I am so excited about the DIY agate home decor project I’m sharing today: easy DIY agate art. This framed agate art is so easy to make – it’s almost as easy as my last agate craft project: the super simple DIY agate slice pendants I made.
You already know I loooove rocks: I have one of many childhood rock collections on display (okay, technically two) and I’m always looking for ways to add rocks, gems, minerals – anything glittering, really – to my home decor. I recently mooned over some ridiculously expensive framed agate art but it was far beyond the reach of my home decor budget, so I patiently waited for the right agate slices to cross my path so I could make my own budget-friendly DIY agate art – for a fraction of the price! Recently I was shopping for a friend’s bedroom makeover and I spotted a gorgeous set of large agate coasters, dyed teal and trimmed in gold, at HomeSense. The price? Only $19.99 for the four! I really regret not buying the second set of agate slice coasters HomeSense had (a moody grey with gold trim), but I was trying to be budget-conscious and thrifty…
At least I scooped up the teal agate slice coasters, because $20 is such a bargain!
With my supplies on had, it only took a few simple steps to whip up this easy DIY agate art – bumping the agate slice pendants out of top spot for my favorite DIY agate slice craft project!
This DIY agate is really a super simple art project, but the secret is in the supplies.
DIY Agate Art Supply List:
- Agate slices (here’s a big lot of them)
- Square matted frames (mine are 5″x5″ “Wood Gallery Single Opening” frames from Pottery Barn)
- Gel Epoxy (designed for slippery surfaces, like stone)
- Glue stick
- White cardstock paper and cardboard
- Toothpick
- Patience (just a little!)
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Pottery Barn Wood Gallery Single Opening Frames, 5 x 5”, Modern White – $25 each
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I’m a huge fan of LePage Gel Epoxy and have used it for a whole host of projects, including my DIY agate pendant necklaces and my DIY tile trivets. This time we bought the epoxy formula specifically designed for glass, ceramic and stone. Ask the folks at your local hardware store for their recommendation for the best epoxy or glue to affix agate slices, if you can’t find this:
The How to Make DIY Agate Art:
First I created a backing for the agate by gluing two sheets of white cardstock paper together and then to the cardboard backing that came with the frames. I liked how sturdy the cardboard was, but I wanted the backing to be white. I kept the glue to the area behind the matting, in case it crinkled or stained the paper. I added some packing tape to be doubly sure, but I think this was a touch neurotic. It’s tricky to photograph, but you can see the backing here:
You could also just use something like foam core, and skip this step!
Next I held up the agate slices to a light source to figure out where to apply the epoxy. Although it dries clear, I wanted to be sure no gobs of glue would be seen through the less opaque sections of the agate.
I mixed together the two-part epoxy and applied it with a wooden skewer (a toothpick works too) to the most opaque sections of the agate slice, keeping away from the edge to avoid squishing epoxy out the sides.
I eyeballed the center of each matting and gently pressed the agate in place, wiggling it a little.
I very patiently waited a whole 48 hours before hanging my new DIY agate art over the new dining room cabinet:
I want to keep the surface of the cabinet clear, for use during dinner, but it needed…something. The quirky placement of the agate art below the pass through, and at eye level when folks are sitting, means they can be admired during dinner and they also add some character (and purpose) to the new furniture, creating a sweet little vignette and making the dining room decor seem more thoughtful and intentional.
Doesn’t my new DIY agate art look perfect in this quirky spot?
The frames from Pottery Barn are really good quality. These frames really fool people into believing I bought these agates framed – and didn’t make this myself! I absolutely low how the framed agate art turned out – and the deep teal and swirling design reminds me of Lake Superior. Over the years, with the addition of the new dining room painting, framed enamel art, mid-century cabinet, Shane Norrie pottery and now the framed agate slices, the dining room has become such a fun and lively space, with lots of character and personal touches.
Love the look? These agate slices from Amazon look very similar to the ones I used, but I also rounded up some other sources below. I personally purchased from the Hollow Geode, linked below, for another DIY agate craft (my DIY agate wreath) and I highly recommend the shop!
Disclosure. The four frames for this DIY agate project are courtesy of Pottery Barn, but I wasn’t asked or encouraged to write a favorable review. I’m actually thinking of ordering another set of four white gallery frames to replace my framed enamel artwork and elevate that sentimental art with better quality frames.
I love this Diy!!!I have some stones like those and I´ll try to do this because it is a wonderfull idea.Thanks for inspiration ;)http://xelinhadiy.blogspot.com.es/
Thanks so much! I'd love to see your finished project 🙂
Great inspirational idea.I have beautiful ones I was given as a gift in some travels and now I have a way of displaying them.thank you
Fabulous project – love it and want to make my own set!
Thanks! I definitely cannot stop staring at them and have claimed the seat at the dining room table with the best view of them as mine, lol.
That is absolutely gorgeous!
Thanks!!
Beautiful! They look so custom! I found some agate bookends at Winners and left them behind.. kicking myself now. These are such a beautiful blue.
Thanks Jane! We need some kind of community where we can ask other Winners and HomeSense shoppers to check their stores for something we want. Usually my stores get one or two of something and when it's gone it's gone. Imagine if we could ask folks in other cities to double check if they still have X item and ship it (in return for doing the same)? I think I need to go on Dragon's Den with this idea, lol.Maybe the agate bookends will pop up again? Let's hope whoever bought them returned them!
These turned out lovely.
Thanks Erica!
These are gorgeous! I recently added some gold edges to a set of plain agate slice coasters, and while they're great as coasters, I may just have to turn them to art after seeing this. Love it!
A friend actually sent me a link to your project and I pinned it right away – you did a beautiful job. They would look lovely framed!
Seriously, all I can think of to say right now is "you are GOOD". Your dining room is completely gorgeous.
Thanks 😀 It's nice because we hung up the art when family was visiting so the (newly) pretty dining room even got some use. I am going to be honest: when it's just Hubs and I we don't really use it. But maybe now I will!
These turned out so nicely and look dynamite hanging above your new buffet! Home run!
Awww, thanks! It's funny how quickly that little area transformed – and it was all unplanned!! I stumbled across the hutch and the agate when I wasn't looking for either. Sometimes it pays to just go with the flow.
Just Gorgeous!
Thanks so much! I'm lucky to have found such nice slices of agate dyed such a vibrant hue!
Everyone keeps saying these are gorgeous, but dude, THESE ARE GORGEOUS. So elegant and sophisticated. I love, love, love it! And I'm totally going to try it!
Thank you!! Your comment made me smile :)I'm happy they look sophisticated (especially because it's such an affordable project). I think the gold trim helps and if I were to find more agate slices to frame (because really, is four enough?), I'd try my hand at edging them because I think it gives them that extra something.
They turned out beautifully and I love where you hung them!
Thanks Amelia! I had people fighting me on the spot (Mom, looking at you) but after there was no other spot where they looked good I tried again over the cabinet and I just loved them there. They clicked for me and I trusted my gut. A week later – I still love them and go out of my way to pass by them!!
Love these! What a fab idea to frame the agate. They look stunning! I too like them over the cabinet with all the beautiful glass pieces.
Thanks! I thought you might like my Iittala glassware 😉
Dear TanyaI have been following your blog for a while – I always get excited when I find a "local" blog (I grew up in Ottawa, now live in Arnprior) and I must say I really admire your sense of style. I love your furniture choices and how everything looks so classy but homey. You are very inspirational. I followed your trip in Hungary and again have to say I love when I see a new post from the townhouse!Take care, look forward to seeing more -JoAnn
Hi TanyaJust a quick note to tell you that I really admire your sense of style and how you always seem to pull everything together – enjoy reading your posts and all your adventures thrifting! As someone who grew up in Ottawa and now live in the valley I get a kick out of reading local/Canadian blogs…. I subscribe via Google reader but will now get my subscription via my email – I don't want to miss any of your posts!!JoAnn
Hi JoAnn, thanks for taking the time to leave such a sweet comment(s)! (Sorry – it seems like the comment section was giving you trouble. I've had to start approving comments because of some really inappropriate spam. I left both comments because they made my day!). Your kind words really mean a lot to me.Ottawa is a great place to have grown up in! Such a beautiful city. I really should dedicate a few posts to shopping and living here. Maybe readers who are more familiar with the city, like you, could chime in with suggestions. It seems I find a new city or trail or shop every week!
Love this idea! I'm always so inspired by your posts! I'm definitely going to try this if I'm lucky enough to find some agate slices. And thanks for the tip about Pottery Barn frames. Most of my frames are exactly like your other frames, but it might be nice to upgrade. The smooth miter does make a difference to the overall look, especially for something as glam as this project.
Pottery Barn had these on sale, too, at the time of making this project. This size is a bit more money (double the ultra cheap Ribba frames from Ikea) but the difference is HUGE. I've never seen such a nice corner – I think they might apply the finish after assembly, but I'm just guessing. I'm so happy I got to test them out, because it's not something people can tell online. Good luck with finding some agate! There is lots around online but also gift shops at museums often have them and home decor stores seem to stock agate coasters right now because they were trendy in the high end stores. Agate slices are having a moment, so I am sure you'll find some!
Tanya, this is beautiful. The framed agate on their own are lovely but perfect for above the cabinet with the Littala glassware. The colours coordinate beautifully and look so elegant- agate and glass play especially well together- so sparkly, I feel like a magpie. Really, an all-round success- perfect colours, perfect location and perfectly elegant. Love it! Nicely done.
First of all, thanks!!I am a total Magpie too!! I would fill this cabinet with glitter if I could (and if it wouldn't make me look insane). I try to hold back on the sparkles and shimmer do Hubby doesn't go blind, but I do love the shimmery glassware with the pretty rocks with this project. It's low key fancy. It was hard to photograph the agate because it is facing a window and the light glared, but they really do glow and gleam! I am having a friend over for dinner tonight and it will be a challenge to focus on our conversation and not just stare at the agate (which I did a lot last week, when my parents were visiting and we had just hung the agate, lol).
haha! that's a funny image of you trying to stayed engaged while looking lovingly over your friend's shoulder at your agate art.
I couldn't do it! I sat with my back to them and encouraged her to sit facing them. I caught her eye wandering!! But I was focused, lol.
They turned-out beautifully and look gorgeous over your new buffet!! You turn-out some really gorgeous stuff 😉
Aww, thank you! Sometimes I take awhile to plan/execute projects but that helps because I normally end up with projects I like 🙂
Those are gorgeous! I think this may be one of my favorites of your DIY projects.
Thanks Dana! That's so sweet of you to say 🙂
this is really one of my favorite projects you've done! I really love this. it looks very custom and fits great in your beautiful home. great job tanya!
Thanks so much!! I'm really happy with it. It doesn't look like it's handmade, which is sometimes a nice quality of a DIY project!
Gorgeous! Love the slices you got 🙂
Thanks! The gold trim, as hard a time as I have incorporating gold, is what makes them, I think.
Where do you buy your gold dipped agate slices? (is the gold foiled on to the stone?)
I bought them at HomeSense (it's like a HomeGoods for American readers). I think they were dipped because the edge is smooth and uniform. Amazon has lots, and sometimes you can find a great gem show on for a weekend.
Beautiful!
Thanks Elizabeth!
What a lucky fund for only $20! And fab way to show them off!
I have heard people find them at Gem Shows for $2 a slice – so I'm searching there next!
Ok, you"ve inspired me! I have had two similar agate pieces sitting on my desk for months with the intention of doing the same thing you did. Yours came out so beautiful! I think I'll gold leaf my edges, I love how yours looks. And! Those frames are on sale right now, cha ching! Thanks for the great tutorial, your townhouse is looking so refined, great job.
I'm so excited you will be framing your agate slices!! So fun. Definitely gold leaf the edges. I don't even have a lot of gold in the townhouse, but I love the look on the agate. And yep, those frames are on sale! Sweet timing 🙂
Ooh I LOVE this! Definitely one I need to do for my living room. I would also *love* to link to your project in the Daily DIY if you didn't mind!
Hi Rachel,Thanks 🙂 You may absolutely link to this project! Let me know if you'd like me to email you any of the photos, too, or you're welcome to snag one from the blog. Send me the link when it's live because I'd love to share with my readers!([email protected])
Wow. I mean wow! I love agate and have been looking for a cool way to display them. Awesome. I also really like the pic of the pottery ban frames all lined up. Do you know how one could make the leafy looking one? You know those framed dried up leaf pictures with their veins showing. I tried miserably to make it on my own…ended up with some crusty brown lead crumbs 🙁
Thanks so much! I think the Pottery Barn leafy pictures are actually prints, not real leaves. I only remember drying leaves as a kid, but I'd check Pinterest because I'm sure there are some fresh and modern tutorials.
Aaah. Makes sence. Thanks!
How very elegant! So glad you included cardstock and cardboard in your supply list as they gave me a reason to share your post via All Things Paper on FB. 🙂 I will be on the lookout for agate coasters.
Thanks so much for sharing my project on your Facebook page!! Something fun might be to find more neutral coasters (like the grey set I regret not buying) and backing them on a fun patterned or textured paper!!
That idea sounds like it would be gorgeously handsome too!
I just found your blog and scrolled through the DIY page; This one's my favourite so far. So great that you've found a way to include agate in your home decoration. I feel like I would mess up if I tried it myself but it looks amazing!
Thanks for the kind words, but I promise this is really easy!! The secret is in the epoxy – I use that stuff for everything from repairs to making jewellery!
Absolutely stunning! This truly blew me away. I wanted to let you know that I featured it on my blog today as part of a roundup of unique framed art ideas! Check it out here: http://justagirlandherblog.com/unique-framed-art-ideas/ . Thanks so much for the inspiration!~Abby =)
These are lovely. Could you tell me if these frames are shadowboxes? Or are they regular frames but just deep enough to handle the thickness of the agate? I have some agates and really want to try this but want to be sure the frame will fit. I am so hopeful mine will look as good as yours–they are for my dining room, too!
Hi Whitney, thanks! These frames are not shadow boxes really, but they do come with a little spacer that keeps the glass a few mm away from the matting (you can see it in the photo if you look close – a little off-white strip). Having said that, I have seen other people try this and use regular frames. I would take a slice along with you when you go to buy frames. If in doubt, Ikea ribba frames can be used as shadow frames or regular frames and are super similar to these ones. I'm so excited for your new dining room art!!
I don't know how to comment correctly because I don't have a url. I am just a reader, not a blogger. But I wondered if the frames were shadowboxes since they have to be deep for the agates? They are just beautiful and I am so impressed with your work. I would love an answer if possible.
Non bloggers are always welcome and no url needed! These aren't shadowboxes but there is a spacer that keeps the glass away from the matting a tiny bit. I'm happy you like them 🙂 Ikea makes a similar frame that would work well too, it is a shadow box (called the Ribba). Hope that helps!
Love! I hadn't seen your project until after I had done mine, could have used the epoxy tip! I used a thin (ish) foam board as my backing and it worked well. My agate slices were actually coasters and had the rubber "legs" on them. I kept them on. Much harder to glue but I like the added depth. Overall yours look much better tgan mine!
Using foam board is an excellent idea. I wouldn't sell your project short – I think the little rubber feet would add a nice bit of depth and maybe even let a little light through. Such a fun project, isn't it? I enjoyed assembling these.
What is the size of the agate stone?
Sorry, they're still not unpacked since moving to my new place. They were made to be drink coasters, so about 4-5 inches in diameter, I think. Pretty small.
These are absolutely stunning! What a great find and they look amazing in those frames! Pinned 🙂
Thanks so much, Katie!
I LOVE these art pieces! I had an AWESOME idea . . . What if you build one, large, rectangular frame/shadow box. All white, just like the way you have it! The "WOW" factor is to add a light source in the back! Much like a light board/box! This will show off ALL the lovely, intricate details of each stone! Hope you like my idea! THANKS for your original idea!
Thanks Kristina! I LOVE, love, love your idea! A light behind really would make the agate slices gleam. Are you going to try it??? I'd love to see it!
Love the art pieces, can you roughly estimate the length and width of each agate slice?
They were sold as coasters and they're about 4" diameter. But you could use any size that fits into your frame of choice.
I'm making a window of agate geodes.I was going to crazy glue them to the window.is that not what I should use??I notice you shiw epoxy..is that hard to use??linda.hawaii
Fun idea! Make sure the crazy glue is designed for glass and that it dries clear. I haven’t worked with crazy glue and we always go with what we know. As long as it’s designed for glass and won’t dry yellow you should be good! Epoxy isn’t hard to use. You just mix the two parts together and treat it like glue. It does stink, but I have been impressed with the hold. I’d love to see a photo when you’re done. Happy crafting 🙂
Hi
Do the picture frames have glass on the front or are they left open?
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Mine have glass in front of them, so it’s a good idea to find a deeper frame (like a shadow box). But you could also do this without glass!
Hi I love your framed agates & have bought mine already to put together but was just wondering did you paint the edges gold or did these come already painted & also wondering if a glue gun would do the job?
Author
My edges were already painted gold, but it’s easy to do. You can find liquid gold paints at Michael’s – I think Martha Stewart makes them? This gold paint would work too!
I don’t know if I would trust a glue gun – I’ve had slippery things detach after being glued with a glue gun. I barely use one anymore. The epoxy held up perfectly – I STILL have these agate slices hanging! And it’s handy to have around the house for repairs. Crazy glue would work too. I’ve even seen epoxy at the dollar store if you don’t want to spend a lot. I just really recommend going with something stronger than a glue gun because I’d hate for your agate to detach. But I just worry too much – you can always try it!
Thanks Tanya for replying so quickly:) I forgot to mention I am in the UK but I am sure that I can find alternatives for the stores that you have over there, we do have pound stores here which are the same as your dollar stores. I will definitely check out the epoxy as I think I am like you & would probably worry too much….only bought my glue gun a few months ago & not had the chance to use it yet so wasn’t sure how strong they are. Just checked Amazon.co.uk & they have the gold leaf liquid the same as your link. Many thanks & hope you have an awesome day….looking forward to checking out your other projects:)
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I’m happy to help – and I’m sorry, I didn’t even think you might not live in North America, so of course your question about an alternative makes so much more sense now. (It’s so exciting to connect with overseas readers, by the way). You could also check with a local hardware store or craft store, and just see what they recommend for gluing something with a polished surface. Something made for glass or ceramic would work too.
I do have a Hobbycraft store just down the road from me that I am going to pop to. It is great having the internet to be able to connect worldwide and also enabling us to share these great ideas:) Hope you have an awesome weekend.
I got epoxy that says it works on marble. Would that work? Also did yours say to scratch the surface to make rougher? Did you have any problem with long term holding?
Author
Anything designed for marble should work just fine because it’s the same type of slippery stone surface. I did not scratch the surface first. It’s been holding strong for so many years!
Hi there! These are so beautiful (7 years later that I am reading this! from when you posted). I wanted to ask if the frames were roomy/had a lot of depth? Or would a standard frame work for this? I am just thinking how thick the agate stones are compared to a photograph. Thank you!
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It depends slightly on the thickness of your agate slice, mine were very thin but I still did end using more of a shadowbox style frame. All frames will be a little different, I am looking around my house and some would be deep enough and others wouldn’t so it helps to shop in store as opposed to online for a project like this – Michael’s always has a good selection. When it doubt, search for shadowbox style or check out IKEA ribba – at the time I made this, the Ribba frames were a good depth too.
Thanks for the inspiration. I will definitely be trying this! I found some similar wall art from restoration hardware that I loved but not the price tag lol.
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So glad you like the idea – happy crafting!
I was wondering did you remove the glass from the frames? It’s hard to tell from the pictures.
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It will depend on the style/brand of frame, but usually you can just slide out the back, insert the framed agate, and reassemble the frame without needing to remove the glass. There are some styles of shadow box you do need to remove the frame for to access inside.