Crafting With Cabochons: Project Ideas & Tips

Crafting doesn't always have to be complicated or time consuming.  That's why I find crafting with cabochons so fun. I feel like this versatile craft supply isn't well known outside of DIY jewelry though, so I thought I'd share some ways to use them to inspire other crafters to try something new. 

What are Cabochons? They are glass domed flat backs that  have a smooth beveled surface (think flattened marbles).  They come in lots of shapes and sizes, but the most versatile is the round 25mm (1 inch).  

There's almost every design style imaginable too.  

I carry a number of inspirational & faith design cabochons in my store, Heavenly Fabric Shop, so since I'm blessed to have a good built-in cabochon stash, I used a few of mine to showcase some project ideas:)  

How to use cabochons: They can be glued to almost anything thanks to the flat back side.  I prefer to use E6000 glue with them since it's the strongest and dries clear and it'll hold like crazy.

What can you make with cabochons?

I did some DIY Inspirational Bookmarks using a few a while back.

I made fabric bookmarks and embellished them with HTV.  then I glued the cabs directly onto the glitter heat transfer vinyl I used & they've held up great:

Jewelry: Using a setting is ideal if you want to do something wearable like jewelry.  This is the most popular use for them.  You'll need to get bezel settings for that, which found in the jewelry supply section at most craft stores.  Getting the right diameter is key though (it's gotta fit inside the framed edge!).  

I used a basic thin edge silver one with a top loop to make this necklace.  I added a glass bead & silver leaf charm using a couple of jump rings and had an instantly pretty pendant:

You can also use simple stud posts to do earrings with the smaller cabochon sizes:

Keychains: Pair a thicker bezel setting with a key ring for a sweet keychain.

Another setting option is to use a decorative metal medallion.  These are lightweight, but add some extra flair to the center design.  Just glue the cab to the medallion and then glue that to whatever you want to decorate.  I carry this particular style in my shop in silver & antique bronze to fit my selection of 25mm rounds, but there many sizes, metal finishes and medallion designs out there to suit whatever cabochons you're using.

Magnets: Glue a magnet directly on the back of the cab (or after you've added a medallion) to make some handy magnets.  I did these for Easter at our house this year:

Decorations: You can use other items to layer and add extra detail too.  I combined a St. Patrick cabochon with a silver cab medallion and a pre-cut wooden shamrock to make a fun dimensional St. Patrick's Day decoration:

Candles: I used a cabochon & medallion with grosgrain ribbon to wrap a candle for instant decorative swag:

Hair Accessories: Add some smaller sizes to bobby pins or barrettes or use them as hair bow centers:

Religious or special occasion items: Since the designs I carry in my shop are faith-based, there's also the option to use them for things like rosaries.  I made an Our Lady of Guadalupe themed rosary with a cabochon and some matching design beads.  

Use other themed designs to make wedding, anniversary, birthday or baptism favors or gifts.  Dress up picture frames, artwork, keepsakes...the possibilities are endless.  So get some cabs, some glue & things to add them to and start some relaxing & rewarding cabochon crafting!    

 What would you make with cabochons??