How to Make Fake Fused Glass Jewelry

Fused glass jewelry, or dichroic jewelry, is a method of making homemade glass creations. Though it doesn't require the same skills and materials as glass blowing, it's still not possible without an expensive kiln. For a fraction of the cost, create plastic jewelry cabochon pieces that bear an uncanny resemblance to fused glass, and which have the added advantage of being more lightweight and more difficult to break.

Things You'll Need

• Aluminum foil
• Colored pearlescent paint
• Silicone jewelry molds
• Two-part casting resin
• Disposable mixing dish
• Craft stick
• Cooking spray or oil
• Jewelry cap
• Epoxy or silicone glue
• Silver jewelry chain

Instructions

1. Paint several pieces of aluminum foil with pearlescent paint. Use three or four colors and make a patch about 3 inches square with each; this will give you enough variety and quantity to work with for your design.

2. Cut enough small strips of painted aluminum foil to cover the shape and size of the open top of the resin mold. Make shapes of varying sizes and thicknesses so you can layer them. The exact configuration doesn't matter, so long as you can cover the bottom of the finished pendant and see a couple of different colors.

3. Oil the jewelry mold with cooking oil or spray with cooking spray; this will allow the resin to release from it once set.

4. Pour equal quantities of casting resin and catalyist liquid in the disposable container. Use as much as you need to fill the mold or molds you'll be making. Stir with a craft stick until the mixture becomes slightly cloudy.

5. Fill the jewelry mold with liquid resin. Let it settle into the mold for a few seconds or until the the top of the poured liquid is smooth.

6. Lay strips of aluminum foil over the top of the poured, wet resin in the mold, painted sides down. Cover the entire top, overlapping beyond the sides of the mouth of the mold, if need be.

7. Let the resin dry and set according to the manufacturer's instructions.

8. Turn the mold upside down, then press it to remove the finished resin piece from the mold. It should release from the mold like an ice cube from a tray. Shake the mold and bend it slightly if the resin sticks.

9. Trim excess foil from the edges of the newly molded resin cabochon using scissors.

10. Glue a jewelry cap to the edge of the cabochon using silicone glue or epoxy glue. Let the glue cure.

11. String the finished pendant onto the jewelry chain.

References

• "The Art of Jewelry: Plastic & Resin: Techniques, Projects, Inspiration;" Debra Adelson; 2008