DIY Resin & Wood Projects You Can Try (Beyond Cutting Boards)

I’ve been working with wood and resin for years now. Cutting boards are usually where people start. They’re practical. Easy. Everyone wants one. But after a while, I started thinking… what else can I make? Turns out, quite a lot.

The good news is, you don’t need fancy tools or expensive wood. A few scraps and some resin can turn into something really cool. Here are some ideas I’ve tried—or at least thought about trying.

1. Coasters

Coasters are tiny. Fast. And satisfying. Take a scrap piece of wood, pour a little resin in a crack or groove, let it sit, and bam—you have a coaster. I like to experiment with color here. Sometimes it’s subtle, sometimes I go wild. Glitter, tiny leaves, beads—whatever fits.

Honestly, it’s a perfect small project if you’re nervous about messing up bigger boards. You can even use blank cutting boards and offcuts for practice pieces.

2. Serving Trays

Trays are like cutting boards’ fancy cousins. You can add handles or leave them simple. Resin can run along the edge, or you can fill knots in the wood. I’ve even embedded small shells before. It’s easier than you think. When you serve snacks on it, people notice. They might even comment. That feels good.

Start with large maple cutting boards for sturdy, tray-sized bases.

3. Jewellery Dishes

Tiny dishes for rings, keys, or earrings. You don’t need much wood. Offcuts work perfectly. Pour some resin, maybe a swirl of color, and you’re done. Small pieces like this are great for experimenting with new pouring techniques. Less waste, less pressure. And they make nice gifts.

4. Wall Panels

Now, this one is fun. Resin doesn’t have to be functional. It can be art. Thin boards, some flowing resin, maybe a pattern or two. Hang it. People ask where you got it. You say, “Made it.” Feels nice.

Scraps from blank cutting boards are perfect for small wall panels.

5. Tablet or Laptop Stands

Useful and creative at the same time. You can make a stand with a small plank. Resin can fill cracks. Slots hold the device. Handles optional. It’s simple, but it feels solid. I like giving these as gifts—they’re practical, and people actually use them.

6. Small Shelves

A plank, some resin, and a couple of brackets. That’s a shelf. Filling a natural edge with resin makes it feel intentional. It works anywhere—kitchen, bathroom, even a bedroom. Thick boards last longer. Thin ones might sag. Just saying.

Hardwood boards like our maple cutting boards can be cut to size for shelves.

7. Decorative Boxes

Slightly more advanced, but fun. A small box can hold jewellery, pens, cards. Resin accents on the lid or sides make it stand out. Start with something tiny. You’ll learn a lot before you attempt a big storage box.

8. Clocks

Clocks are surprisingly easy. Pick a round or rectangle board. Add resin where the wood has cracks or interesting grain. Attach a simple mechanism. Done. It’s functional, it looks good. Even better, no two clocks ever look alike.

Round boards from our round cutting boards collection are great bases for clocks.

9. Key-chains and Charms

Fast. Tiny. Fun. Cut a small scrap, pour resin, drill a hole, attach a ring. Bam. Unique keychain. Personalize it with initials or small designs. This is my go-to project when I want something quick. Less than an hour, start to finish.

10. Furniture Accents

If you’re feeling brave, try resin on furniture. Drawer fronts, table edges, cabinet panels. It protects wood, adds color, and makes something ordinary feel unique. More advanced, yes, but even a small accent can make a room feel different.

Tips From Experience

• Measure carefully. Mistakes show in resin.
• Sand in stages. Rough first, fine last. Smooth edges matter.
• Seal it. Resin scratches. A thin coat helps.
• Test colors on scraps. Don’t waste big boards.

Why This Works

Resin and wood are forgiving. You can make functional items, decorative items, or both. Start small. Use scraps. Experiment. Every piece teaches you something new: how resin flows, how wood reacts, color combinations. And yes—every piece is unique. That’s the fun part.

Don’t stop at cutting boards. Coasters, trays, shelves, boxes, clocks—they’re all possibilities. Start small. Learn as you go. Make mistakes. Fix them. Keep experimenting. Resin and wood open doors you didn’t even know existed. Once you start, it’s hard to stop. And that’s a good thing.