This has been one of those projects I’ve had in the back of my mind for a year.
A freakin’ year.
That’s how long I’ve had the idea and supplies.
And I did try it a year ago, but it didn’t work out the first time around, so I put it to the side. Finally, two weeks ago, I decided to try it a different way and what do you know – it worked like a charm.
While I am for the most part, anti-trends, these pretty crystals and geodes that are all around is one trend I do love.
However, that shit is expensive.
I was at T.J. Maxx yesterday and one single crystal-type bookend cost $25. And that was at T.J.Maxx. And just for one bookend, not two. While $50 for a set of bookends isn’t like highway robbery or anything, I’m used to finding that kind of stuff for $5 – $10 a set at yard sales and thrift shops.
Well with this DIY faux crystal tutorial, you could make your own bookends for way less than $50. You can also use these to adorn many other things, which I will also be showing you tutorials for in the coming weeks. If you love the crystal look, but not the crystal price tag, then today, I am your girl.
DIY Faux Crystals
This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
Tools and Supplies Needed
- Rocks or Stones painted gold – I used these from Michaels. These also appear to be the same thing from Amazon. You could also buy unpainted stones and paint them gold – I would recommend this spray paint if you go that route.
- Sea Salt
- E6000 Glue
- Clear Gloss Topcoat Spray Paint
- Small Old Paintbrush
- Paper Plates
Steps
This is a simple DIY project, but I thought it would be better explained in a video, rather than pictures. The video below shows you how to make the faux crystals step-by-step and I’m also including written instructions below the video, however there aren’t any photos to go with it.
Step 1
If your stones aren’t already painted gold, you will first want to paint them using a gold spray paint such as this one. Give them 2-3 coats and let them fully dry overnight before proceeding.
Step 2
Place a good bit of sea salt in a paper plate. Select a stone that has at least one semi-flat side. The side can be sloping, but you don’t want it to have lots of ridges and crannies. Apply E6000 glue to that side and spread it out with a small paintbrush. Press the stone glue side down into the sea salt.
Step 3
Apply a dollop of E6000 glue on top of the sea salt you just put on the stone. Once more, press the stone glue side down into the sea salt.
Step 4
Use your fingers to push any sea salt that is sliding onto the sides of the rock onto the top of the rock. You will also want to come back and do this a few times while the glue is drying as this glue is slippery. Let the stones dry overnight.
Step 5
After the stones have dried, give them three coats of a clear gloss topcoat spray paint. This will provide another bonding agent for the salts and also shine everything up.
You can make these as large or small as you wish, depending on the size of rock you use.
White Bust (similar) / Glass Display Case (similar ones) / Brass Key (similar ones)
You can display them simply in a glass display case or you can create other home decor items out of them as well – see the links below!
Here’s some things you can make with the crystals:
How to Make Faux Crystal Knobs – gorgeous for embellishing side tables and such.
DIY Faux Crystal Vase – easily kick a boring vase up a notch!
How to Make a Crystal Lamp Finial – a great way to add a little glam to a lamp.
How to Make Crystal Magnets – who knew magnets could be so chic?
Other projects you might like to see:
DIY Agate Slice Finials – high-end lamp finials on a beer budget.
DIY Selenite Knobs – another great knob idea for furniture!
Want to remember this post for later? Be sure to pin the image below!
I keep seeing these DIY crystal/geodes everywhere and now I’m itching to make my own. I love how easy these look! (and I already have a ton of sea salt in my pantry!)
Give it a try, Emily! It’s easy!
When I first saw this post I thought… is that rock salt?! GENIUS, woman! Also, YES, that shit IS expensive! Love a good knock off DIY. Great work lady!
Thank you, Katie!!!! Every once in a while, I have my moments of geniusness! haha!
My Geologist hubby will love this. Adding to my Pinterest queue.
Awesome, Stephanie!!
This is so great! I agree these are so pricey. Love it! Sharing on Fb & Pinned.Thank you for sharing on Merry Monday! Have a great week!
Kim
Thank you, Kim!
Cool, fun idea! Thanks for sharing your tutorial. This looks like it’s a very easy DIY project!
It is really easy! Thanks, Cathy!
Those look fun! Thanks for sharing at Dishing It & Digging It! 🙂
Thanks, Lori!
These are so cute!
Thanks for sharing at #bloggerspotlight!!
Thank you, Hil!
I’ve been saving this post in my inbox forEVER. SO cute, I really love them. I want to make some refrigerator magnets, I think the ones you made in one of your other posts were just adorable!
What do you think about using an existing lamp finial and just gluing the salts on to it, instead of on a rock first? Reason I ask….I have a lamp in my bedroom that has a round, ball-shaped finial, so I’m not sure a rock would adhere to it very well. It’s pretty sizable, tho, not tiny at all…think golf ball sized. I think it would look really cute with the crystals on top, kind of glam it up! I can see the problem being the crystals running off the sides instead of staying on top, tho. Hmmmmm.
I think you could totally do that with your finial, Brigitte, you’ll probably just have to push the salts back into place more than I had to with the flatter rocks. Probably doing a layer of salts, letting it dry, coming back and doing another layer, etc. would work well too.
I’m gonna give it a shot! 🙂
Looking forward to trying! Thank you for sharing it with us! One constructive piece of criticism, you said “um” in the video a lot, a lot, a lot. It made it kind of hard to sit through and was very distracting.
So loving these gems. Thx for posting at Funtastic Friday.