Vintage Style Hot Glue Gemstones

Intro: Vintage Style Hot Glue Gemstones

Hello! Today we’re making vintage looking faux gemstones using hot glue. You'll be surprised what you can do using things you have at home and a kid's toy!

STEP 1: Steal Playdough From a Child.

I'm only joking! ;) But you could in fact use someone else's playdough - it won't be affected and can be returned afterwards.

We will use it to create molds for the hot glue, so either flatten the dough with something flat or roll it out.

STEP 2: Creating a Gemstone Mold

Now it's time to find random treasures at home that resemble gemstones when pressed into the playdough.

Here, I rolled a marble back and forth a bit to create an oval shape.

Round shapes seem to work better than faceted gemstones in this project (the facets can come out a bit messy).

STEP 3: The "bezel Setting"

For the rim / fake bezel setting, this is one option: Jam a pin needle into a hot glue stick and use that as a tool.

The deeper you go, the higher the rim will be. You can also choose how close the rim will be to the gemstone.

STEP 4: More Objects I Used

You can really be creative here and use all kinds of objects for completely different outcomes. (Like I mentioned, round gemstone shapes came out better)

STEP 5: Fill the Mold

Now it's time to fill your mold with hot glue!

The one annoying part about this project is that air bubbles form quite easily. I try to avoid this by starting from the center and slowly making my way outwards, trying not to trap any air. 

Next, you will need baking paper or silicone to press the glue flat. Press gently, because you don’t want your mold to change its shape.

STEP 6: Wash and Trim the Glue

Once it has cooled down, you can remove the glue and clean it with water and a toothbrush. Just make sure not to confuse your toothbrushes afterwards! ;)

The thinner you made the glue, the easier it is to cut off the excess with regular scissors.

STEP 7: Paint

It’s painting time!

I’m using nail polish and acrylic paints. Why nail polish? Because you need paint that’s quite glossy for the gemstone. Acrylic paint looks too streaky. 

For the rim, I used black acrylic paint as a base and then added metallic highlights with metallic acrylic paint.

You can also age the gemstone with watered down black acrylic paint. (You could use watercolor as well since you can take it off if you don't like it)

STEP 8: I Didn't Like It, So I Changed It

I trimmed the rim and actually didn't ruin it!

STEP 9: Making Jewelry

When your pieces are painted, they can be made into jewelry.

For example, you can pierce the glue with a map tack and add a matching jump ring.

Or you can glue a ribbon loop to the back instead.

The ring in the last picture is made completely out of hot glue.

You could glue a brooch pin to the back as well - there are many options!

I hope you liked this Instructable!

Comments

[KimiKuj]

Wow!!! So creative! I can't wait to try this with my daughter! She will LOVE it♡ Thank You so much for sharing Randomona! I'm beyond grateful that I found Instructables. Coolest community in the web😎

[Randomona]

You're very welcome! Have fun with your daughter :D Also, I totally agree - best community ever ;)

[Dankozi713]

I saw you got a shout out on the Maker update from Digikey!!!

[Randomona]

Oh wow, thanks for letting me know! I had no idea :)

[Splat]

This is a really cool project! they look so realistic!

[Randomona]

Thank you very much! :)

[rhsantucho]

Great job. I wonder if you insted use transparent hot glue and some food coloring. It will be like crystal stones, right?

[Randomona]

Thank you! So far I haven't had much luck dying hot glue. It doesn't want to mix with many things, unfortunately! But I would love to find something that works.

[Penolopy Bulnick]

I'm really impressed with how these came out! Very vintage looking :)

[Randomona]

Thanks, I appreciate it! :)