How to Make Glass Cabochon Stickers and Charms
Hello everyone!
This time, I put together a new-style tutorial for making small pieces with glass cabochons.
The theme is making cute original puffy-sticker-style pieces ദᵕ̈૩✨✨
Previously, I shared this article:
How to Use Glass Cabochons with ResinIn that article I introduced a resin method, but this time I will use Bond for Parts, a glue that makes the process much easier☝️
I also added a few short videos at key points as part of my filming practice.
They make it easier to understand things like the amount of glue and how to remove air bubbles, so even if this is your first time, please feel free to try it〜〜✊˘ᵕ˘
How to Make Glass Cabochon Stickers and Charms
Materials and Preparation |
1. Prepare the Paper and Attach the Glass Cabochon・Using a clear protective sheet helps prevent bleeding |
2. Finishing and Making PiecesTurn the pieces into stickers, accessories, and more. |
Finish!!Examples using the finished pieces |
Materials
Here are the materials you will need:
We will use glass parts in various shapes for this project.
Glass cabochons work a little like lenses, making the design underneath look slightly larger. Choosing one slightly larger than the paper design gives a nice fit.
They have a little weight to them, which gives even small finished pieces a more elegant feel.
For this tutorial, I used a glue called Bond for Parts.
If you use a different type of glue, the finish may not be the same as in this tutorial, so please keep that in mind.
When using a glue for the first time, I recommend making a small sample first to check how it adheres, whether air bubbles appear, and whether the paper bleeds.
for Glass Cabochon Paper
This is a clear protective sheet to apply over the illustration paper.
It makes the process easier and more reliable, even when using thin paper or materials that bleed easily.
Cut it to the size you need with scissors before use.
For this project, I used a design printed at home on photo paper.
Photo paper is sturdy and gives the colors a clean, bright look, so I recommend it.
Wrapping paper, snack boxes, magazine cutouts, and similar materials can also be fun to use.
Flat materials that do not absorb glue too easily are easier to work with.
Use these to adjust any excess glue and to wipe the glue nozzle. Scrap fabric works better than tissue because it does not tear as easily.
Use these scissors to cut the paper design and film sheet. Since there are some small areas to trim, it is helpful to use a pair of craft scissors you are comfortable with.
Use this to attach the finished pieces.
Use this to turn the finished pieces into accessories or other parts.
1. How to Use the Glue and Attach the Glass Cabochon
First, prepare your illustration paper and check which size of glass cabochon fits best.
Here, I used a design printed at home on photo paper.
Prints made with a home printer may bleed if you apply glue directly to them. You will either need to apply a protective sheet on top or use a glue that is less likely to cause bleeding.
Glass cabochons make the illustration underneath look slightly larger, so choosing one that is a little larger than the design will help the finished piece look balanced☝️
Try placing different shapes, such as simple round or square cabochons, over the design. You may notice that the impression changes quite a lot depending on the shape.
Once you find a shape that fits nicely, let’s move on to attaching it!
Apply Protective Film to the Paper
Prepare the protective film for the paper.
Cut it to a suitable size, then peel off the backing paper before use.
The glue used in this tutorial may cause the ink to bleed if applied directly to the paper, so I will use the protective sheet for this process. Depending on the type of glue and paper you use, you may not need to apply the sheet.
Apply the sheet over the illustration.
Apply the Glue
Apply the glue.
As a guide, apply a small amount of glue in the center of the illustration, about 70% of the size of the cabochon.
In this sample, I used a 14 mm cabochon and applied a dot of glue that was just under 10 mm across.
🎥 Video included
Adjust the amount of glue depending on the size of your cabochon.
If you apply glue all the way to the edges, it may squeeze out and make a mess when you press the glass cabochon down. Starting with about the amount shown in the photo makes the process easier.
Place the glass cabochon on top of the glue.
Watch the video: The amount of glue and how it spreads
Attach the Glass Cabochon
Press lightly with your finger to spread the glue across the whole surface.
With this glue, small bubbles will naturally move toward the outside and disappear as it dries. It is safest to leave them alone and avoid touching the piece too much.
If there is a large, noticeable bubble, gently push it toward the edge to remove it.
🎥 Video included
Pressing too much may create uneven glue or shift the shape, so keep adjustments quick and minimal.
Before the glue dries, adjust the position of the glass cabochon so the illustration sits in the center.
Place it on a flat surface and let it dry for half a day to a full day.
Watch the video: Pushing out a large air bubble
The bubble is easier to see if you zoom in.
This glue takes some time to set, so there is no need to rush ദ്ദി˘ᵕ˘✨
Move the glass cabochon gently and adjust it to a nicely balanced position.
After using the glue, wipe the nozzle with a scrap of fabric to help keep it in good condition.
If you use tissue paper, it may tear and make the nozzle even messier, so be careful! 😂
What If the Glue Spills Over?
If the glue spills over and you want to remove the excess, an awl or a similar tool is easy to use.
If it is only a small amount, you can trim it away with scissors after it dries. In many cases, it is cleaner to let it dry rather than trying to remove it by force.
Wipe any glue from the tool with a scrap of fabric.
2. Finishing and Tips
After attaching glass cabochons in various shapes, I let them sit for about half a day. They are starting to look nice and clear!
You can usually move on to the finishing steps after about half a day, but I recommend leaving them for at least one full day so they can dry thoroughly.
If you rush the process, the cabochons you have just attached may come off. Let them dry well before moving on to the finishing steps.
Cut the piece out from the paper with scissors.
The finished pieces can be used like puffy stickers by attaching double-sided tape to the back, or they can be glued onto settings. There are many ways to enjoy them!
Making a Piece with a Double-Sided Setting
I made a piece with a daytime design on one side and a nighttime design on the other!
It can be enjoyed from both sides and has become one of my favorite pieces.
Attach the pieces to the front and back of the setting with glue or double-sided tape, and it is complete.
It is very easy to make, so please use it as a reference for your own project.
You can also make buttons using parts designed for creating snap buttons.
They seem to go nicely with leather projects too!
Final Step
Now we have lots of finished pieces!
You can use them as puffy stickers, accessory parts, or pendant tops.
Have fun trying different ideas!
For the round piece, I used a 20 mm pendant top setting.
The mineral-style pieces also turned out better than I expected, and I plan to use them like stickers ദᵕ̈૩✨
It had been a while since I shared a project other than embroidery.
This was easy to make in small pockets of time, and I really enjoyed it as a refreshing change દᵕ̈૩
The last time I wrote an article about glass cabochons was about 10 years ago.
Thanks to this glue, I feel that this kind of project has become much easier and more casual than it was back then.
