![DIY Wood Gemstone Garland via Tell and Love Chocolate](https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/1-diy-gem-crafts.jpg)
Like so many of us, at heart I’m just a magpie. Give me something sparkly, shiny, glossy, and glittery, and I’m a much happier person. I try to deny it, but at my core, it’s true. It’s why I can’t stop staring at my engagement ring – 10 years after I got it! But I’m not the kind of gal who wears lots of jewels on a day to day basis, so how am I supposed to get my gem-fix?
That’s why I love seeing all the beautiful gem, jewel, and crystal projects out there for us to try. Who needs the real thing, when I can get crafty with all these amazing options! I’m currently obsessed with paper gems, but now I’m ready to try my hand at homemade borax crystals, a gem garland, and that mirror—which is perfect for our entryway.
Borax Crystals
![DIY Borax Crystals via Dans le Townhouse](https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/2-diy-gem-crafts.jpg)
See the tutorial at Dans le Townhouse.
We once tried making crystals with our Easter eggs, and it sort of worked, but they were pretty fragile eggshells. This project – and the chemistry tips – looks like it will grow some amazing, big crystals. I can’t wait to grow my own!
Watercolor Gem Paintings
![DIY Watercolor Gem Paintings via Small for Big](https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/3-diy-gem-crafts.jpg)
See the tutorial at Small for Big.
I made these with my daughter a while ago now, but they were so fun – put a bunch of dots on paper, connect them together, and then fill them in. It created some gorgeous ready to frame art – I love hers the most (see it on the blog!).
Gem Bookmark
![DIY Gem Bookmark via Pop & Soda](https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/4-diy-gem-crafts.jpg)
See the tutorial at Pop & Soda.
Are you itching to start a new summer book? I know I am. Why not treat yourself to an extra special bookmark while you’re reading in the shade with that glass of lemonade?
Gem Mirror
![DIY Gem Mirror via A Beautiful Mess](https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/5-diy-gem-crafts.jpg)
See the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
It’s hard to catch my interest with a mirror project, but this one has stolen my heart. It’s so unique and high-end. And it’s got all the shine us magpies could ever want!
3D Paper Diamonds
![DIY 3D Paper Diamonds via Mini Eco](https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/6-diy-gem-crafts.jpg)
See the tutorial at Mini Eco.
A classic paper craft, these diamonds are just mesmerizing to look at. I love seeing them in such bright, saturated colors too, don’t you? Say goodbye to boring old white!
Pictured at the top of this post: Wood Gemstone Garland, see the tutorial at Tell Love and Chocolate.