A quick post and video demonstrating how to make mini glitter alphabet letters using UV Resin, for loose parts and letter matching.
These letters are much smaller than some of large resin letters that you see - and so rather than epoxy resin which requires mixing and pouring, I have made these mini glitter resin letters using UV resin with a thin nozzle attachment. If you would like to find out how to make these resin alphabet loose parts, have a watch of the video below...
How to make mini glitter UV resin alphabet letters
For resin letters, you will need the following (amazon affiliate links):
- UV Resin with small nozzle: https://amzn.to/2VYHvjS
- Silicone mini alphabet mould: https://amzn.to/2YryhxZ
- UV torch: https://amzn.to/2WpNAVi
- Glitter: https://amzn.to/3d8umua
- Wooden alphabet board
- Alternative wooden alphabet board: https://amzn.to/2WivaFR
Here is a quick YouTube video demo of how to make these:
Epoxy resin or UV resin?
UV resin is different to epoxy resin in that it doesn't require any mixing or pouring to make your pieces. This means it can be easier to use in some ways, especially for smaller scale items which require careful application. Epoxy resin is more cost effective for larger items and works better with bigger moulds where pouring the resin inside would be much easier!
UV resin requires a UV torch, UV light or direct sunlight to cure and harden, whereas epoxy resin is left to set over a number of hours, to harden on its own.
This particular make uses a very small silicone mould shape, using thin layers of resin and glitter within, and so UV resin was chosen for ease of application and speed of drying layers.
Important advice when using UV resin:
Choosing a mould which has a good amount pf transparency or translucency is important so that the UV light rays can cure through to the bottom of the piece you are making. If the UV light cannot penetrate through, then the resin will not set.
Make sure to use your torch on both the top and the underside of the mould to set the letters.
What can mini resin alphabet letters be used for?
alphabet matching: These letters are great for letter and sound matching, first matching the capital to the same capital letter on an alphabet board, and then matching the capital letters to the lower case graphemes.
Loose parts: Have sets of letters within your tinker trays and loose parts for children to use independently - you may find that they word build, or match sounds to objects
Phonics: These give another sensory element to phonics learning by giving children something tactile and tangible to hold - NB: this would work best with lower case letter moulds to match the individual sounds
Craft activities: use for making keyrings, necklace charms, cards and scrapbooking
I'd love to see any of your resin makes! Why not tag me on instagram (@arthurwears) or joining my facebook group for sharing ideas and activities for play based learning.
More home made project ideas here:
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