Material of the Week: Glass Gems

Hometalk Highlights
by Hometalk Highlights
7 Materials
$50
3 Hours
Medium
This week’s Material of the Week is versatile and fun! Pick up some glass gems at any craft store or get them here. Glass gems make easy and fun DIY backsplashes. Grab some and get started with these great ideas.
Glass Gem Backsplash


This high traffic sink needed a backsplash, and Alicia W. shows us how she made her own using glass gems. To get started, you can measure the space above your sink to get a general idea of how many glass gems you’ll need.
To adhere the gems:
A - Spread a thin layer of Mastic Tile adhesive on the area you’ll be sticking the gems to.
B - Thin it out with a grooved scraper.
C - Add the gems one at a time, pressing lightly to adhere gems to the wall. D. Continue adding the tile adhesive to areas as you go, so it doesn’t dry out before you lay your stones.
E - Continue to place your stones until your whole area is filled.
Allow the adhesive to dry for 2 hours.
While adhesive is drying, mix grout according to package. Here, Alicia’s ratio of grout powder was 1:½. Let sit 30 - 60 min.
Apply the grout to the gems with a grout application tool, or with a sponge or magic eraser. Spread a thick layer over the gems and allow grout to dry.
Once the grout is dry, wipe off excess grout with a damp sponge.
Once the extra grout has been removed, remove painter’s tape and caulk any edges next to the sink or walls to seal the edges.
Step back and enjoy your beautiful new backsplash!


Photo: Toni @ Small Home Soul
Use the same technique to decorate open shelving with glass gems...
Photo: Terry
…or for a unique pattern like this Chevron backsplash!


Glass gems can be used for other decor too, like this beautiful repurposed glass window turned into a gorgeous “stained glass” window.
Use a marker to draw your scene or design on the window, then attach gems using strong clear glue, like Loctite Go2 Gel.
Look how pretty this looks in the garden or inside with the sun shining through!


Resources for this project:
Bilipala Glass Gems Vase Filler Confetti
Homax Group 34 Wide Ceramic Tile Adhesive Spreader Notch
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  1 question
  • Connie Quine Connie Quine on Feb 28, 2018

    All are beautiful. On your repurposed window, did you crackle the gems used for the grass, etc, did you smash them, or just crackle them like with hot water gems put in ice cold water? Again, all are beautiful. Love the backsplash above the sink and the chevron look!

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