Super easy DIY glass gems and magnets are very easy and fun for everyone! Clear glass gems can be purchased inexpensively in different sizes and even in different colors. The basic directions are the same for almost all glass gems. I have included instructions as well as two free downloadable different heart patterns to complete this craft project.
Adding magnets and pushpins can make a whole new decorative ensemble to an office or craft room. The ideas are endless. DIY crafts are really trending right now, you can make these crafts easily, and in no time at all!
Table of Contents or Collapse to Hide
Tips and Tricks when Making Glass Gems
Some of the techniques I have discovered over the years you may find useful if this will be your first-time glass gem crafts.
- Use inexpensive scissors
- Child-safety scissors for younger children
- Most craft paints will work, but acrylic paints are best
- Mod-Podge all-in-one sealer
- E6000 glue is best for securing magnets, push pins, etc.
- A 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**
Super Easy DIY Glass Gems Video Tutorial
Valentine’s Day Glass Gems
These heart glass gems can be used not only for Valentine’s Day but I also like to use them throughout the rest of the year. They can be used for gifts, on tags or packed in a lunch or pocket for your loved one to find later and know that you are thinking of them!
If you make a mistake or simply want to start over, that’s so easy to do. All you have to do is soak the gems in warm soapy water to remove the paper and they will be able to be used again and again.
In my previous blog, Glass Pebble Magnets, Crafts, and More I gave out a free printable to do your very own design for the glass gems. This design lets you put your own twist for Valentine’s Day by using your fingerprints to create a heart. Be sure to check it out and also get your free printable from there as well!
Materials Needed to Make Glass Love Gems for Valentine’s Day:
- Glass beads
- Mod Podge
- Paint brush (optional)
- Teflon sheet for crafts
- Printed heart images on all-purpose paper
- Sanding block-medium grit
Directions to Make Glass Love Gems
Part 1:
- Print out the love template(s) on all-purpose printer paper
- Cut out each image on the dashed lines
- Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge over each heart
- Immediately place the glass gem on the center of the heart image
- Apply pressure to ensure the image is centered on the gem
- With a brush or a finger, apply a thin coat of Mod Podge to the back of the paper
- Let dry upside down on the glass head on the Teflon sheet
***HIGHLY recommend that you only do one at a time as the Mod Podge dries quickly***
Part 2:
- Trim the paper, flush to the glass bead 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
See other ideas you can make with these glass gems below:
Glass Magnet Thumbtacks for the Office
Glass magnets or glass gem thumbtacks can be made to match your office theme and brand. You can use a printable of the days in the months or even just days of the week on the wallboard for a quick reference. To save money and the environment, you could use an office supply. Use the directions as outlined above.
Fridge Magnets
Fridge magnets are trending again but in the form of DIY crafts! These fridge magnets can hold photos, of course, but so much more. Use your imagination to create your personalized magnet. There are other uses for fridge magnets as listed below!
- Photos
- Reminders
- Shopping list
- To-do
- Vet appointments
- Recyclables
- Meetings
- Diet
- Doctor/dentist appointments
- Schedules
- Homeschooling
- Children’s activities
- and more
Downloadable “Love” Printables
Instant downloadable “love color”, or “love plain” which will consist of two 8.5”x11” PDF’s to print and use for making glass gems for this Valentine’s Day craft or any time of the year you want to share a token of “love” craft. You may download both! Our gift to you!
Print Love Printables
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.
Our Products
Check out other gem printables to purchase at our Farmhouse BC Printable Shop and return to the blog often, we will be offering other free gem printables to go along with certain blog posts. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified!
You are receiving downloadable files only; there are no physical items. Even though this product is free, please read our terms of use here as they do still apply: Terms of Use.
Think these are cute and interested in more? Visit our shop where we have more free downloadables and printables for free or for purchase that are absolutely beautiful!
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. Once you learn how to make mercury glass, you can also add the feature to your glass gems! These glass gems would fall under Gift Ideas Using DIY Mercury Glass and you can also make more for your loved one!
Conclusion For Making Glass Pebbles
This is a fast, inexpensive craft that can be used in many ways. It also offers family-time to show off your creativity. Would you like more ideas using glass gems? Check out Home Talk’s 16 Stunning Ideas for Your Dollar Store Gems.
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
Thank you for stopping by, we hope you will have fun and enjoy this easy craft. Please leave a comment if you have tried this project, we’d love to hear from you!