The other day I was making a few of my mini splatter planters, and the thought occurred to me to try the same technique of colored plaster but in a different silicone mold. I scoured through my baking cabinet, but all I could find was squares, rectangles, and dome molds that I have used for soap before. But I wanted something different a stand out shape. Then I remembered that I had a sample of one of the newest products that I added to my shop. A silicone crystal ice mold! It was perfect and just what I needed, so I mixed up a bit of plaster and started experimenting. These DIY plaster gem photo holders were the result and OMG they are just too much!

Materials:
–Plaster of Paris
–Acrylic craft paint
–Syringe (optional)
–Gem Ice Mold
–Bendable jewelry wire (around 22 gauge will work)
–Pliers
-Bowl
-Spoon
–Hot glue

You will need around 1 cup of plaster to fill the mold, so add 1 cup to your bowl. Then add in 1/2 cup of tap water. Mix to create a pancake batter consistency. Then add in your acrylic paint. This will cause the plaster to seize up a bit, so you can add a bit more water to make it thin out again if needed.

For the marbled gems, just don’t fully mix the paint into the plaster to maintain the streaks of color. Once your plaster is mixed, work quickly and fill each side of the mold.

Quickly flip the two pieces of the mold together and press to join the seam together. Place a rubber band around the mold to keep it together and then tap on the table to remove any air bubbles. Use a syringe to fill the excess space at the top through the hole at the top of the mold. This step is optional, but will help you fill the mold completely. Then press a piece of the jewelry wire into the mold through the hole. Now it is time to wait until the plaster sets up. This should take 1-2 hours to get a full set. Once set, remove the jewelry wire and unmold the plaster gem and sand down any uneven spots.

The last step is to cut pieces of wire in various sizes (from 4″ to 10″) and use the pliers to bend the top of the wire into a paper clip shape. Then add a dab of glue to the bottom of the wire and insert it back in the hole on the top of the gem.

Now the DIY plaster gem photo holders are ready to add your favorite photo or mini art work to! These look so cute on a desk or would make the perfect Galentine’s Day gift for your ladies.

Shopping guide:

Confetti background paper | 80’s Memphis Planter/pencil cup