There’s something mesmerizing about a hemp leaf suspended in clear resin, catching sunlight like a botanical jewel. Resin sun catchers highlight every vein and silhouette, preserving the beauty of the leaf in a way that feels modern, natural, and almost otherworldly. At Ranchera Familia, these are one of our favorite crafts — simple to make yet incredibly striking when hung near a window.
Whether displayed in a kitchen, studio, greenhouse, or entryway, these sun catchers add a clean, earthy elegance to any space. And with just a handful of materials, you can turn dried hemp leaves into luminous hanging art that feels handcrafted and meaningful.
Supplies You’ll Need
- Fully dried hemp leaves (pressed or air-dried flat)
- Clear casting resin + hardener
- Silicone molds (ornament, circle, or disk shapes)
- Mixing cups and stir sticks
- Twine, hemp cord, or ribbon for hanging
You can keep the look minimal or style it with additional natural elements — but the leaf itself is always the star.
Step 1: Prep Your Leaves
Make sure your hemp leaves are:
- Fully dried
- Flat
- Dust-free
- Free from moisture or curling
Moisture inside resin can cause clouding, so dryness is essential for a clean, glass-like cure.
Step 2: Mix Your Resin
Follow the instructions that come with your resin kit — most require a 1:1 ratio of resin to hardener.
Stir slowly and intentionally to minimize bubbles.
Letting the resin rest for 1–2 minutes helps additional air escape.
Step 3: Pour a Thin Base Layer
Pour a small amount of resin into each silicone mold, just enough to lightly coat the bottom.
Allow it to sit and thicken slightly — this semi-cured base will help keep the leaf centered instead of floating.
Step 4: Add the Leaf
Once the resin base becomes tacky, gently place your dried hemp leaf onto it.
Use a toothpick or tweezers to:
- Adjust positioning
- Press the leaf flat
- Release any trapped air beneath it
Centering the leaf at this stage prevents shifting during curing.
Step 5: Fill the Mold
Pour the remaining resin slowly over the leaf until it is completely encased.
Work in small pours to avoid bubbles and maintain control.
Tips for a crystal-clear finish:
- Pop surface bubbles with a heat gun or by exhaling gently over the top.
- Avoid overfilling; leave a small buffer for clean edges.
Step 6: Cure Fully
Let the sun catcher cure undisturbed for 12–24 hours (depending on your resin brand and room temperature).
Once hardened, the piece should release easily from the silicone mold — smooth, glossy, and beautifully transparent.
Step 7: Add Ribbon or Twine
Thread a ribbon, hemp cord, jute twine, or clear fishing line through the designated hole in the resin disk.
Hang near:
- Windows
- Sliding glass doors
- Kitchen sinks
- Studio spaces
- Greenhouses
- Holiday trees
When sunlight hits the resin, the leaf glows — bold, botanical, and captivating.
Why We Love This Craft
Resin hemp leaf sun catchers are:
- Modern
- Minimalist
- Long-lasting
- Giftable
- Perfect for artisan markets
- Beautiful in natural light
- A meaningful way to honor the plant
Ready to make your own framed hemp leaf art?
You can purchase fresh-cut leaves directly from our farm here:
Shop Hemp Leaves – Ranchera Familia
