Would you believe this is made from hot glue, a toothpick, and a bead… and that’s it?
If you’re looking for a “sweet” project (guilt-free) to do with friends this Valentine’s Day, look no further!
Supplies you will need:
- AdTech® 2Temp Glue Gun —> Click here to buy from Amazon
- Full Size AdTech® Multi-Temp Glue Sticks –> Click here to buy from Amazon
(We strongly recommend AdTech® hot glue for clear jewelry that won’t yellow!) - Colored toothpicks (you can buy them colored, or paint them yourself)
- Short eyepins, or regular eyepins and wire cutters
- A silver ball chain
- Plain, shiny beads, with a small hole that will fit a toothpick
- Scissors
- Clear nail polish
- Parchment (baking) paper or a silicone mat
Step one: Warm up your glue gun
Load it with a glue stick and place it over your parchment paper (or silicone mat). If you’re working with younger crafters, use the low setting; otherwise, high will work well.
Step two: Lay glue lines, long and thin
You’ll need 10-12 strings, about 8″ long. Allow them to cool completely, then peel from away from parchment paper/mat. Once you’ve laid all the glue you need, move your glue gun to the low setting.
Step three: Bundle the strings together, and cut
You’re going to create “sugar crystals” this way, so cut in 1/8″-1/4″ shards, over and over, into a small pile, as shown.
Steps four and five: Glue your toothpick and dip into shards
Coat 1/2 the toothpick completely with glue. Before the glue sets, roll it in the pile of “sugar crystals” you created.
Step six: Keep rolling
You’ll need to add dots of glue to the crystals you’ve added to the toothpick in order to keep adding layers and getting the “rock candy” to your desired thickness. Careful not to burn your fingers! (AdTech® Finger Guards are great for this part of the project!)
Step seven: Add your eyepin
Trim any long crystals that stick out, and then add your eyepin. If you have a short one, just push it into the end of the top end of the rock candy. If you need to trim a longer eyepin down, do so until it’s 1/4″-1/2 long.
Step eight: Coat rock candy with clear nail polish
This will give it a shiny look. Prop up to air dry so it doesn’t stick to your work surface. Seal the toothpick with nail polish as well.
Step nine: Add the bead
Glue your small bead to the end of the toothpick.
Step ten: String onto the necklace chain
… and you’re done!
Love what you created? We will, too! Tag us in your image on Instagram, @adtech. Use the hashtags #glueasamedium and #thisishotglue so others can see your creation! And remember not to leave your rock candy necklace in a warm car or anywhere that might exceed 120 degrees, as the glue will soften.
