Hot Glue + Soda Cans = Gemstones!

Hey guys! :)

If you like the look of resin charms and gems, but don't want to use resin, here is an alternative! Also, instead of buying bezel settings, we're making our own using soda cans!

Step 1: Cut and Shape Soda Can Strips

To make the fake bezel setting, cut out a strip from a soda can. If you're making a transparent charm, make sure that the printed side kind of matches your charm.

Then shape it however you like - something thin and round like the mine of a pen is useful for that. You can also gently fold the strips to make corners. Circles or ovals are the easiest shapes to make and fill later on - but many other shapes are possible! Shapes with corners are harder to fill though.

I like to round the ends of the strips a little bit to make them less pointy.

Step 2: Tape the Shapes

When you're done shaping the shapes, tape the shapes shut! (Try saying that fast) A very tiny piece of tape is needed for this step.

Step 3: Adding Color Method 1: Soda Cans

You can find beautiful shiny colors on soda cans. They are great in combination with transparent hot glue. Find a blank piece on your soda can and cut it out. Then use something like a round marker to straighten it out.

Instead, you can also color the silver side of a soda can and color it with Sharpies. You can create all kinds of effects that way. If you have alcohol inks, they would work really well too.

Step 4: Filling the Charms

For this method you need to find very transparent hot glue sticks (UK people: I got mine from Hobbycraft).

Place your shape on the metal piece, make sure it lies as flat as possible and fill it with hot glue.

Be careful: The metal gets hot, so don't touch it! Use something like a toothpick instead.

Step 5: Cutting Out the Gemstones

Once the hot glue has cooled down, you just need to cut out your gemstone! I like using my trusty nail scissors. Be gentle, because you don't want the soda can backing to separate from the glue.

Fun fact: If you peel off all the metal, you're left with a very shiny finish, which makes the glue very transparent.

Step 6: Adding Color Method 2: Nail Polish

If you don't have super transparent hot glue sticks - no problem!

Just use whatever hot glue you have and paint the glue with nail polish once it's cool. Instead of placing the "bezel" shapes on soda can material, you can use silicone or baking paper. I recommend silicone, because it doesn't warp and stays more flat - which means the charms will look better in the end.

Step 7: If All Else Fails: Glitter!

Crafting doesn't always go to plan. Luckily, there's one thing that saves the day: Glitter! Works like a charm if you want to cover up mistakes - or if you just like the effect!

Step 8: Adding Hooks to the Glue

If you want to hang your charm on a keychain or necklace, I thought of four ideas:

1) Eye pin: I formed an eye pin out of wire and left a little gap in the bezel shape to fit it in.

2) Very thin wire or string: Make a U-shape with very thin wire or string and place it under the bezel shape.

Step 9: Adding Hooks to the Back

3) Wire swirl: Create a swirl shape with a loop that you can glue to the back of the charm.

4) Ribbon: Fold a thin ribbon (like the ones that are inside shirts sometimes) and glue it to the back of the charm.

Step 10: That's All Folks!

Now you can use your charms and gems for jewelry, keychains, costumes and more!