In my last post, I talked about why personalized and custom gifts are the best kind of gift — meaningful, one-of-a-kind, and always from the heart. 💖

But if you've ever found yourself thinking, "I love the idea of a custom gift, but what should I actually get?" — this post is for you!

I’ve created many custom resin gifts over the years, and I’ve noticed a pattern: the best gifts are the ones that reflect who the person is or celebrate the moment you're gifting them for.

Here’s a simple guide to help you choose (or design!) the perfect custom gift, no matter the occasion.

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🎉 Gift Ideas by Occasion

🎂 Birthdays

Personalized Alphabet resin keychains in their favorite color.

Zodiac-themed keychains or coasters

Birth flower charms or trinket trays

Resin bookmarks for book lovers

💍 Weddings & Anniversaries

His & Hers name keychains

Custom resin trays with names and dates

Resin pieces with dried wedding bouquet petals.

Romantic quote embedded in resin

👶 Baby Showers & Newborn Keepsakes

Letter blocks with baby’s initials

Soft pastel keychains with the birthdate

Nursery wall hangings with subtle shimmer.

First-lock-of-hair or first flower preserved in resin.

🕊️ Memorial or Remembrance Gifts

Dried flower keepsakes from a funeral arrangements.

Custom memorial charm or pendant.

Resin photo holders

“In loving memory” tokens

🎄 Holiday Gifts (Christmas, Valentine’s, etc.)

Personalized Resin ornaments

Bag charms with festive colors or glitter

Custom fridge magnets

💐 “Just Because” or Thinking of You

Personalized Pens, bookmarks or trays.

A piece that reflects their hobby (like flowers, stars, crystals, etc.)

🌟 Tips for Creating the Perfect Custom Gift

1. Start with their personality.

Are they bold or soft? Colorful or neutral? Romantic or playful? Let their vibe guide your design.

2. Think about what they love.

Favorite colors, flowers, shapes, hobbies, music, or animals — all of these can inspire the design.

3. Add a name or a word that matters.

Names, initials, nicknames, or even a short word like “Strength” or “Mama” adds a special emotional layer.

4. Keep the occasion in mind.

Match the shape, sparkle, and style to the moment. Baby shower gifts might lean pastel, while anniversaries might use golds, reds, or florals.

5. Ask for help!

If you’re unsure what would work, message me. I love helping customers come up with beautiful, meaningful gift ideas — it’s one of my favorite parts of being a maker.

Custom gifts are so much more than pretty pieces — they’re mem

ory-holders, little tokens of love, and lasting reminders that someone truly cared enough to create something just for you.

And if you're ever stuck for inspiration, feel free to browse my Instagram or message me with your ideas. Let's bring them to life, one thoughtful gift at a time.

Until next week,

With creativity and care,

Ava ✨

I’ve always believed that gifts mean more when they speak directly to the person receiving them. It’s not just about giving something pretty — it’s about creating a moment, a memory, or a reminder that says: this was made just for you. That’s the magic of personalized and custom gifts.

I started making my family and friends gifts a good 5 to 6 years now and that’s actually how Just Kawaii n More was born.

As someone who works with resin and makes handmade pieces, I get to witness firsthand how special a gift becomes when it’s custom-created with someone in mind. Whether it’s a name keychain, a zodiac coaster, a memorial piece with preserved flowers, or even just a favorite color palette every custom order has a story.

So let’s talk about why personalized gifts are always a good idea.

💖 It’s Thoughtful & Meaningful

Personalized gifts show effort. They say, I didn’t just grab something last minute. Instead, I thought about what you love, what matters to you, and I made sure it was reflected in your gift. That level of thoughtfulness turns an object into a memory — one that sticks around long after the wrapping paper’s been thrown away.

📈 Yes — They’re Trending for a Reason

Custom and personalized gifts are more popular than ever — and it’s easy to see why. People are moving away from mass-produced, generic gifts and looking for something more meaningful. Whether it’s a name keychain, a memory keepsake, or a piece inspired by someone’s personality, custom gifts create an emotional connection that no store-bought item can match.

With so many small makers (like me!) creating beautiful handcrafted options, it’s easier than ever to find or create something truly one-of-a-kind. Social media platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok are full of inspiration and help people discover unique, handmade items that stand out — not just during gifting seasons, but all year round.

🎨 One-of-a-Kind, Just Like Them

We’re all unique, so why should our gifts be mass-produced? A custom gift lets you reflect someone’s personality, passions, or even their quirks. I’ve made pieces that include someone’s pet name, inside jokes, favorite colors, and even charms that represent shared memories. You just can’t buy that kind of meaning off a shelf.

🫶 Perfect for Any Occasion (or No Occasion at All)

Birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, baby showers, thank-yous, memorials, or “just because”, custom gifts work for them all. I’ve had customers request personalized pieces for their best friend’s birthday, and others who just want to surprise a loved one after a tough week. And honestly, those “no-reason” gifts? They often mean the most.

🛍️ It Supports Small Creators & Local Makers

When you order a custom gift from a small business, you’re not just getting a product, you’re supporting someone’s craft, passion, and dream. Every personalized piece I make goes through a thoughtful process, from the design choices to the final glossy finish. And I truly value every customer who trusts me with their special order.

📝 Custom Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

Worried that custom means expensive or stressful? Not at all. I always work closely with customers to create something beautiful within their budget. You can customize something as simple as a name keychain or go big with a floral preservation piece — either way, it’s about making the gift feel personal.

Whether you’re shopping for someone you love or even treating yourself (yes, that counts!), consider going the custom route. It’s more than a gift — it’s a keepsake, a moment, a message that says: you matter.

And that, to me, is the heart of what I do at Just Kawaii n More.

Until next time,

With love,

Ava ✨

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If you're starting your resin journey — or you're just curious about what’s on my worktable — here are 10 tools I believe every resin artist should have:

1. Silicone Measuring Cups

Reusable, flexible, and easy to clean. I use different sizes depending on the pour. Way better than plastic, and they last longer too. I just peel of the dried resin and its clean.

2. Mixing Sticks (Wooden or Silicone)

You’ll need these for mixing your resin and pigments. I keep a mix of sizes for different batches — silicone ones are especially great because they can be wiped clean.

3. Heat Gun or Torch

To get rid of bubbles. A quick pass with a torch or heat gun helps pop those pesky surface bubbles. Just don’t overdo it — it can overheat your piece or your mold or you can burn your resin if you keep long over the same spot.

4. Silicone Mats or Work Surface Covers

Resin is messy. A silicone mat under your workspace saves you hours of scraping hardened drips off your table.

5. Nitrile Gloves & Respirator (for safety)

Safety isn’t optional with resin. I always wear nitrile gloves, and for longer projects or deep pours, I wear a respirator and work in a well-ventilated area.

6. Digital Scale or Measuring Cups

Resin ratios are crucial. I use graduated measuring cups for most projects, but a digital scale is great for deep or large pours where exact accuracy matters.

7. Molds, Molds, Molds

Silicone molds come in endless shapes — coasters, trays, alphabet letters, trinket boxes — and I never have enough! I always keep a few backups too, in case one tears or warps. I always keep extra small molds to fill up with excess resin when pouring for a specific project.

8. Toothpicks, Tweezers & Bubble Poppers

For detail work. Whether it’s placing tiny charms or poking a stubborn bubble, these tools are lifesavers.

9. UV Resin & UV Lamp (for quick fixes)

For sealing tiny gaps, attaching findings, or doing super quick projects — UV resin is so handy. I keep a small UV lamp on standby just in case. I sometimes lock in designs in UV resin and this really helps as epoxy resin can move glitter and beads around if not secured.

10. Sandpaper

Finishing matters. Once cured, most pieces need sanding to smooth edges or remove imperfections, followed by a flood coat for that final glossy finish. You need wet/dry sandpaper ranging from 400 grit to 1000 grit, staring with the lowest to the highest grit. Sanding is the less favorite part of the resin process for me as I still do it by hand. But an electrical Sanding machine is on my wish list.

Resin art isn’t just about pouring — it’s about prepping, safety, clean-up, and finishing too. These tools don’t just help me create; they help me create better. Every tool has earned its place in my studio (even if I still lose my tweezers at least once a week 😅).

If you’re just getting started, don’t feel like you need everything at once. Start simple, then build your toolkit as your projects grow. No one tells you how expensive crafting can be and I definitely did not realize I would need so many tools but I enjoy what I do and want to get better so I keeping investing in the tools needed to create beautiful resin pieces.

Until next time — stay curious and keep pouring,

With sparkle and purpose,

Ava

When someone receives one of my handmade resin creations, I always hope it brings a little sparkle and joy into their space. Whether it’s a keychain, coaster, trinket tray, or memorial piece, resin art is made to last, but it does need a bit of love to stay looking its best.

Here are a few important care tips I like to share with my customers and fellow resin lovers:

🌞 Keep it Cool - Avoid Direct Sunlight

Resin doesn’t like too much heat or UV exposure. Prolonged sunlight can cause yellowing or fading over time, especially in clear pieces. It’s best to store your resin art in a cool, shaded spot.

🧼 Clean Gently

To clean your resin item, use a soft cloth or microfiber cloth. A little warm water and mild soap can help with smudges or dust. Avoid abrasive scrubbers, alcohol-based cleaners, or anything harsh. These can scratch or dull the shine.

💧 No Soaking

Resin is water-resistant, not waterproof. Try not to soak your pieces or leave them submerged. Quick rinses are fine, but constant moisture can weaken the piece or damage the backing, especially if other materials are embedded in the resin.

🔥 Avoid Extreme Heat

Don’t leave resin pieces in hot cars, near heaters, or on stovetops. High heat can cause warping or softening, especially with thin or flat pieces like coasters or bookmarks.

💎 Handle with Care

While resin is durable, it can chip or crack if dropped or knocked hard enough. Keep pieces away from sharp edges and store delicate items safely when not in use.

Bonus Tip for Keychains & Accessories:

Resin keychains are beautiful but aren’t meant to carry a heavy load like 10 keys and a flashlight. Lighten the keyring or use the keychain as a bag charm to keep it looking pristine.

Why This Matters

Every piece I make goes through multiple stages: mixing, pouring, curing, sanding, and sealing. Each one is made with care and with just a little maintenance, your resin pieces can stay glossy and gorgeous for years to come.

If you ever have questions about how to care for a specific piece you received from me, I’m just a message away.

Until next week,
Ava

A real bloom, frozen in time, held in a glossy little world to treasure, protect, and cherish a special memory forever... That’s exactly why preserving flowers in resin has become so popular.

But working with real flowers in resin comes with a learning curve. Whether you're a fellow maker or a customer wondering how I preserve those delicate petals, here are some essential things to know.

💐 The Basics: How Flowers Are Preserved for Resin

Fresh flowers can’t go straight into resin and even though I knew that, I still tested it out to understand why. Flowers need to be completely dry first and I mean bone dry. Any moisture trapped inside can cause the resin to go cloudy, create bubbles, or even rot over time. Dried Flowers can also get burnt by resin, if not sealed or if the resin overheats in curing.

If you want to dry fresh flowers for resin. The process should start when the blooms are the freshest and with minimal bruising for the best look in resin.

There are a few different ways to dry flowers for resin art:

Pressed drying: Ideal for flat pieces like bookmarks or coasters. Flowers are pressed between absorbent paper and left to dry for a few weeks.

Silica gel drying: The flowers are gently covered in silica gel, which draws out moisture while helping the bloom keep its shape. Great for preserving 3D flowers.

Air drying: Some sturdy flowers can be hung upside down to dry, though they often lose their natural shape and vibrancy.

Each method has its pros and cons, and I choose based on the look I want and the type of flower I’m working with.

🌼 A Few Truths About Flowers in Resin

Here’s the part I always share with my customers because flower resin art is beautiful, but it’s not perfect.

1. Flowers change color.

Even when dried correctly, flowers can darken, lighten, or shift slightly in color once encased in resin. It’s a natural reaction between the flower’s pigments and the resin. Whites may turn ivory or beige. Pinks may deepen to mauve or light pinks may go brown. Blues might soften. Reds can darken to dark brown. Each flower is unique, and the final color can vary.

2. Not all flowers dry well.

Delicate blooms like lilies or orchids often bruise or become translucent. Roses, daisies, baby’s breath, and lavender are great choices because they hold their shape and color more reliably.

3. Discoloration can happen over time.

Even with proper drying and UV-resistant resin, flowers are organic and that means they may change subtly over time. It's best to seal dried flowers carefully and use quality materials, but it’s also important to understand that nature is never 100% predictable.

4. Custom orders take time.

If a customer wants their own flowers preserved like wedding bouquet petals or remembrance pieces. I usually need 3–4 weeks just to dry them properly before they can even be poured in resin.

Preserving flowers in resin is equal parts art, science, and love. I took a long time to start working with flowers because there’s so much to learn, and it takes time to build the knowledge of what works and what doesn’t.

If you’ve ever wondered why preservation artists are expensive, believe me, it’s not just the cost of pouring large amounts of resin into a mold. The entire process can take 8 to 10 weeks from start to finish. It involves multiple resin layers, carefully handling fragile blooms, and battling bubbles at every stage. Once fully encased, the piece still needs sanding and a final resin coat (called a flood coat) to achieve that glossy finish.

Some floral preservation artists even offer color correction, a painstakingly difficult process that’s treated like a trade secret. These skills are mostly self-taught through hours of research, trial, and error.

I’ve worked on a few floral preservation pieces, and hopefully you’ll be seeing more flower work from me soon.

So if you’ve ever wondered how flower resin art works or you’re thinking about placing a custom order, I hope this helped!

Until next week,
Ava

I knew resin could be fussy, but I was really confused during my first winter working with it. That’s when I learned that, just like me, resin hates being cold.

What used to be a smooth, glassy pour suddenly became sticky, stubborn, and slow to cure. Most resins are happiest in temperatures between 21–25°C. Anything colder, and the resin thickens, traps more bubbles, and can take forever to cure — if it cures properly at all.

I had to figure out what to do, fast. My resin wasn’t pouring right, the bubbles wouldn’t rise, and it just wouldn’t set. Turns out, the room was too cold — and so was the resin itself. With the recent drop in temperatures, I’ve had to adjust my entire resin prep routine to prevent the cold from ruining my projects (and wasting expensive resin!).

Here’s how I prep for winter pours:

Warm the room first: I work in a small space, so I run a heater before I start pouring. I also keep it on for 5–6 hours after mixing, because cold temps reduce working time and slow the cure. A warm room keeps the resin flowing and helps ensure it cures properly.

Warm the resin bottles slightly: I place the sealed bottles in a warm water bath for a few minutes. It makes a huge difference in how smoothly the resin mixes and pours.

Mix longer: I add an extra 1–2 minutes to my mixing time in colder weather, just to make sure everything is properly combined.

Allow more curing time: If a piece usually takes 24 hours to cure, in winter it might take 36. I’ve learned not to rush it — good resin art takes patience, especially in the colder months.

My friends say I must be so patient to work with resin, but the truth is... I’m not! The minute I forget how moody resin can be, she shows me who’s boss. I love focusing on detail and trying to control every part of a design — but resin doesn’t always play nice. Just a few days ago, I wasted 60ml of resin because my room was too cold. I managed to save the poured pieces by quickly warming the space, and that experience inspired me to share this post.

Working with resin in winter reminds me to slow down and stay curious. It’s not always about rushing to the finished product. It’s about adapting, experimenting, and understanding what your materials need — season by season.

Until next week...

With warmth and sparkle,

Ava

P.S. If you're interested in other resin topics, let me know in the comments and I'll share my thoughts on them.

It started with curiosity. I stumbled across a few artists online who were making the cutest, glossiest creations — keychains, trays, charms, and all these tiny treasures that looked like they belonged in a magical world. I remember thinking: I wonder if I could make something like that?

I’ve always loved arts and crafts. Before resin, I made soaps and worked with air-dried clay. So naturally, I found myself deep-diving into YouTube videos, Instagram reels, and late-night Pinterest boards filled with resin art ideas.

My first attempt? That was in October 2022. Total chaos. I poured out my resin as per the instructions, mixed — and it started bubbling, melted my cup, spilled on the table, and flash-cured so fast I just stood there, stunned.

My second attempt? Another bubbling, flash cure. But this time, I managed to pour it into a mold. I still have that resin rock somewhere trying to make it a bit useful.

Even after a bumpy start, I was hooked. Resin had this mix of science and art that kept me coming back — it was a challenge. I kept learning. Every pour felt like a little mystery unfolding. And when I finally pulled out my first successful piece? That shine, that feeling of I made this — I knew I was in it for good.

Over time, resin became more than a hobby. It turned into my creative outlet, my tiny business, and a way for me to connect with people who love handmade things filled with heart (and a lot of sparkle). I truly enjoy working with resin and bringing so many customer requests to life.

Resin art isn’t as simple as the videos make it seem — it’s challenging, unpredictable, and I'm learning every day. But finally finding an art form that feeds both my curiosity and creativity felt like I’d found my purpose.

That’s how Just Kawaii n More was born — from a love of cute, joyful creations and a need to share them.

Now I pour not just resin, but ideas, emotions, and meaning into every piece. I create heartfelt mementos for people — and I’m so excited to share more of this journey with you, one story at a time.

With glitter and gratitude,

Ava

Previous Post : Ocean Theme Resin

Can you believe, it took me just under 2 and half years to attempt ocean theme resin. Why? Well, because I knew I needed time to get confident with resin especially, knowing how easily it could all go wrong with resin at any stage of work. The other reason is that I believed that I required specific resin colors used to create ocean themes and for that I needed to order from a local supplier.

Trying something new with resin is always 50/50, exciting and challenging. It could be a disaster, a costly mistake or it could work out beautifully but you always learn something in the process of creation. And then sometimes when you are near the finish line, something can happen to that resin creation that can make you feel you might have to start from scratch again. It’s like going on a roller-coaster of emotions all for one little keychain and this time I was worried if I could get this sea theme right.

So after watching many videos for research and inspiration, I finally felt confident to take on my customer’s request for an ocean theme Alphabet Keychain.

My design plan had many elements and my objective was to create a vibrant sea theme with sea sand, shells, beautiful blues, waves and even show the glistening of the ocean water. Basically an ocean paradise.

First step was to gather the materials.

• Sea Sand & Rocks - Getting the right beach sand and rocks. I was not happy with the first batch of sand that I got my brother to bring me. It had too much black spots(probably coal). The second batch of sea sand my dad got was much better and he washed it for me a few times but it did take a few days to dry in our Durban winter.

• Sea Shells - Thanks to my niece, I had the perfect size shells that fit into the alphabet mold. Otherwise I would have to go hunt at the beach for those. The tiny shells also had to be washed and dried to be free from dust.

• Dried Leaves - For my Seaweed, I had some dried green leaves and this was perfect for the look I wanted.

• Pearl Beads - I wanted to add some shiny pearls and luckily I had the right size for my purpose.

• Glitter - Light colored holographic glitter would do the job of giving me a glistening water effect. All I had to do was place it well.

• 2 Shades of Blue Resin - I could have use 1 shade of blue would have done the job but I actually mixed 2 blues, a darker blue for deep ocean and a aqua color for the sea underneath the waves.

• White Waves - The most important element was to get the waves right. For this I mixed white with UV Resin and used the soap bubbles technique for the very first time. This was actually so simple and fun to do and I could get the seafoam look easily.

There so much more that goes into creating a design like this and seeing it into completion. I will not go into a full tutorial on this yet. Maybe another time. I just wanted to share a little bit more on this ocean theme for those interested to learn and understand the process. I find it hard to make videos of myself pouring resin because I have a short window to pour as resin hardens up fast and that leads to frustration and a waste of time and resin.

To end, I just want to say that I’m very happy with the finished Ocean Theme Alphabet Keychain as my vision did come to life despite some other challenges that crept up during the final stages of completion. I am even more confident in my ability now and looking forward to new challenges on my resin journey.

I really enjoyed sharing my musings here and I hope you enjoyed reading this post and having some insight about my thoughts on this creation.

Until, next time.

With glitter & gratitude,
Ava
Resin Artist and Creator
Just Kawaii n More

This space, Just Kawaii Makes & Musings, is where I’ll be sharing:

My resin experiments (both the wins and the hilarious fails).

Studio updates and new product previews.

Inspiration behind my Kawaii Club creations.

Personal musings about creativity, small business life, and finding joy in making things by hand.

Whether you’re here to learn, feel inspired, or just enjoy some sparkly, light-hearted vibes, I’m so glad you found your way here.

Thanks for joining me on this journey — I have so many cute things to show you.

With glitter & gratitude,

Ava

My Mission : To create art that makes people smile — and to share the magic behind it.

This blog, Just Kawaii Things, is where I invite you behind the scenes: into my studio, my resin pours, my wins, mistakes, and everything in between.

Whether I’m designing sparkly alphabet keychains, curating kawaii mystery boxes, or experimenting with dreamy color palettes, every piece is made with heart (and a touch of glitter).

What You’ll Find Here
Behind-the-scenes stories from my resin-making journey.
Creative tips for fellow artists, crafters, and kawaii lovers.
Inspiration and insight into how each piece comes to life.
Occasional updates about new collections, clearance sales, or upcoming projects.

Think of this space as part resin diary, part studio peek, part celebration embracing the kawaii side of life.

Let’s Stay Connected
Instagram: [@JustKawaiinMore]
Facebook: [@JustKawaiinMore]
Message Just Kawaii n More on WhatsApp https://wa.me/message/R2RDW4QNNHLVG1

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you find inspiration, comfort, or even just a smile while you’re here.

With love & resin,

Ava
Creator of Just Kawaii n More

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