Last night, Grand River Makerspace hosted a hands-on workshop that brought a little bit of color, chemistry, and tabletop magic into the space. Led by Jason of Found Familiars Dice, our Resin Poured Dice Workshop introduced participants to the full process of creating custom RPG dice—like the ones used in Dungeons & Dragons and other role-playing games.
The workshop filled the makerspace with curiosity and creativity from the moment participants gathered around the worktables. Jason began by walking everyone through the fundamentals of resin casting, explaining how small-batch pours work, what materials are needed, and how different colorants, glitters, and additives behave once the resin begins to cure.
From there, attendees got hands-on experience selecting their pigments, mixing their resin, preparing molds, and testing out different swirl and gradient techniques. The excitement in the room was obvious—everyone was eager to see how their unique choices would come together once the resin cured.
One of the most fascinating parts of the workshop was learning how a pressure pot is used to remove tiny air bubbles from the resin. This step helps ensure that the finished dice are clear, balanced, and polished to perfection. Jason also shared insights on sanding, polishing, inking numbers, and the artistry involved in producing professional-quality dice sets.
By the end of the evening, participants had created their very own custom dice—each one completely unique in color, style, and character. Some leaned into bold fantasy-inspired colors, while others chose subtle gradients or shimmering effects. Whether attendees were long-time tabletop gamers or new to resin crafting, everyone walked away with new skills and a deeper appreciation for the craft.
Workshops like this one embody the mission of Grand River Makerspace:
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Developing hands-on skills
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Supporting local makers and artists
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Cultivating a community of learners, creators, and tinkerers
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Providing accessible opportunities to explore new materials and tools
A huge thank-you to Jason from Found Familiars Dice for sharing his expertise and passion with our community. We’re excited to offer more specialty workshops like this and continue expanding the creative opportunities available to makers in the Grand Rapids area.
Interested in joining a future class or workshop?
Visit grandrivermakerspace.org or follow us on social media for upcoming events, open houses, and maker opportunities.