DIY Cross with Marbles

Good morning!

I have made many DIY crosses in the past (Stackable Wooden Cross 1 , Stackable Wooden Cross 2) and given them as gifts. This time, I wanted to make one for my husband and I. Have you seen those CUTE wooden crosses covered with different marbles at antique, craft and gift stores? I figured out how to make them and it was fun to make. :)

Here are the materials you'll need. A wooden cross (I got mine at Hobby Lobby), marbles of your choice (I found these marbles in the floral section and really only used 1 "can"), a paint brush/sponge, acrylic paint of your color choice, some kind of pendant to put in the middle of the cross (check the jewelry section or home section for something small), and small tub of ceramic stucco (in the paint section). 

First, I paint the ceramic stucco onto the cross.

I tried to add as thick a layer as I could. It doesn't matter how it looks when you are painting/rubbing it on... we'll fix that in the next step.

Then, I dipped my brush into my acrylic paint (I squeezed the paint into a disposable cup) and then swirled it into the stucco on the cross. This is when I tried to start making little swirly motions to make it look nicer. Really though, most of the stucco/paint will be covered with marbles so don't worry about the looks too much. :)

You could just mix the paint right into the stucco and then paint it on the cross - but I wasn't sure how much stucco I'd need and didn't want to waste it. I used about half the tub. I would of added more but I had already used the stucco on a previous craft. I think the more you use the better it looks.

Next, push your pendant right into the wet paint/stucco mixture. Once you place it how you want it try not to touch it anymore so it can dry/stick better.

Then start placing your marbles randomly throughout your cross while the paint/stucco mixture is still wet.

Don't like how a marble looks, just take it off and use a different one. :)

This is the fun part! :)

I think the more marbles you use the better it looks.

When you are finished let it dry completely. You'll be tempted to touch it but just leave it be. :) The paint/stucco is the adhesive for the marbles so it's important to let it dry. I waited overnight... a good 12 hours.

Now you can hang it up!

I don't think this took longer than an hour. It was fun! I love it!

You could make this as a gift and match it with color schemes for baby showers, weddings, housewarming, etc. Or just make it for yourself. There are so many marbles to choose from. You could mix up the colors and sizes. You could make a pattern. The pendant in the middle could be anything. EASY! :) These are so expensive at gift and specialty stores, now you can just do it yourself. Actually, yesterday I went to my local thrift store and found a gallon ziploc bag FULL to the brim with all different colors and shapes of marbles for $2.00! I was so excited, can't wait to make another one.

Have a great weekend! Elisabeth is having her wedding reception tonight (she had a destination wedding in Jamaica). I can't wait to share pictures of her dress with you, it is GORGEOUS!

Cassie