Resin Art Demystified: What Every Nature Lover Should Know

What is Resin Art?

Resin is everywhere these days—transforming garden treasures into lasting keepsakes, making floral art bloom forever, and even turning forest finds into bright, beautiful jewelry.

But what actually is resin, how safe is it, and what makes the right resin for home crafters and nature-inspired artists like myself?

Let’s take the mystery out of resin!

What is Resin, Really?

Resin is a liquid material that, when mixed with a hardener, transforms into a shiny, durable plastic-like surface. Two main types used by artists and makers are Epoxy Resin and UV Resin—more on their differences soon!

Natural resin (think tree sap) is rare and difficult to use, while most art projects use synthetic resins made for safety, clarity, and longevity.

Is Resin Safe for Home and Art?

Safety depends on the ingredients and how you use resin. Wear gloves, work in a ventilated space, and always check the brand’s safety sheet.

Nerpa Polymers—what I use in for all my Nature Inspired Art—goes further with a unique, bio-based formula:

No harsh chemicals like nonylphenol or problematic glycidyl-ether diluents
Zero chemical waste at their Calgary facility
No solvents for cleaning equipment
Containers recycled and reused for maximum eco-consciousness

Why Bio-Based Epoxy Resin?

Most resins are made from fossil fuels, but Nerpa’s Epoxy starts with plants—soybeans, sunflowers, and canola. The company transforms glycerol (a co-product from biodiesel) through advanced purification and chemistry into a key ingredient for its safe, sustainable resin.

Nerpa’s Resin has 25–30% bio-content, with a goal to reach over 90% bio-based and recycled plastics in their formulas by 2026.

Plus, every batch supports environmental nonprofits working against deforestation and desertification, making every pour part of a larger environmental mission.

Does Epoxy Resin Yellow Over Time?

Nerpa Polymers attacks this issue with two layers of UV protection—one absorbs sunlight and releases it harmlessly as heat, the other chemically neutralizes developing defects that could break down the resin’s 3D structure.

The result: long-lasting crystal clarity, even on pieces shown in sunny windows.

Common Beginner Questions

Can Resin Art be eco-friendly?
Yes! Choosing bio-based brands like Nerpa means supporting better ingredients, sustainable manufacturing, and ongoing R&D into recycling.
Is Resin hard to use?
Not at all—just mix, pour, cure, and enjoy. Your workspace should be clean and ventilated, and the process is simple enough for weekend creatives and nature-inspired crafters.

What’s the Difference: Epoxy Resin vs. UV Resin?

Epoxy Resin:

Mixes two parts (resin + hardener) and cures over several hours to a day
Ideal for larger pours, coating, or embedding flowers and objects
Offers excellent clarity and durability

UV Resin:

Cures quickly (minutes) under a UV lamp
Perfect for small jewelry or detailed projects
No mixing needed—just pour and lamp-cure

In my workshops held in Cold Lake, Alberta, I use UV resin for speedy, precise results you can create in one session!

Epoxy Resin vs. UV Resin: The Finishing Touch

At the end of each workshop, I often get asked, “What’s the difference?”

Epoxy Resin: Plant-based, mix-and-pour, cures over several hours, perfect for embedding botanicals and larger works—what I use for most of my nature art.
UV Resin: Cures quickly under a UV lamp, best for small jewelry and intricate details, used in my hands-on workshops for immediate results.

Both bring flowers, wishes, and wonder home—just in different magical ways.

Nature’s Magic, Without Compromise: Addressing Your Hopes and Concerns

Choosing resin art is more than picking a decor item—it’s a heart-led decision that connects beauty, memory, and ethics. Here’s how my process and the materials I use are designed to reassure, delight, and honor what matters most.

How My Art Delivers

Reassurance of Nature

Every piece starts with real botanicals and bio-based Nerpa resin. Meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful materials ensures each piece embodies the serenity and magic of the forest—no shortcuts, no imitation.

Sentimentality

Forest walks are preserved forever: each flower, puff, and stem is chosen to evoke cherished outdoor moments. My Art is made to spark memories and offer a tangible link to nature’s gentle wisdom

Sustainability

I choose Nerpa’s bio-based epoxy, made from plants and manufactured in Calgary with zero chemical waste. Their containers are recycled, equipment maintained with biodegradable cleaners, and ongoing R&D is increasing the percentage of recycled ingredients. Environmental donations are part of every sale.

Individuality

Each piece is one of a kind—never mass produced. Small batches, hand-placed botanicals, and artisan finishing mean you’ll own something as unique as the moment it was inspired by.

Delight

Every bird, moon, or decor item is meant to bring a spark of wonder and joy. Whether it’s a sprinkle of fairy dust, a vivid flower, or a crystal-clear shine, these pieces won’t fade into the background—they’re art meant to be treasured and to enchant.

Top 5 Unspoken Fears—How My Process Solves Them

“What if it yellows or cracks?”

Nerpa’s advanced chemistry includes double layers of UV protection. The molecular shield absorbs sunlight and neutralizes damage, ensuring your resin art stays clear and strong for years—even in sunny rooms.

“Is it worth the price?”

Because resin has a reflective, glossy surface, photographs don’t fully capture its true beauty and depth. The shine, sparkle, and light play in resin art often look more dazzling in person than they do in pictures. This is due to reflections and highlights that are hard to photograph perfectly without specialized lighting setups.

No two pieces are ever cloned. What you see is what you get: genuine artisan work with hand-selected, real botanicals—no disappointments,.

"What makes it unique from other decor?"

Natural materials, subtle shimmer, and elegant design keep each item sophisticated and grounded—these are conversation starters that invite curiosity.

Friends can’t stop asking, “Where did you find that mesmerizing décor?” Each piece is a showstopper, sparking curiosity and admiration wherever it’s seen.

“Am I contributing to plastic waste?”

With 25–30% bio-based content and a goal of 90+% by 2026, Nerpa resin helps move away from petroleum dependence. Their zero-waste facility reuses all containers—and ongoing development means every purchase supports a better future.

“Does Nature Inspired Resin Art feel meaningful?”

Each piece tells a story and is crafted to reflect authentic connection: forest-inspired, made to last, and lovingly finished for those who want nature’s best.

Ready to Bring Nature’s Magic Home?

Resin Art offers a beautiful way to preserve the essence of the outdoors, combining craftsmanship, sustainability, and heartfelt storytelling in every piece.

With materials like bio-based epoxy from Nerpa Polymers and the versatility of UV Resin in my workshops, you can create or collect resin art that truly resonates with your love of nature and commitment to quality.

Whether you’re a seasoned creator or a nature-loving art enthusiast, I invite you to explore this timeless medium and discover how resin can transform your connection with the natural world.

Feel free to reach out with questions or join one of my upcoming UV Resin Workshops held in my shop in Cold Lake, Alberta to experience the magic firsthand!