15 Ways To Use Dollar Tree Gems For Unique Home Decor

Every thrifty crafter knows that the Dollar Tree craft aisle (and many other sections of the store, too) is full of affordable materials that make the cutest DIYs. In this case, we're focusing on those mesh bags of dazzling gems that come in various color options. Of course, colorful glass gemstones are one of the many stylish Dollar Tree items that make the absolute best vase fillers, but the colorful little pebbles work for so many more projects. They dress up many everyday objects, like wine bottles, candleholders, vases, mirrors, picture frames, and serving trays. Because they're clear, the gemstones look stunning in suncatchers or an easy versions of a stained glass window with the sun shining through them.

Dollar Tree offers an assortment of these gemstones, including Floral Garden ocean blue glass accent gems for a beachy feel and Floral Garden clear glass accent gems for a neutral look. For many of the projects, Dollar Tree's river rocks and mini accent stones also work. Or, you can find similar crafting gemstones at other retailers if you want more variety. While these 15 Dollar Tree gem projects are adorable as-is, you can also modify them with different base materials, colors, or designs to make them your own.

There are several tips to decorate your side tables, but this makeover is fun and colorful thanks to the gems. You can create any pattern you want with the baubles — rows of different colors are easy to achieve, or try swirling geometric patterns with alternating colors. No matter what pattern you choose, do a dry run first to make sure you like the look before you use E6000 (or another strong adhesive) to attach the pebbles to the table. To fill the gaps between the gems, use epoxy, silicone caulk, or grout.

While there are plenty of creative ways to repurpose old picture frames, sometimes an outdated frame just needs a little embellishment — Dollar Tree gems glued to the frame can work beautifully. One creator added a crackled look by placing the gems in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for 20 minutes before dumping them into cold water. Then, use E6000 glue to attach them to any photo frame. Other embellishments, like bows, twine, or artificial flowers, are also an option if you want to layer the decorations on the frame.

Looking for savvy ways to organize your beauty room? This Dollar Tree gem two-tier tray is a glam option. You'll need two silver or clear trays (one that's slightly smaller), a glass candlestick holder, and several gems. Each tray gets gems glued around the edge. Then, attach the candlestick holder in the center of the bottom tray, and center the other tray on top of it. You can also make a single organizer, using a tray or mirror as the base. Add wooden knobs or metal napkin rings to the bottom to elevate a single tray.

Elevate a simple tray with a raised edge (or make your own tray by gluing together two Cooking Concepts cookie pans to make it extra durable) by covering the bottom with Dollar Tree gems. Spray paint the tray base if desired, and then simply attach the gems to the bottom using E6000 glue. If your tray doesn't have handles, add decorative handles, such as these Tool Bench metal drawer pulls. If you prefer a more natural look, consider using the Floral Garden black river stones instead of the gemstones.

Turn Dollar Tree glass gems into tiny home decor treasures by adding photos, words, or decorative paper to clear baubles. You'll want clear glass gems with one flat side because you'll start by making photo tiles. Choose a small image that fits under the gem. To attach the image, brush Mod Podge on the flat side of the gem and press the image into the glue so it shows through the gem. Brush more Mod Podge onto the back to seal it in. Once everything is dry, add magnets to the back.

If you love to decorate with mirrors, this Dollar Tree gem project offers a glam option to add to your decor. This idea works on any mirror, whether it's a full-length mirror next to your closet or a small accent mirror on your wall. Clear gems give a glam, diamond-like look, but you can choose any color of gems that work with your decor. Then, simply glue rows of gems along the frame. Attach a single row along the edge, or attach multiple rows to cover all sides of the frame.

Let the light shine through your favorite Dollar Tree gems with a simple suncatcher craft (even kids can help with this one). Clear glue poured into a plastic container lid helps hold the gems in place. You can make patterns or put the gems in randomly. Once the glue dries, the disk pops out, and you have your glimmering suncatcher. Poke a hole in the glue to add a hanger. You can try sprinkling glitter into the glue or tinting the glue with food coloring first. Or, use sea glass instead of gems.

Transform a round glass candleholder into a warm, upscale decor piece with the simple addition of gems. The flat side of each Dollar Tree gem gets glued onto the rounded candleholder, starting with a row along the top edge. Make sure the rows will all fit neatly onto the bowl before you start gluing. For the safest option, put battery-powered votive candles inside each glass holder for a realistic (but flameless) glow. These gem-covered candle bowls look beautiful on shelves, coffee tables, vanities, and other areas that need a warm glow.

Use Dollar Tree gems and an old window to DIY stained glass decor for your home. Using two or more colors of gems helps create a recognizable design, which could be an initial, an image, a word, or anything you can imagine. An old window works well, or you can take the backing off of a picture frame, leaving the frame and glass in place. If you're using a template, place it underneath the glass, so you can use it to help place your gems when you glue them down.

Get the look of a gazing ball at a fraction of the price with this Dollar Tree DIY. Starting with a Styrofoam ball in the size you want, paint the ball to coordinate with the gems, or leave it white. All that's left to do is glue on rows of gems to cover the Styrofoam ball. You can also use a rounded glass bowl or a bowling ball as the base for the gazing ball. The open side of a rounded glass bowl creates a flat surface for stability. 

There are plenty of clever decor and storage DIYs using Dollar Tree glass vases. However you use them, this gem upgrade adds texture and elevates the look. Choose a glass vase with an interesting shape, and cover it with glass gems. You can leave the display the way it is, or you can spray paint the entire piece to give it a more polished, consistent look. Now, the vase is ready to use as you normally would, whether that's filling it with artificial flowers or using it as a makeup brush holder.

There are many unique ways to repurpose wine bottles in your garden, but this bedazzled project turns them into unique decor. The inspiration project uses green gems to create the look of grapes on the front of the bottle — very fitting for an empty wine bottle. Green wire, ribbons, and other accents round out the look. However, you can create whatever gem design you want on any glass bottle. Cover it completely with random gems, or arrange them to look like a specific object. A strand of fairy lights inside highlights your finished design.

Why settle for one gem-covered candleholder when you can combine two for an elevated display? Flip a Floral Garden glass cylinder vase upside down, and glue a round candleholder, right side up, onto the vase. This creates the basic shape, which you can accent with clear gems. Cover the glass completely, or attach them randomly to look like bubbles. A row of gems or a ribbon is a pretty way to cover the connection point. Candles or fillers go into the rounded portion to create a look that works with your decor. 

This simple DIY is an outdoor centerpiece option that adds a little light to your outdoor entertaining. Dollar Tree gems go into a rounded bowl to create the base. Then, you'll remove the stake portion of a simple solar light stake and press the light portion down into the gems to hold it in place. Make sure the top solar panel section sticks out of the top so the light can charge. You can add painted designs, frosted glass paint, or other decorative details on the bowl to customize the look.

Our final Dollar Tree gem craft is another outdoor decor piece. This whimsical mushroom uses a slender, tapered glass for the base and a plastic bowl for the cap. Using assorted gems in different colors and sizes adds a variegated look to the mushroom, but you can also go with a monochromatic look. Glue the stem to the upside-down bowl mushroom cap to keep it sturdy. If you don't want to expose your fun fungus to the elements, it looks just as pretty indoors on a shelf.