Q&A for How to Make Cracked Marbles

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What if I don't have a glue that strong? Is there any other way I can make a necklace without it?
    Community Answer
    You should use a glue that is specifically for glass, such as 9001 High Strength Adhesive. This is not too expensive and can be found at a craft store. You can also use an epoxy, but that's a lot of extra work as you have to mix two adhesives together.
  • Question
    Can I do it in a microwave instead?
    Community Answer
    No. The tiny air pockets in the marbles, even if they are not noticeable to the naked eye, will expand and the marble may explode.
  • Question
    How long do the marbles need to stay in the oven?
    Community Answer
    20 minutes, according to the article. You might want to check on it every once in awhile, though.
  • Question
    I know it said that it exploding was unlikely, but exactly how big is the risk of that?
    Community Answer
    The risk is minimal. You can always take precautions, such as protecting your eyes and body.
  • Question
    Can I use a cookie sheet on the oven tray?
    Community Answer
    Yes, this is a good idea to provide extra protection for your oven tray/rack.
  • Question
    How and why do the marbles crack as soon as they enter the cold water?
    Community Answer
    Thermal shock. When allowed to cool on its own, the marbles cool down evenly inside and out. When cooled fast, e.g. by placing into ice water, the marble glass cools down unevenly. This causes the glass to crack.
  • Question
    Is there anything clear I can put on the cracked marbles to keep them from crumbling?
    Community Answer
    The marbles shouldn't be crumbling. I bake mine at 500 degrees and for 20 minutes, then dump them all at once into a bucket of ice water, and I have never had a problem with crumbling.
  • Question
    Can I make a necklace without using glue?
    Community Answer
    Yes, if you have tools that drill into glass.
  • Question
    Can I use a candle instead of an oven?
    Community Answer
    No, they need to be in the oven to heat evenly. Using a candle would not achieve this effect.
  • Question
    If I had colorless marbles and I had food dye in the cooling bowl, would it potentially infuse the color into the cracks?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but the color would just seep out in about 5 minutes because the cracks do not close.
  • Question
    Besides making jewelery, can you make other things with these marbles?
    Rae
    Community Answer
    You can make bracelets or add them to sandals and/or shoes, or add them to a box as a decoration. There are all kinds of fun things you can do with your baked marbles if you get creative.
  • Question
    I actually want my marbles to break into little pieces instead of just cracking. Is there a trick to making them break into small pieces?
    Community Answer
    After cracking them, try hitting with a hammer. The marble should break where the inside cracks are. Put them in a closed bag before you hit them so the pieces don’t fly all over.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article