Resin Mastery: Exploring iCoat Epoxy

Resin Mastery: Exploring iCoat Epoxy

by Rachel and Ian

Sell Your Resin Creations Like a Pro at Street & Local Fairs - Episode 26

In this episode of Resin Mastery, Rachel and Ian dive into the opportunities of selling handmade resin items—such as flower preservation pieces, coasters, jewelry, and other small crafts—at local street fairs, farmers’ markets, flea markets, and community events. They highlight why in-person selling is a great side hustle: low entry costs, flexibility, and the chance to give customers a tangible, premium-feeling product. The conversation emphasizes that fairs offer instant customer feedback, help build brand awareness, and allow makers to stand out in a still-niche market with high perceived value. The hosts walk listeners through practical tips, including what to sell and how to present it. They suggest bringing smaller, affordable trinkets alongside larger, high-ticket pieces to reach different buyers, incorporating seasonal themes like Christmas ornaments, and using signage, backdrops, or unique storytelling to draw people to a booth. They stress the importance of pricing correctly by factoring in materials, labor, and profit margins, while also using strategic sales tactics like “buy three, get one free” to boost transactions. Rachel and Ian also recommend always collecting customer contact information, handing out coupons, and making sure people know about custom offerings like wedding bouquet preservation. Wrapping up, they encourage listeners not to wait for perfection before starting—every fair is a learning experience. Guerrilla marketing tactics, from QR code stickers to networking at niche expos, can help grow visibility. They remind makers to reinvest profits, grow steadily, and keep strong ethics in their business. The episode closes by urging listeners to revisit past Resin Mastery episodes featuring inspiring success stories of makers who went from struggling financially to building thriving resin businesses, underscoring that with effort, creativity, and persistence, the craft fair route can be both fulfilling and profitable. https://www.wildflowerpreservation.com/ wildflowerpreservation@gmail.com https://icoatepoxy.com tel: +1 602-258-1114 https://www.facebook.com/iCoatProducts/ Instagram @icoat.epoxy https://icoatepoxy.com/ai-agent/ Podcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com

Artisan Interview with Kali and Robert: The Art and Heart of Wildflower Preservation - Episode 25

Preserving Memories in Resin: The Art and Heart of Wildflower Preservation - Episode 25 The conversation features Kali and Robert from Wildflower Preservation, a Tennessee-based business specializing in preserving wedding, memorial, and special event flowers using museum-quality iCoat epoxy resin. They discuss their journey from starting as a small hobby to building a thriving handmade business that operates with full transparency and direct client communication. Kali, who initially studied criminal justice, found her passion in flower preservation and quickly grew the company with Robert’s woodworking skills, creating personalized resin-encased floral keepsakes, including custom frames and blocks. They emphasize the emotional significance of preserving flowers as tangible memories that add character and meaning to a home, making their work deeply personal and meaningful for clients. Their process involves highly detailed craftsmanship, with just the two of them handling each piece from start to finish. They prioritize open communication to manage client expectations around the delicate nature of flowers and resin work, sharing the realities of the time-consuming steps, such as drying flowers, curing resin, preventing bubbles, and possible color changes. The conversation highlights the challenges and learning curve involved, particularly mastering precise timing and temperature control to avoid issues like flash curing or discoloration. They also stress the importance of using high-quality materials, specifically iCoat resin, due to its reliability, quick curing times, and supportive customer service, which has been key in their success. Kali and Robert also touch on their marketing approach, which focused on genuine social media engagement rather than just sales pitches, helping build a loyal community around their brand. They discuss expanding their reach beyond the U.S., working with dried or recreated flowers internationally, and the potential for partnerships with venues like churches or funeral homes to preserve and repurpose blessed or memorial flowers as unique gifts or keepsakes. The couple's passion for their craft, combined with their honest business practices and creative collaboration, has allowed them to grow quickly while maintaining the personal, handcrafted quality that customers value. https://www.wildflowerpreservation.com/ wildflowerpreservation@gmail.com https://icoatepoxy.com tel: +1 602-258-1114 https://www.facebook.com/iCoatProducts/ Instagram @icoat.epoxy https://icoatepoxy.com/ai-agent/ Podcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com

Sacred Blooms: The Business of Preserving Religious Event Flowers - Episode 24

In this episode of the Resin Mastery Podcast, the hosts dive into the theme of preserving flowers from religious events using ICOAT Epoxy. They introduce the idea that many blessed flowers, coming from events like weddings, funerals, baptisms, and religious holidays, are often discarded after ceremonies despite their emotional and spiritual significance. The conversation highlights the lost value in tossing out such flowers and advocates for their preservation as lasting mementos, not just for individuals, but as gifts or keepsakes available in the gift shops of churches, synagogues, and other religious institutions. The discussion broadens to include flowers and traditions from diverse faiths and cultures, such as marigolds for Día de los Muertos or poppies for Remembrance Day. Rachel and Ian explore the practical side of partnering with religious organizations or local businesses to offer flower preservation as a meaningful service, which can provide cherished keepsakes (like rosaries made from preserved flowers) and new revenue streams for community institutions. They emphasize the emotional resonance of these preserved pieces, suggesting they serve as physical reminders of important life events, capturing more than just the beauty of flowers, but the memories, promises, and emotions tied to significant milestones. Rachel shares that, in her own experience, a preserved bouquet would represent not just a wedding day but the enduring commitment and love behind it. The hosts wrap up by encouraging artisans and creators to take a proactive and personal approach, emphasizing the benefits of collaborating with local religious groups or gift shops rather than relying solely on online sales. The conversation notes the importance of supporting local communities and fostering connections, with heartfelt advice for artisans to reach out directly to organizations and offer their craft. Overall, the episode is a testament to the power of resin artistry in transforming fleeting symbols into cherished, memory-laden objects that carry both emotional weight and communal value. https://icoatepoxy.com tel: +1 602-258-1114 https://www.facebook.com/iCoatProducts/ Instagram @icoat.epoxy https://icoatepoxy.com/ai-agent/ Podcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com

Wedding Flowers to Rosaries. Interview with Kerry Nicklaus of Rememberable Resin - Episode 23

Kerry, the founder of Rememberable Resin in Green Bay, Wisconsin, shares her moving journey on Resin Mastery. Her business began after the loss of her mother, inspiring her to preserve the flowers from her mother’s celebration of life using epoxy resin. What started as a deeply personal project soon evolved. Kerry learned about flower preservation by researching artists and experimenting with quality materials like iCoat epoxy resin. As she created keepsakes for friends and family, word spread, fueling her passion and causing the business to rapidly expand from her home’s kitchen island to the point of needing a dedicated facility. At the heart of Rememberable Resin is Kerry’s commitment to creating meaningful, lasting memorials. She emphasizes the irreplaceable value of sentimental keepsakes, from memorial trays to rosaries with flowers encapsulated in every bead. Each piece is crafted to support others through grief and remembrance. Kerry’s process is tailored to each client, focusing on transparent communication and educating them on what to expect: preservation takes time, precision, and dialogue. Her work is not just about the objects themselves, but about bringing comfort and joy to others by safeguarding important memories. Offering advice to newcomers, Kerry highlights the importance of patience, quality tools, and continual learning. She encourages future preservation artists to practice with grocery store flowers before accepting important commissions and stresses the use of reputable supplies for the best results. Kerry also shares practical details on working with clients nationwide, explaining her readiness to accept flowers from anywhere in the U.S. and her guidance for affordable shipping. Above all, she urges others to pour their passion into their craft, not to be discouraged by the learning curve, and to take pride in the impact that thoughtful, lasting keepsakes can provide. Kerry Nicklaus Rememberable Resin Website - https://rememberable-resin.square.site/ Email- rememberableresin@gmail.com Phone- (920)393-7876 Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rememberable_resin?igsh=NzNvdWttaTNub3o2&utm_source=qr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1B74ba6mCD/?mibextid=wwXIfr Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rememberable_resin?_t=ZT-8xriEg3Knte&_r=1 Other (The Knot): https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/rememberable-resin-suamico-wi-2080015 https://icoatepoxy.com tel: +1 602-258-1114 https://www.facebook.com/iCoatProducts/ Instagram @icoat.epoxy Podcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com

Are There Wedding Outlets You Are Missing? - Episode 22

In the latest episode of Resin Mastery, Rachel shares that she is currently planning her wedding and discusses the importance of preserving wedding flowers as keepsakes. She explains her intention to preserve her bouquet and create small resin pieces, such as ring dishes or tokens, for her bridal party. Both hosts reflect on how wedding flowers hold deep sentimental value, with Ian highlighting the symbolic resilience of roses and how their ability to bloom again mirrors the enduring nature of marriage. The discussion then shifts to business advice for artisans working with epoxy and preservation. Ian and Rachel note that flower preservation is still a relatively new concept for many, and that most wedding planners and venues do not actively market these services. They suggest that artisans could expand their reach by partnering with wedding planners, hotels, florists, and even churches—places where weddings and memorials commonly occur. By building relationships with these professionals and offering creative preservation options, artisans can introduce more people to the idea of turning meaningful flowers into lasting mementos. The hosts emphasize the unique emotional value of preserved flowers, contrasting them with typical wedding gifts that lack personal significance. They encourage artisans to be proactive in seeking out local opportunities and to consider offering incentives, such as commission splits, to collaborators. The episode closes with Rachel expressing excitement for her upcoming wedding and the prospect of sharing her own flower preservation journey, while Ian reiterates the podcast’s mission to provide practical tips and inspiration for creative business growth. https://icoatepoxy.com tel: +1 602-258-1114 https://www.facebook.com/iCoatProducts/ Instagram @icoat.epoxy https://icoatepoxy.com/ai-agent/ Podcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com

Promoting your epoxy resin business, advice from Resin Mastery - Episode 21

The episode of "Resin Mastery" features a lively discussion between the host and Rachel, who returns after a brief hiatus. Ian and Rachel cover the challenges and opportunities of promoting a resin art business, with a particular focus on the evolving landscape of social media. Rachel and the host reflect on how platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have become essential for business growth, particularly as short-form video content has gained immense popularity. They emphasize that mobile-first platforms and engaging, bite-sized videos are now crucial for reaching new audiences and keeping up with shifting consumer attention spans. They go on to explore practical strategies for beginners in the resin business to build their online presence. Rachel suggests content ideas such as how-to videos, “day in the life” vlogs, product showcases, and behind-the-scenes glimpses to attract followers and potential customers. The hosts emphasize the importance of utilizing all available social media features—such as stories, music, and interactive links—to enhance content appeal and drive traffic to business websites. They also discuss the realities of today’s “pay-to-play” environment, where organic reach is limited and boosting posts or running ads may be necessary for substantial growth. Finally, the hosts offer candid advice about the realities of building a business online: success takes time, persistence, and adaptability. They caution against shortcuts like buying fake followers, emphasizing that genuine engagement is far more valuable than inflated numbers. Rachel encourages listeners to research trends, stay flexible, and focus on a few platforms where they can excel. The episode closes with a reminder to connect all digital touchpoints—social media, websites, and online stores—to build trust and credibility, and an invitation for listeners to reach out with questions or feedback. https://icoatepoxy.com tel: +1 602-258-1114 https://www.facebook.com/iCoatProducts/ Instagram @icoat.epoxy https://icoatepoxy.com/ai-agent/ Podcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com

Lumberlust Designs Interview - High-end, Live-edge and River Tables - Episode 20

In this episode of "Resin Mastery" it features an in-depth interview with Ryan Walsh of Lumberlust Designs. Ryan, a craftsman specializing in live-edge woodworking, river tables, and resin art, shares his journey from a photography background to becoming a full-time artisan. He describes his initial attraction to the organic forms of live-edge wood, contrasting it with the uniformity of mass-produced furniture. Ryan explains how resin, initially used for filling voids and stabilizing wood, became integral to his creative process, especially as new deep-pour resin products emerged. Ryan emphasizes the importance of adapting to market changes, particularly in light of rising material costs and shifting client demographics. Ryan details his approach to marketing, leveraging social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok to showcase his work and attract commissions. He also addresses the realities of running a custom woodworking business, including pricing and quality that map to his reputation. He talkes about the strategies he uses to keep his workflow steady, such as building inventory during slower periods and using content creation to generate future orders. He discusses the technical challenges faced in Phoenix’s hot climate, such as managing exothermic reactions and overheating during resin pours, and how his techniques and finishing processes have evolved through experimentation with various resin brands and methods before landing on a consistent quality brand, iCoat epoxy. The conversation concludes with practical advice for aspiring resin and woodworking artists. Ryan stresses the importance of setting up a suitable workspace—prioritizing climate control and air filtration. He lists essential equipment such as jigsaws, sanders, HEPA vacuums, and air scrubbers, and recommends starting with small projects to minimize risk and material waste. Safety is highlighted, particularly regarding dust and fume management. Ryan also shares insights on pricing custom pieces, explaining how costs are calculated based on materials, labor, and overhead, and occasionally involving clients in the material selection process to streamline pricing and tax considerations. Listener questions are addressed, including techniques for eliminating bubbles in resin pours, demonstrating Ryan’s expertise and willingness to share hard-earned knowledge with the community. Ryan Walsh - Lumberlust Designs https://www.lumberlust-designs.com/ https://icoatepoxy.com tel: +1 602-258-1114 https://www.facebook.com/iCoatProducts/ Instagram @icoat.epoxy https://icoatepoxy.com/ai-agent/ Podcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com

DIY to WOW: Lessons from My First Epoxy Resin Art Project - Episode 19

Visit us online for museum-quality Epoxy Resin In this episode of the Resin Mastery Podcast, hosts Rachel and Ian discuss Ian's first experience working with iCoat epoxy, focusing on the challenges and lessons learned from his initial project: creating a photo coaster as a Mother's Day gift. Ian shares that, like many beginners, he underestimated the complexity of the process, assuming it would be as simple as mixing and pouring the resin. However, he quickly realized that small details—such as the quality of the silicone mold, the importance of pouring in stages, and the need for proper preparation—significantly affect the final outcome. Despite some imperfections, Ian's wife appreciated the handmade gift, and the experience motivated him to improve his technique. The conversation highlights several key takeaways for resin beginners. Ian emphasizes the importance of investing in high-quality molds, as cheaper, flimsy molds can result in uneven or bubbly coasters. He also discusses the benefits of pouring a thin initial layer of resin and allowing it to partially cure before placing the photo, which helps prevent the image from floating or glitter from migrating onto the photo. Additionally, Ian notes that using a heat gun to remove bubbles requires a gentle touch, as being too aggressive can damage both the mold and the resin, affecting clarity and aesthetics. These insights are framed as part of a broader learning curve that all resin artists experience, reinforcing that improvement comes with practice and attention to detail. Rachel and Ian agree that perfectionism can be both a motivator and a hurdle for beginners, as initial failures may discourage further attempts. They encourage listeners to view mistakes as opportunities for growth and to recognize that mastering resin art involves learning from both successes and setbacks. The episode concludes with practical advice for overcoming common pitfalls, such as choosing the right materials, understanding the curing process, and maintaining safety precautions like eye protection. By sharing personal stories and practical tips, the hosts aim to demystify epoxy projects and inspire confidence in their audience. https://icoatepoxy.com tel: +1 602-258-1114 https://www.facebook.com/iCoatProducts/ Instagram @icoat.epoxy https://icoatepoxy.com/ai-agent/ Podcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com

Color Options for Floral Preservation and Epoxy Projects - Episode 18

Visit us online for museum-quality Epoxy Resin The conversation is a detailed and enthusiastic discussion about iCoat Epoxy and its colorant systems, primarily led by Tim from iCoat on the Resin Mastery Podcast. Here’s a summary: The speaker expresses strong praise for iCoat Epoxy, highlighting its clarity, ease of mixing, and unique quality compared to competitors. Tim is recognized as a knowledgeable resource in the field. Tim introduces the wide range of colorants available from iCoat, emphasizing that the company has been involved in both epoxy and colorant production for a long time. Four main types of colorants are discussed:Dispersion Colors: These are pigments used as tints, versatile for use in epoxy, cement-based products, and concrete coatings. They are less commonly used in the floral industry but are valuable for other applications. iCrylic (Silicone) Colorants: Described as stains rather than paints, these are primarily used in the floral industry to enhance or correct flower colors without leaching into the epoxy. They are also useful for creating opaque backgrounds and can be mixed for various effects. Super Stains: Also dispersion colors but with larger pigment particles, allowing for translucent tinting while maintaining epoxy clarity. These are suitable for applications like river tables and can be combined with mica powders for custom effects. Mica Powders: Fine powders that create metallic or pearlescent effects. iCoat offers them in a base white, which can be tinted to any shade using super stains, providing flexibility and reducing the need to stock many colors. Tim explains practical applications, such as correcting color changes in dried flowers, creating backgrounds, and achieving custom shades for artistic or industrial uses. The conversation ends with an open invitation for listeners to reach out to Tim or iCoat for further questions about epoxy colorants or their uses. Overall, the discussion conveys iCoat’s commitment to quality, versatility, and customer support in the epoxy and colorant market. https://icoatepoxy.com tel: +1 602-258-1114 https://www.facebook.com/iCoatProducts/ Instagram @icoat.epoxy https://icoatepoxy.com/ai-agent/ Podcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com

Bupp Woodworks and Design: Flower Preservation, Live Edge, and River Tables. - Episode 17

Visit us online for museum-quality Epoxy Resin The conversation is an interview with Tina Bupp of Bupp Woodworks and Design, a small business based in McHenry, Illinois, specializing in live edge woodworking and flower preservation using epoxy resin. Tina describes how she and her husband started the business, initially making tables and gradually expanding into flower preservation art. Their collaborative process combines her expertise in resin and floral design with her husband's woodworking skills, resulting in unique, customized pieces like tables, trays, and memorial art that have gained popularity both locally and nationally. Tina shares that the business began as a hobby while she and her husband held other jobs, but it quickly grew after some of their work went viral online, particularly on Pinterest. This surge in demand led them to transition to full-time work, eventually moving operations out of their home into a dedicated building. Tina discusses the challenges of scaling up, including managing increasing orders, maintaining quality, and balancing work-life boundaries, especially when working closely with her spouse. The conversation also touches on the importance of using food-safe, American-made epoxy that adheres to LEED Platinum Standards, as iCoat epoxy does, given concerns about imported resins and health standards. Tina emphasizes the sentimental value of their memorial pieces, which often incorporate personal items like wedding or funeral flowers. As the business continues to grow, Tina is looking to hire additional staff, allowing her to focus more on the creative aspects and further expand their reach. Bupp Woodworks and Design contact info: Website - www.buppwoodworks.com Email- buppwoodworks@gmail.com Phone- 815-600-7975 Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bupp_woodworks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buppwoodworks Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buppwoodworks Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@buppwoodworksdesigns2975 Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/BuppWoodworks/ https://icoatepoxy.com tel: +1 602-258-1114 https://www.facebook.com/iCoatProducts/ Instagram @icoat.epoxy https://icoatepoxy.com/ai-agent/ Podcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com
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