Glass Pebble Magnets, Crafts, and More

Glass pebble magnets, crafts, and more are very easy and fun for everyone to make! Clear glass pebbles can be purchased in different sizes and colors. The basic directions are the same for almost all glass gems. I have included instructions for using paint and printing paper images to complete the craft.

 Adding magnets and pushpins can make a whole new decorative ensemble to an office or craft room by using clear glass pebbles. The ideas are endless. DIY crafts are really trending right now, you can make these crafts easily, and in no time at all!

Tips and Tricks when Making Glass Pebbles

Some of the techniques I have discovered over the years you may find useful if this will be your first-time using glass pebbles.

• Use dollar store scissors and not fabric scissors
• Child-safety scissors for younger children
•  Acrylic paints are best
• Mod Podge is recommended for this craft (even though white craft glue will work)
• E6000 glue is best for securing magnets, push pins, etc.
• Medium grit sanding block works best for sanding the paper once dried
• All-purpose printing paper for printing
• Cardstock only for paint projects
• Paper cutter is very convenient but not necessary (I prefer to use one whenever possible)

*Warning, all-glass beads pose a choking hazard and are not recommended for small children and pets. Keep glues, scissors, and other craft items from reach of small children and pets at ALL times.*

Glass Pebble Magnets Tutorial Video

Fingerprint Glass Pebbles

Materials Needed to Make Fingerprint Glass Pebble Magnets

• Glass pebbles
• Apple Barrel acrylic paint
• Mod Podge
• Paintbrush (optional or use your finger)
• Craft sheet for crafts
• White light-medium cardstock printing paper
• Sanding block – medium grit
• E6000 glue
• Optional (pushpins, brooch pins)
• Magnets

Directions to Make Fingerprint Glass Pebble Magnets:

Part 1:

• Spread the paint, super thin on the craft sheet with a paintbrush
• Dip a thumb or pointer finger into the paint
• Press the inked finger on the provided template, printed on white cardstock
• Make several imprints on the cardstock inside the provided circles
• Let the paint dry thoroughly

Part 2:

• Cut fingerprint hearts out on the dash lines
• With a brush or a finger, apply a thin coat of Mod Podge to the fingerprint image
• Immediately place the glass gem on the center of the fingerprint image
• Apply pressure to ensure the image is centered
• Let dry 5-10 minutes
• Once dry, curve edges from the back to the front using a finger
• Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge over the back of the fingerprint image
• Let it dry upside down on the glass head

***It is HIGHLY recommended to only do one at a time as the Mod Podge dries quickly***

Part 3:

• Trim the paper, flush to the glass gem with scissors
• Use the sanding block to smooth the cut edges
• Sand from the back of the stone towards the side to the front (lightly) in a downward motion
• Optional for making a magnet:
• Using E6000 glue, apply a small amount to the back of a magnet
• Center the magnet (or pushpin) and let dry thoroughly before using

Homeschooling Alphabet Glass Pebbles

I remember homeschooling my children while making learning the alphabet fun by using glass gems and printed alphabet letters. It brings back a fond memory of using their own handwriting words to make glass gems once they mastered the alphabet letters. They used single words to make full sentences.

These are also perfect for substituting game pawns. For instance, Tick Tack Toe, Monopoly, Checkers, and more! They add character and personalization to your games.

Once the glass gems are no longer needed, soak the gems in warm water to remove the paper and they will be able to be used again and again.

Materials needed to make alphabet glass pebbles for learning:

• Glass pebbles
• Mod Podge
• Paintbrush
• Teflon sheet for crafts
• White printing paper with alphabet letters
• Sanding block – medium grit

Directions to make alphabet stones:

Part 1:

• Print out the alphabet letters on all-purpose printer paper to fit the size of the glass gem (NOTE: You can fit twenty letters of the alphabet on one page)
• Cut out each letter, leaving a ½ inch of space between each
• Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge over each letter, extending to fit the glass gem edges
• Immediately place the glass gem on the center of the letter
• Apply pressure to ensure the letter is centered on the gem
• Let dry 5-10 minutes
• Once dry, curve edges from the back to the front using a finger
• With a brush or a finger, apply a thin coat of Mod Podge to the back of the paper letter
• Let dry upside down on the glass head on the Teflon sheet

Part 2:

• Trim the paper, flush to the glass gem with scissors
• Use the sanding block to smooth the cut edges
• Sand from the back of the stone towards the side to the front (lightly) in a downward motion

Use these single letters to have the children make words. Basic words like cat, dog, the, boy, girl, and more can also be printed and made into word pebbles to make sentences.

State Maps for Learning and Travel Glass Pebbles

Homeschooling geography lessons can be made fun by printing out states and gluing them to the glass pebble beads for education and adventurous learning. If you are not homeschooling, how about making places you want to visit the glass pebbles? Once the destination has been traveled to, display the traveled map magnet on a magnetic board as a conversation piece?

Glass Magnet Thumbtacks for the Office

Glass pebble magnets or glass pebble thumbtacks can be made to match your office theme and brand. Print out days of the months, or even days of the week and use on a wallboard for quick reference and an office supply that can be used year after year, saving them money and the environment. Use the directions as outlined in the Homeschooling alphabet glass gems.

Inspiration Stones

Inspirational glass pebbles can be made for yourself, a friend, a loved one, or anyone who could use a reminder or a kind word of inspiration. Choose single words or small phrases that will fit in each stone. Make the words or phrases meaningful and inspirational. Just one glass inspirational stone could make a huge difference in your or someone else’s life. 

Choose words that have helped you. Maybe a spiritual quote, passage or something that has gotten you through a rough time?

Worry Stones

Have you ever heard of a “worry stone”? Joyful words, words of encouragement and even a family picture can be placed on the back of a clear glass stone and given as a “worry stone” to see, feel, and rub their worries away!

Memory Stones

Losing loved ones are hard. However with this craft, it is easy to take an old article of clothing from the loved one and split it up and make these memory stones. Memory stones help you stay and feel connected with your lost family member. If you’re interested in memory crafts for a loved one, I have also did a video where I took old silk ties and forged them into a Silk Tie Quilt.

Wedding Day Gifts

Wedding gifts from the happy couple can be made in the form of name and date gem stones to give to the wedding party or to everyone who has shared in their joyful day. One idea would be to include a large monogram letter for the last name with a date across the bottom to remember the special event.

Adding a thin felt piece under the stone would enable anyone to use it, even on delicate surfaces to prevent the chance of scratching the surface.

Photo Fridge Magnets

Did you that photo fridge magnets are trending again? Photo fridge magnets can hold photos, of course, but so much more can be added to them. Use your imagination to create your personalized magnets. There are other uses for fridge magnets listed below!

• Photos
• Reminders
• Shopping list
• To-do
• Vet appointments
• Recyclables
• Meetings
• Diet
• Doctor/dentist appointments
• Schedules
• Homeschooling
• Children’s activities
• and more

Downloadable Fingerprint Template & Emoji Template

Please visit our digital shop to receive your free, instant downloadable “fingerprint template”, which will consist of an 8.5”x11” PDF to print and use for making glass gems for this project or any time of the year you want to share a token of ‘love”.

Print Glass Pebble Magnets Template

NOTE: the size of the printable is 8.5″ x 11″. It will print on a standard sheet of paper. Check your printer settings before printing. You may have to check the box “fit to be printed area”. See Printing instructions and information here.

Check out our printable shop where other pebble printables will be available to purchase and return to the blog often, we will be offering more free pebble printables to go along with certain blog posts. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified!

Click the button above for the guide to make glass fingerprint pebbles. Down below we have also given you a free emoji template to make glass pebbles. Have fun and enjoy. The printables are for non-commercial and personal use only. I would love to see your crafty creations on social media. Be sure to tag Farmhouse Basic Collection and show me your finished products!

Think these are cute and interested in more? Visit our shop where we have templates for purchase that are absolutely beautiful! Please use this coupon code VDAY-2021 for .50 cents off any “Clear Glass Pebbles” printables, only until February 14th, 2021. This code can be used for unlimited purchases on these items ONLY!

Other DIY Crafts

Interested in other DIY fun crafts like this one? These glass pebbles can be sprayed to look like a faux mercury glass pebble. My blog Mercury Glass With Vinegar and Water will walk you through the process of creating mercury glass. Learning how to create your own mercury glass pebble for this craft can apply to other crafts. This new skill gives you Gift Ideas Using DIY Mercury Glass.

Shop Here:

We are a participant with the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

You will not incur extra fees or charges for using the links. We only recommend items we believe in and have tried. If I personally make or sell an item, I will mention this in the post for each item.

Visit our Amazon Storefront!

Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint Set can be found on Amazon

3 Pack Teflon Sheets can be found on Amazon

Mod Podge Water Base Sealer, Glue, and Finish can be found on Amazon

Large Clear Glass Gems 1.2”, One Pound can be found on Amazon

X-Large Clear Glass Gems, 1.5” 48 Ounces can be found on Amazon

FolkArt Medium Grit Sanding Block can be found on Amazon

E6000 Glue 4 Mini Packs can be found on Amazon

Paper Trimmer can be found on Amazon

Child Safety Scissors can be found on Amazon

White Cardstock Paper Standard Size for Fingerprint Art Gems can be found on Amazon

Craft Magnets 30 Pieces can be found on Amazon