Creating My Skull Epoxy Trinket Tray

Creating My Skull Epoxy Trinket Tray (That Can Double as an Ashtray)

Hey everyone! I’m excited to share one of my recent resin creations with you. Meet this striking blue skull trinket tray (or ashtray, depending on how you use it). I absolutely love how it turned out — the translucent turquoise edges with the metallic silver skull centre and those dramatic, wavy, flame-like borders give it a mystical, almost glowing vibe.

I’ve always been drawn to skulls, dragons, and other whimsical, slightly edgy designs. There’s something powerful and timeless about a skull motif — it can feel bold, artistic, or even a bit rebellious. At the same time, I balance it out with plenty of fun, fantasy-inspired pieces. This one sits right in that sweet spot I enjoy creating.

Why This Piece Works So Well

I used a purchased silicone mold and Magic Resin (a 1:1 mix epoxy). The result is a sturdy, beautiful piece with great depth. It’s functional too — perfect for holding keys, jewellery, small treasures, incense, or yes, as an ashtray for those who need one. The translucent blue resin catches the light beautifully, especially around the irregular, organic edges.

How I Made the Skull Resin Trinket Tray

Materials:

• Silicone skull/tray mold (purchased)
• Magic Resin epoxy (or similar quality 1:1 ratio epoxy resin)
• Resin pigments or colors of your choice (I went for turquoise blue and metallic silver tones)
• 99% isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle
• Mixing cups, stir sticks
• Gloves, ventilation (always work in a well-ventilated area and follow safety precautions for resin)

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Prepare your workspace and resin — Set up in a dust-free area with good ventilation. Measure and mix the Magic Resin at a 1:1 ratio. Stir thoroughly for about 5 minutes. I let it rest for around 30 minutes afterward — this helps with initial bubble release before coloring and pouring.
2. Color the resin — Right before pouring, I add my pigments. For this piece, I created a vibrant blue for the main body and a metallic silver base for the skull design. Mix gently but thoroughly so you don’t introduce too many new bubbles.
3. Pour into the mold — Carefully pour the colored resin into the mold. I like to pour the base layer first (silver for the skull area) and then add the blue, letting the colors blend naturally for depth and interest.
4. Remove bubbles — I skip the torch (it’s never worked great for me and sometimes fuses resin to the mold). Instead, I give a couple of light spritzes of 99% isopropyl alcohol across the surface. This pops most surface bubbles effectively without disturbing the design.
5. Let it cure — Allow the piece to set undisturbed. This resin starts to thicken and become gooey around the 40-minute mark, so work fairly quickly once you start pouring. Any marks or adjustments after that point may stay visible in the final cure. Full cure usually takes 24–72 hours depending on temperature and humidity — follow your specific resin’s instructions.
6. Demold and finish — Once fully cured, gently flex the silicone mold and pop out your creation. Trim any excess if needed and admire your new artwork!

Tips from My Experience

• Timing is everything with this resin — it has a good working window but thickens noticeably after about 40 minutes.
• Experiment with colors and layering for unique effects. The translucent properties really shine in pieces like this.
• Always prioritize safety: wear gloves, protect your surfaces, and work in a ventilated space.
• Don’t be afraid to play — resin is forgiving in many ways, but small details like bubble removal and pour timing make a big difference.

I’m really happy with how this skull tray turned out. It’s one of those pieces that makes me smile every time I see it. If you try something similar, I’d love to hear how it goes!

Want to see more of my resin art, dragons, skulls, whimsical creations, and other pieces? Check out the full collection here: Art for Sale on Thoughtstoyou.com

Thanks for stopping by Helen’s How-To! Drop a comment if you have questions about the process or share your own resin adventures. Happy creating! 💀✨

Why Some People Simply Love to Make Art

 

The Joy of Creating: Why Some People Simply Love to Make Art – No Audience Required In a world full of pressure to perform, share, and perfect, there's something quietly revolutionary about sitting down with a gel pen and a colouring book page featuring a majestic dragon. No deadlines, no likes needed—just you, the page, and the slow, satisfying glide of ink across intricate scales and wings. Creating isn't always about producing something "valuable" in the eyes of others. For many, the deepest pull comes from the act itself. When you pick up those vibrant gel pens—perhaps layering shimmering blues over deep greens for iridescent dragon hide or adding white highlights to make flames pop—the mind quiets. The repetitive motion of colouring detailed lines, like the swirling mane or fierce eyes of a dragon, draws you into a meditative flow. Research on adult colouring, especially intricate designs like mandalas or fantasy creatures, shows it reduces anxiety, lowers stress, and promotes mindfulness by anchoring attention in the present moment. It's a gentle way to hush the inner critic and let the brain breathe. What makes it even more powerful is the freedom from perfection. Some folks chase flawless results, turning creation into a chore that drains rather than energizes. But when creating is viewed as pure expression—not a task to master—magic happens. The dragon doesn't have to be gallery-ready; its scales can shimmer unevenly, its flames might blend in unexpected ways. That's okay. In fact, that's the point. The satisfaction comes from the process: watching colours build, feeling the texture of gel ink dry glossy and bright, seeing the page transform under your hand. It pleases the one person who matters in that moment—you. This personal joy explains why so many return to colouring books, sketchpads, or any medium that lets them play without judgment. It's not about impressing an audience or proving skill; it's about reclaiming a simple, human need to make something beautiful (or fierce, or whimsical) just because it feels good. So next time you see a time-lapse of gel pens bringing a dragon to life, remember: behind every stroke is someone choosing joy over obligation. And that's a kind of art worth celebrating.