Holographic Mermaid Tail Resin Keychains

Life is the bubbles with a Holographic Mermaid Tail Keychain made of resin!

Who doesn't love mermaids? These mermaid tail keychains are easy to make using resin, and are holographic so they shimmer in the sun! If you are a beginner to resin, these are the perfect project to get you started. The keychains are lightweight enough to attach to keys, backpacks, or lanyards, which also makes them a great gift idea for fellow mermaid fans!

New to resin? Be sure to check out Resin 101: Getting Started with Resin!

To make these Holographic Mermaid Tail Resin Keychains, you will need these supplies:

• Mermaid Tail Silicone Molds
• FastCast Resin (optional)
• EasyCast Clear Casting Epoxy
• Measuring Cups
• Stirring Sticks
• Disposable Gloves
• Ultra Fine Sharpie Marker
• Holographic Vinyl
• Fine Glitter (optional)
• Large Jump Rings
• Jewelry Pliers
• Key Rings

*Save 10% on resin supplies when you shop ETI with code AFM

Before making the keychains, you need to have a template mermaid tail to work from. Sometimes I will have a couple from "testing" out the molds with extra resin from other projects. To get to the project quicker, I used some FastCast Resin that cures in about 10 minutes. You could also use EasyCast resin, but keep in mind that it will take 12-24 hours to cure. Once the resin (either one) has cured, pop them out of the mold and set them aside.

Cut a rectangular piece of holographic adhesive vinyl (in any color) that will fit both resin tails on it. Lay the resin tails on top of the vinyl, with the right side facing up. Carefully trace around each of the tails using an ultra fine Sharpie marker.

Use scissors to carefully cut *just* inside the marker line. If you have any marker residue left on the vinyl or the resin tails, use a bit of alcohol and it should wipe right off. Set the vinyl aside for later.

You don't need these mermaid tails anymore, but they can be used again for another project or to make more keychains!

Prepare the EasyCast Clear Casting Epoxy according to package directions. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area and wear disposable gloves to protect your hands. Pour in equal parts of resin and hardener to the mixing cup.

Slowly stir the resin mixture together with a stir stick for two minutes. Pour the resin into a clean mixing cup, and stir the resin again for another minute or two with a clean stir stick. Again, make sure to stir slowly to reduce the amount of bubbles in your resin.

Fill the mermaid tail molds about 1/2 - 3/4 of the way with resin. Wait a few minutes, and then use a heat gun, straw, or lighter to remove any bubbles that rise to the top. Leave the resin to cure in an undisturbed, well ventilated area for 12 hours. **DO NOT REMOVE THE RESIN FROM THE MOLD**

Mix up another batch of EasyCast, the same way you did before. Pour a thin layer over the resin, and then lay the vinyl over the resin, with the holographic side facing down. Use your stir stick to press the vinyl down into the resin and push out any air bubbles that get trapped underneath.

Fill the molds up the rest of the way with resin. Be careful to not overpour! Wait a few minutes, and then use a heat gun, straw, or lighter to remove any bubbles that rise to the top.

I decided at the last minute to add some sparkle to the back of the mermaid tails. Sprinkle glitter generously over the resin. The glitter will sink down as it cures, so you won't have to worry about it flaking off later. To make it a little more even (and less messy), you could mix the glitter into the resin before pouring the last layer.

Leave the resin to cure in an undisturbed, well ventilated area for 12-24 hours.

Carefully remove the mermaid tails from the molds, and cut away any overpoured resin with scissors or a craft knife. The holographic vinyl shows through the clear resin and shimmers beautifully in the sunlight!

Turn the mermaid tails over and glue a bail to the back. If you  have a hand drill tool, you could carefully drill down through the top center of the charm and then place an eye pin into the drilled hole with a little bit of super glue to keep it in place.

Hook a jump ring through the loop in the bail, and then hook the key ring chain to the jump ring. Close the jump ring to connect the key ring to the charm. Now the keychains are ready to go and you can dream of the magic of the ocean all year long!

I would love to hear what you think and who you would share some mermaid tail keychains with! As always, I would love to see your creations! Tag me on Instagram and Facebook, and leave a comment or photo on my project pin!

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