If you have ever looked at the price of a single blown glass ornament and wondered why it costs the same as a takeout meal, you are not alone. That is exactly why I started making my own resin Christmas tree ornaments with a round silicone mold set. For the cost of one fancy store bought bulb, I can pour a dozen ornaments, control the colors, and still have leftover resin for gifts. And honestly? They look just as good on the tree. This guide is about doing that on a real budget, with real tips, and without the frustration of overpriced craft supplies.
Why Round Silicone Molds Are Perfect for Budget Holiday Decor
Round silicone molds are the unsung heroes of budget friendly holiday crafting. Unlike intricate shaped molds that trap air bubbles or require complicated demolding, a simple round disc is forgiving. You can pour a slightly uneven layer and it still looks like a smooth, professional ornament. The set I use has four sizes, and the largest one creates an ornament about the size of your palm, perfect for hanging on a tree or tying onto a gift. Smaller ones work great as coasters or gift tags. Because they are reusable, you get dozens of ornaments from one mold purchase.
And here is the honest truth: you do not need a dozen different mold shapes. A few well chosen round sizes give you more versatility than a drawer full of novelty shapes. If you are just starting out, this saves money and reduces waste.
What You Actually Need (And What You Can Skip)
Every tutorial I see lists ten different products that cost more than the mold itself. Here is what I actually use without blowing my budget:
- Resin: A basic two part epoxy resin (about 15 dollars for a small kit) is enough for at least 20 medium ornaments.
- Mold release spray: Skip it for silicone molds unless you are using a very sticky resin. I have never needed it.
- Colorants: Alcohol inks are great, but you can also use cheap eyeshadow from the drugstore. I am serious. Scrape a bit in and mix.
- Glitter: Dollar store fine glitter works perfectly. No need for craft store markup.
- Hanging hardware: Eye pins or jump rings cost a few cents each. Buy a pack of 100 for under 5 dollars.
- Disposable cups and stir sticks: Reuse yogurt containers and popsicle sticks from the kitchen (just wash after).
What you can skip: silicone cups (just mix in a plastic cup), heat guns (a lighter or blow dryer works for bubbles), and expensive measuring scales (most resins are measured by volume, so use a syringe or graduated cup).
Step by Step: Pouring and Curing Your Ornaments
I mix my resin according to the package directions, usually a 1:1 ratio by volume. Pour the resin and hardener into a clean cup, stir slowly for a full two minutes to avoid trapping bubbles. At this point I add a drop of alcohol ink or a pinch of glitter. Stir again gently. Then I let it sit for a minute to let bubbles rise.
Pour the mixture into the round mold cavity. Fill only halfway if you want a thin ornament that cures quickly. For a thicker, sturdier ornament, fill to the brim. I like a medium thickness because it cures in about 12 hours and is less likely to warp. Once poured, I pop any surface bubbles with a lighter (hold it close for a split second) or a blow dryer on low heat. Then I cover the mold with a cardboard box to keep dust off and let it cure for 24 hours.
Four Sizes, Endless Uses: Ornaments, Gift Tags, and More
The set I have includes a 2.5 inch, 3.5 inch, 4.5 inch, and 5.5 inch round mold. I use the smallest for gift tags. I drill a tiny hole before curing (or push a straw through the resin while it is still tacky) for a ribbon. The medium sizes become tree ornaments. I add a jump ring by pressing it into the wet resin near the top edge. The largest size I use as a tabletop coaster or a decorative plate for a candle.
Do not feel pressured to fill every mold cavity at once. I sometimes pour just one or two at a time while watching a movie. Because the molds are silicone, I can leave leftover resin in the cup and scrape it out later (just don’t let it cure in the cup). The flexibility of having multiple sizes means I can customize each piece
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