JEWELRY DIY: Mod Melter Faux Stone Necklace

The Mod Melter from Plaid Crafts was released this Monday on HSN. To help promote the launch of this innovative tool, I made a few jewelry pieces with it. Over on my YouTube channel, you can learn how to make this Faux Stone Necklace. It uses the Mod Melter, Alphabet Mod Mold, and Sea Glass Mod Melts...and of course layers of paint and a few jewelry findings. I'm really into the typography (letter art/fonts) lately, as you can see with my Wonderful Marquee Letters Necklace. I created a faux stone finish, inspired by some concrete jewelry I've been coveting lately. You could use any colors or faux finish you desire. This one is rather easy, compared to some others. You could make a smaller version that spells something, or a different shape. As always, that's up to your desire.

Ok, more about the Mod Melter. It was designed by Cathie Filian and Steve Piacenza of Mod Podge. It's an upgrade from the traditional glue gun. It's made to be used with the Mod Melts, but can be used with regular hot glue too. It's accepts the mini glue sticks in various lengths. It's much hotter than a regular glue gun, allowing the Mod Melts to achieve the right hot temperature for using in Mod Molds. It has a long silicone tip, which is great for dimensional projects. You can get deep into your project without melting it. That being said, the silicone tip does get hot, so you don't want to handle it while the Mod Melter is on or cooling. The Mod Melter had an on/off switch, which makes it more convenient to use for big projects, than a traditional glue gun. You lose less glue this way. I used mine with the Mod Podge Silicone Craft Mat, so I could easily peel off any Mod Melts drips and use them in future projects. 

The shape of the Mod Melter makes for easier use. The trigger is longer and located at the top, which takes less force to use and doesn't cause hand cramping. You can easily control the flow by how hard you press the trigger. The tube body allows the user to hold it vertically, causing less obstruction. It has a long built in stand, allowing the gun to lay down without rolling. The bottom of the gun has a large silicone section, which makes it easier to grip. It has a 6 ft cord, which makes the gun easier to use on a table. For a traditional gun, I have to stay close to the outlet.  Ok, you know about the gun. Now, see how it works in my tutorial!

Here are some other things I made with the Mod Melter, Mod Molds and Mod Melts. I used the Trinkets Mod Mold (made for Decoden crafts) and Sea Glass Mod Melts, though the Milk Glass Mod Melts would be good too. I embedded ring bases or earring posts into the filled molds while the melt was still hot. Then, I base coated them with white acrylic paint. Using the Milk Glass Mod Melts would eliminate that need. Using small brushes and bright acrylic paint, I added colorful details to the molded jewelry.  

Back in June, I made this Faux Geode Jewelry using the Metallic and Glitter Mod Melts, and the Gems Mod Mold...and a heavy dose of glitter.

That's all the projects I've made with this tool and it's coordinating molds and melts. There are 6 different packs of Mod Melts, totalling 16 colors. There are 15 different Mod Molds with multiple designs per mold. The decorative uses for these items is limitless. Head to your local big craft store and get your own Mod Podge melts supplies! Whatever you do with them, have fun. Happy Makery!