Cabochon Earring Tutorial With Fun New Images & Lace Edges

This tutorial is similar to previous tutorials but I have introduced some new items & also discovered a new method that I wanted to share!

This is what the finished product will look like:

You can purchase these earrings here

You can purchase these earrings here

Supplies:

• 12 mm glass cabochon
• E6000 adhesive
• 12 mm circles 
• 12 mm cabochon setting 
• Blank earring post 
• Toothpick
• Mod Podge - not pictured

Optional supplies:

• Jewelry hammer

Prep:

• Protect your work area & make sure you are working in a well ventilated area. 
• Gather needed supplies

Directions:

• Instead of using Mod Podge I am now using the E6000 glue to adhere the image to the glass cabochon. I am doing this now because I was having some issues with bubbles between the glass and image which can be seen below. The first step is to apply a fair amount of glue to the bottom of the glass cabochon. This is a very tricky step and takes some practice. If you apply too little glue you will end up with some bubbles and if you apply too much you will overflow. 

Above you can see the bubbles that were occurring with the Mod Podge

• The next step is to apply the glue covered cabochon to the image. It is very important that you do not press very hard during this step. I found that pressing too hard to spread the glue caused most of the glue to spill out the sides and then I ended up with bubbles. You want to apply a light even pressure just until the glue is spread evenly across the image without bubbles. Repeat this step for the second cabochon. 

• Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the back of the image on the cabochon & allow this to dry completely. This step is to ensure that the image does not bleed when applying the rest of the E6000 glue

• After the Mod Podge has dried completely, apply a small amount of E6000 glue to the cabochon setting and place the cabochon in the setting. Press down lightly to spread the glue. You don't want to press too hard or the glue will overflow. Allow this to dry for about an hour before moving to the next step. 

• This step is optional. This step requires the jewelry hammer to hammer down the lace edging. I prefer to do this step but it is up to you if you want to complete this step. Lightly hammer the edges of the cabochon setting inward. I like to do this step because it gives it a nice finished look and if the glue ever fails, the hammered edges will hold the cabochon in place. 

Below is a comparison of hammered on the right and not hammered on the left:

• The final step to making your earrings is attaching the earring base to the cabochon setting. For this step I also use the E6000 glue. Place a small amount of glue on the earring base and apply to the center of the cabochon setting as pictured below. You will want to leave this to dry upside down for several hours or preferably overnight before wearing. 

You now have beautiful new earrings! 

Check out my Paper section to see more images for earring making! Below is a sample of other paper designs that are available in my supply shop or in my jewelry shop if you wish to purchase the earrings. 

Related Links"

• 12 mm glass cabochon 
• 12 m antique bronze cabochon setting
• Blank earrings base
• Tree paper circles
• Orange & yellow flower paper circles
• Green tree earrings
• Orange & yellow flower earrings
• Kit for making earrings from this tutorial