How to Use Acrylic Cabochons
A cabochon is usually a precious or semi-precious stone that is not faceted, but is instead flat on one side and convex on the other. Cabochons were used as embellishments on sword handles, church vessels, thrones and crowns; and also mounted in rings, pendants and bracelets. Today, acrylic cabochons are popular materials in the craft world because they are inexpensive and have so many varied uses.
Things You'll Need
- Acrylic cabochons Glue Frozen juice can Acrylic film Black acrylic paint Screw eye Picture frame Fishing line Concrete mix Step stone mold Plastic goblet Scissors Cardboard Aluminum foil Silk flowers Tall clear vase
Instructions
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How to Use Acrylic Cabochons
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Place the flat surface of an acrylic cabochon on top of a printed word, such as "Smile." The convex top causes the image to be magnified. Use clear glue to adhere the word or words to the bottom of a cabochon. You may choose to wire wrap these "talking" cabochons to create a bracelet, pendant or ring, or you might glue them to a frozen juice can to make a decorative pencil holder.
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To make an easy "stained glass" window, using a marking pen, draw a design on piece of clear acrylic film. Glue cabochons onto the acrylic film, fitting them into the design you drew. Use a squeeze bottle with a thin applicator tip to lay a bead of black acrylic paint between the cabochons to imitate leading. When dry, place the decorated film in a sturdy picture frame and install a screw eye in the center of the top of the frame. Tie a piece of fishing line to the screw eye, and hang your "stained glass" in a window.
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Buy a step stone mold and some concrete mix. Mix the concrete according to the directions and fill the mold. Scrape off the excess with a long, flat board or ruler. Arrange acrylic cabochons into a design, and press them lightly into the damp concrete. Allow to dry, and turn the step stone out of the mold.
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Create a princess goblet by gluing acrylic cabochons on the outside of a stemmed, plastic cup. Cabochons can also be used as "feet" on cups, vases or hot plates. While the goblet is drying, cut out cardboard princess crown. Cover the crown with aluminum foil, and decorate it with acrylic cabochons
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Make a centerpiece by arranging silk or real flowers in a tall, clear vase. To keep the flowers in place, fill the vase with acrylic cabochons and then water if using fresh flowers.
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Tips & Warnings
There are hundreds of ways to use acrylic cabochons, and you are limited only by your own imagination.
Do not allow small children near the acrylic cabochons, as the small pieces can present a choking hazard.
