Made Glass Stone Art (Cabochon).
29th December 2022- New Experience Number 35.
With the end of the year creeping up very quickly, I had done the usual thing that I had done for the previous four years, and left myself with too many new things to try to reach the annual fifty-two new experiences.
I spotted a glass stone art kit when I was in town. This was swiftly purchased as another new crafting activity to try.
What The Heck Is Cabochon?
Glass stone art, is sometimes referred to as Cabochon. The word comes from the old French word meaning ‘head’.
Cabochon often refers to gemstones which have been rounded and polished to create a smooth domed top and a flat underside. Jewellery in this style has been found dating back across many centuries.
This kit was only £5, so clearly I wasn’t going to be using real gems for this, but the glass stones included were shaped in the traditional method.
All Prepared
Thankfully, the glass stones were already prepared in the appropriate smooth rounded shape. I would happily have had a go at doing that, but I don’t think my kit had enough instructions or material for that part of the process.
To make the art part of the craft, paper is stuck to the flat base of the stone, and then finally a layer of felt is applied to the bottom.
The Kit
The kit was a great introduction to the craft and included –
- 1 instruction booklet
- 1 small tube of glue
- 1 sheet of felt
- 3 sheets of coloured patterned paper
- 5 differing sized glass stones
Choose Your Own Creation
Although there was more than enough patterned paper in the kit to solely make designs using that, I wanted to make some that were a bit more individual.
You can use pretty much any flat paper to add the stone. I decided to use a map of some places we’ve been to, and, a picture of Hunter from essential 90s weekend TV viewing – Gladiators. I’d recently revisited some old copies of Smash Hits. Hunter was in an issue, he is from York, and well, why not make him into some glass stone art?! Not sure how many other people can say they have Hunter in glass stone art form?!
The Make
As the stones were good to go straight from the kit, the first task was to apply the glue to the flat base, and then firmly press it on the chosen paper art.
After leaving it briefly to dry, I then cut around the stone to remove the excess paper.
Finally, I pasted a layer of glue onto the paper that was now on the flat bottom of the stone, and stuck the stone onto the felt. Again, once this had dried I trimmed away the excess, resulting in a neat little glass stone decoration.
There was plenty of felt and glue left in the kit to make lots more, you’d just need to buy some more stones.
Make Your Own Glass Stone Art Memento
These were quick and easy to make, and I love the idea that they can be truly unique and individual.
You can then use them in so many different ways too – to make jewellery or personalised keepsakes. Or how about sticking the stones onto other things for decoration, such as plant pots, cards, picture frames, or boxes – it’s up to you!
Want To Try It Yourself?
I picked up the kit from The Works when I was in town.
There are lots of glass stone art kits available in craft shops, stationers, and of course on line.
Cost Of Experience
The kit I bought was £5 and contained everything I needed to make five of the stones.
Prices will vary, but it should be fairly inexpensive to give it a go.
Recommendations
- Don’t limit yourself to the kit! Make it your own by adding art work that means something to you.
- Careful with the glue!
- It’s good to stick the paper and the felt onto the stone first, and then cutting off the excess. If you cut the paper first and find out it’s not quite the right match then you’re left with a slightly wonky stone, but I guess that makes it even more individual and unique!
- Don’t forget to take a picture of your creation!