Methods for manufacturing items utilizing a planar support member

A method of manufacturing a decorative item, the method comprising:

• obtaining a component support assembly that comprises a planar support member and a plurality of three-dimensional components, the three-dimensional components each having a planar top surface, a planar bottom surface, and one or more side surfaces, wherein the side surfaces of the three-dimensional components are substantially orthogonal to the top surface and bottom surface of each of the three-dimensional components, and wherein the bottom surface of each of the plurality of three-dimensional components is on a top surface of the planar support member;
• placing a frame relative to the top surface of the planar support member such that the frame surrounds the plurality of three-dimensional components, the frame having a plurality of side members defining an open interior of the frame, wherein when placed relative to the top surface of the planar support member, the plurality of side members and a portion of the planar support member define a frame cavity;
• depositing a liquid second component material into the frame cavity and onto the component support assembly, such that the second component material is in contact with an inner surface of each of the plurality of side members of the frame so as to surround each of the plurality of side members and the top surface of the planar support member;
• allowing the second component material to harden to form a second component that is secured to the plurality of three-dimensional components and to at least a portion of the top surface of the planar support member, wherein the plurality of three-dimensional components, the second component, and the planar support member together form an unfinished item;
• removing the frame from the unfinished item;
• and
• removing the planar support member from the plurality of three-dimensional components and the second component to reveal a bottom surface of the item, the bottom surface of the item having exposed surfaces of the plurality of three-dimensional components and the second component, wherein the upper surfaces of the first component and the second component of the item are also exposed surfaces, and wherein the three-dimensional components and the hardened second component have a different color or translucency.