There are so many crafts you can make with glass gems (flat marbles) for the home, garden, or fashion accessories (I’m not kidding). If you like some colour or bling in your crafts, you will probably find some ideas and inspiration here.
For more garden art tutorials, also see the top creative garden projects of the year.
Supplies Needed for Glass Gem Crafts
If you are interested in all of the top garden art projects on this site, they’re listed here.
Glass Gem Sources
Sources for Glass Gems / Flat Marbles
- I always like to find used / unwanted items for my projects and have good luck finding bags of glass gems at the thrift stores.
- You could also check online ads like Kijiji or Craigslist in case someone is getting rid of some.
- Otherwise, you can also find them at craft supply stores, dollar stores, Etsy, eBay, or Amazon.
- If you are planning a large or group project, or want specific colours that are hard to find, there are also sellers online who sell them in bulk.
Adhesive
The number one question people ask is What adhesive do you use to attach the glass gems?
For all of my glass gem projects I use GE Silicone II sealant (waterproof, clear-drying). Yes, it’s sold as a sealant to use around windows and doors, but, when applied 1/4″ thick, works like a glue, grabbing the marbles. You apply the sealant and press the glass gems into it while it’s wet.
As it dries, it sets up and holds the marbles in place. I have decorative garden balls that have been in my garden for over ten years (year round—in Canada) and only a few marbles have ever fallen off in that whole time. It really works.
If you want to know more, there’s a FAQ page here telling what you need to know to be sure things stick.
Safety Note: No matter which adhesive product you use, read the entire label for any health or safety considerations, and follow the instructions for application tips and drying times.
- Also see The Glue Resource Guide for Garden Art Projects for more options.
Garden Art
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Free Glass Gem Project Ideas
Most of the projects listed below also have tutorials/instructions.
Projects for The Garden
1. Decorative Garden Balls | The modern day version of the gazing ball, covered in flat marbles.
2. Frog Prince | A spin-off of the decorative garden ball gets a crown and a big smile.
3. Garden Art Treasure Jars | This is both a craft and an activity for kids.
Indoor or Outdoor Decor Projects
4. Faux Stained-Glass Windows | Add glass gems or stained-glass mosaic tiles to an old window for a neat effect.
5. Little Sparkling Windows | Old picture frames become colourful dazzlers.
More Garden Art Ideas Using Glass Gems
6. Marbles in Your Fence | Add bling to fence holes by inserting colourful marbles
7. Painted Plates Garden Art | Make garden flowers from plates (with marbles for decoration). I also have free instructions for garden flowers from dishes here.
8. Garden Stepping Stones | DIY instructions (site no longer available)
9. Dragonfly | Make a little dragonfly with marbles and copper wire (image only)
10. Glass Marble Fridge Magnets | Get some flat marbles, magnets, and Mod Podge and you’re good to go
11. Wire-wrapped Marble Tutorial | You can use these as decorations on their own or add them to items like the garden chandelier.
12. Glass Gem Garden Bench | Example of a concrete bench embellished with glass gems (image only)
Indoor Crafts Using Glass Gems
13. Marble Picture Pendant | Uses marbles and polymer clay
14. Glass Gem Sun Catchers | Tutorial for making sun catchers with glass gems
15. Door Wreathe | This is an image without a tutorial but may give you an idea for your home
16. Glass Gem Initial | Cover a wood cut-out in flat marbles (image only)
17. Glass Gem Bookmark | A very simple craft. Could be fun to make custom gems (like the fridge magnets) and make them into bookmarks. (image only)
Fashion Accessory Crafts Using Glass Gems
18. Flip Flops | Add flat marbles to your flip flops to make them unique with marbles
19. Glass Gem Necklace | Yes, you could wear them this way.
Here’s the Garden Art Supplies I Recommend
Which adhesive works best for garden art?
~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛
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Beth Weisman says
Hi. Thank you for the great article and your beautiful projects. I have been attempting to make garden art flowers out of various dishes glued together for sometime without success due to adhesive failures. I have tried the GE silicone II, marine glue, several industrial-strength epoxies and more. I live in South Florida so I’m sure the humidity is part of the problem, but many articles I have read about these particular product say they should withstand the humidity. If I had to guess, I would think the weight of the dishes are what ultimately is the problem. What clear outdoor adhesive do you recommend for glass projects that are somewhat heavy ?
Melissa J. Will says
Beth, when you are joining the pieces together, are you placing them on a table (flat surface) and allowing them time to dry according to the product instructions? I use GE Silicone II. Here are more tips: http://empressofdirt.net/silicone-sealant/
bernice says
hi Melissa….i have been following you for a long time,and have done many of these fun projects. first found you on hometalk. i have posted my stuff and you have responded nicely. we have just moved to Mexico,Ensenada actually. i left all my crafty things back in WA. my granddaughter now has them . i did not know i would be going through withdrawal…but i am. All those beautiful red marbles,all that silicone….all those dishes,all those cd discs. sigh.
we are not near any craft source that i know of right now. do you know of a mailing source that i can order from,not expensive,to be sent to a p.o box?sorry for no caps, but computer not set up yet and ipad keyboard isnot friendy to me yet.
love your site and fun stuff! Keep on sharing!
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Bernice,
I wish I had an answer for you! Sounds like you may need to get a friend to gather what you need and send the parcel to the POB if a vendor won’t do it. I hope the beauty of Mexico makes up for the lack of craft supplies!
Paula says
If I want to make a flat suncatcher what should I use for a ‘mold’?
Currently I use a plastic lid with clear Elmer’s but I’d love to make one for outdoors.
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Paula, Not sure what you mean by a mold? What supplies do you plan to make the suncatcher with?
regina aielllo says
when you the ge Silicone clear for gems on glass about how long should it take to dry
regina aielllo says
can someone post a picture of GE Silicone II sealant the one i brought at lowes its not working , my gems wont stick to my bottles.
Melissa J. Will says
You can see the product here: http://empressofdirt.net/silicone-sealant/
Shiloh Darke says
I’m getting ready to put a mosaic design with glass beads on a round table I have on my deck. I was looking for better options to a glue gun and I am glad I found your site. Thanks!
Melissa J. Will says
I’d love to see your project when you’re ready. Have fun with it!
kathy says
I glued clear gems to clear mason jars…My husband made a wire bail for each…put a little fine sand in the bottom and a votive candle. We hung them in the trees at my daughter’s wedding reception…So pretty. Now you could use those flameless candles.
Melissa J. Will says
Sounds pretty!
peggy says
These are just precious!!!!! Be surprised of what can be made—-
thinking outside the box!!!!!
Will make soon
melissa says
Thanks Peggy!