Today I have a fun recycle craft for you- Faux Dichroic Glass Pendants. I love the look of fused glass but don’t have the time, tools or inclination! So I came up with this great way to reuse beach glass (or tumbled glass shards) and….wait for it….basket cellophane!
Before I get to the tute, let me show you how they look worked up into finished jewelry.
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It’s pretty simple. Here’s what you need:
Disclosure: some of the links below are affiliate links, and I will receive a small commission from your purchase. Thank you!
- Mod Podge Dimensional Magic -it’s what I used, albeit in the old packaging. (or Glossy Accents)
- Beach Glass that you’ve collected or Tumbled Glass from the floral supply section. I got some at the Dollar store!
- Good fine scissors for small snips- I like these Westcott Scissors
- Leftover basket wrap (iridescent cellophane) like you use on Easter baskets
You cal also use bits of holographic gift wrap (the shiny plastic kind) and even stickers like Magenta Peel-offs or Dazzles!
The first thing you do is coat your piece of glass with a thin layer of MPDM- just a dot will do. Spread it around with your finger. Cut some small bits of cello to fit on top.
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Tap the cellophane onto the tacky glass. Make sure it sticks without any bubbles. Use a pin to pop them or position the cellophane. Let it dry.
Then cut smaller bits- stripes or random shapes- and repeat the process. (Thin layers of MPDM work best and dry quickly.)
When you are satisfied, finish with a thicker coat of MPDM for a glossy, glass-like finish!
Remember that it goes on cloudy, but dries crystal-clear! And when it does, you’ll see all of those amazing, reflective layers!
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This one only has 3 layers- and you can still see the texture of the cellophane wrap through the finish. I *love* the dimensionality!
(Yeah, I know dimensionality is a made-up word. But I like it.)
To finish off your pendants, you can wire wrap them or just glue on a fold-over or ankara-style bail and add your favorite chain or cording!
Glue-on fold-over bail.
I gotta tell you, these are really fun and kind of addicting to make. It’s easy to work in a series and make a set of 4 or 5 at a time.
Plus you are saving trash from going into a landfill! I have a whole box of shiny bits just waiting to be used up.
I’d love to hear your thoughts or comments on this project- drop me a line! ; )
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You’re BRILLIANT!
Spent a small fortune making dichroic glass pendants, loved it, but some glass slipped in firing leading to disappointment. These look wild! Can’t wait to share them at the RV Park! Cheap and beautiful.
Pinning this one! Super awesome! ~God bless~
Did anyone ever tell you that you are a genius??
I have quite a few pieces of sea glass, iridescent cellophane, gold leaf, Glossy Accents and other odds and ends that would look lovely in this project.
Diana
I really like this idea as something to do with my life skills kids at school.
However, I can’t seem to find a cheap source of the sea glass that you are referring to.
Our dollar stores and Michaels only seem to have those glass round gems.
This email is from Canada – any thoughts?
Here’s what I did: http://lmgtfy.com/?q=sea+glass+bulk
this is so great…imagine all the cabs and pendants we could make like this 🙂
I love this idea and almost missed it! But I was saved when I saw it on the CraftGossip Newsletter. I can’t wait to give it a try and maybe I will have some fantastic inexpensive gifts!
These are amazing! The perfect thing to teach the students from Teri. i volunteer at Charity Wings Art Center in San Marcos, CA and we give classes free of charge to the recipients of charitable organizations. I will soon begin a series of classes for students from Teri, an organizations that fills the days with interesting and educational activities for disabled and developmentally delayed adults. May I have your permission to use your instructions for this purpose?
Stephanie- first of all, thank you for asking! Since you are NOT charging for the classes (and not making pieces to sell) you absolutely my use this technique at the Charity Wings with my blessing. Did you know that at one time I was an activities director at a home for developmentally disabled men? : )
Love this! Tha
Love this!Thanks so much. This will go great with Kumihimo braid.
Just saw your instructions for the faux-dichroic glass pendants…and just have to tell you how beautiful your pieces are! I am a newbie at jewelry-making, and have been looking for elegant, yet easy, pieces to make……and this is just perfect! You are obviously a truly talented person, and I thank you for sharing this project with us!
Thank you SO much Dianne! Your kind comment really made my day. : )
Thank you for the tutu!!! I was just at a Christmas fair and a vendor was selling all sorts of jewelery made of Dichroic glass, I loved it but they were too expensive for my budget. Now I will be able to make my favorite pieces with the real sea glass that I snagged at a Thrift Shop for 50 cents for a shoe box filled with it they had 2 boxes and I purchased both of them for my crafting stash! Once more Thank you you may of just helped conceive the birth of a new crafting line for me!!!
This is totally awesome especially for those who do not have kilns!
What an awesome idea! So pretty!
That’s so cute! What a great idea. I’ve been wanting to find a project like this to make with my niece, she would love it. She’s all about pretty rocks, and I’m sure she would be really excited to make some of her own that she can wear. I love dichroic glass and similar stuff. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I love dichroic glass, cannot buy or make it. I am looking forward to making these designs to which you have introduced me.
This is amazing! I love dichroic glass, but I hate the price tag. I’ll be making my own faux pieces very soon!
I worked in a stained glass shop for a number of years. I can’t begin to tell what an awesome idea! Dichroic glass is “very” expensive. Example I spit a “small” box of dichroic with the shop owner. The 2×3″ pieces cost me $100 with employee discount. Fusible glass is expensive and you have to combine glass that is compatible. Let’s not forget get possible class fees or firing fees if you don’t have a kiln. I am very anxious to try this. I have fun making glass pendants. I will share this idea with friends. Crafting with our people is very rewarding.
I worked in a stained glass shop for a number of years. Any one that’s looked into making dichroic pendants may understand the costs involved. I think this idea is awesome! If I had the supplies, that’s what I would be doing tonight.
Sorry. I have been known to repeat myself. Just ask prior students. But that’s what happens when I get excited!