an hour just to be sure.

For a quick intro to UV resin specifically, this tutorial walks through the basics

Here's after mine dried:

I decided to go all out for this keychain, so I also added a layer of sparkle pink nail polish to the back over the white nail polish:

Step 11 - Cover the back with UV resin

Lastly, I also added a coat of UV resin to the back over the nail polishes to make it extra durable.

Step 12 - Attach a key ring

Attach the keychain using a jump ring.

Step 13 - Add beads or tassels

You can add a tassel (especially if you bought the kit with them included) and some beads to an eye pin.

Attach the beads and tassel to the keychain, and now you've got an amazing custom keychain!

I gave this lotus keychain to a dear friend from our temple. A lotus 🌺 is symbolic in Buddhism as it stands for rising through the muck and emerging as something beautiful, representing how we as beings can rise through the muck of suffering and become enlightened✨.

Creative Variations You Can Try Next

Add Dried Flowers or Leaves

Pressed flowers, tiny leaves, or herbs look beautiful sealed under resin. They’re perfect for botanical, nature, or cottagecore-themed keychains.

Try a Galaxy or Glitter Background

Use alcohol inks, mica powders, or fine glitter to create a dreamy galaxy swirl or a sparkling backdrop behind your image.

Layer Your Design for a 3D Effect

Pour a thin layer of resin, cure it, then add your image and another layer. This creates a dimensional “floating” look inside the charm.

Make It Double-Sided

Add a design to both sides of the acrylic blank—like a symbol, quote, or pattern—so the keychain looks great from every angle.

Add Words or Short Quotes

Print tiny inspirational words, such as “breathe,” “shine,” or “be kind,” to layer under your resin for a meaningful touch.

Tint the Resin Itself

Add a touch of alcohol ink or mica to tint the resin a soft color. This works especially well with crystal clusters, mandalas, and butterflies.

Create a Matching Tassel or Bead Charm

Add beads, crystals, or tassels that match your artwork (like I did) to make the whole piece feel polished and intentional.

Make a Themed Keychain Set

Try a floral set, galaxy set, woodland animals, pastel cottagecore, zodiac, or spiritual symbols. They make great gifts and are fun to mix and match.

But don't go away! I made two more that I want to share.

Here is the other Buddhist keychain I made. I plan on giving it to our temple to give as a gift to traveling monks and teachers.

I used tiny rhinestones as jewels in the bodhi tree above Buddha. I also used a green paint pen instead of white nail polish for the background. Not only that, but I used black puffy paint as the border.

And here is my galaxy keychain:

I made it by adding Sparkle Mod Podge to the acrylic tag before the nail polish. I also added rhinestones and tiny star nail embellishments. I also used a rhinestone chain as the border.

I would love to hear what you guys think about these DIY keychains and if any of you plan to try the project out. Let me know in the comments.

Also, please see all my jewelry and accessories tutorials!

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