Filling Holes in Stones

by Judy Larson
I have no idea why I purchased these stones because I never use pendant stones with holes and usually do not like to work with large cabochons. They were very inexpensive, pretty, and I love turquoise so that is probably why they came home with me. I am not a fan of ice pick bails, so they sat in a box for over ten years until I started making holiday ornaments for the grandchildren and I wondered if I could fill the holes and use the stones.
Instructions
What I learned:

Various colors of polymer clay can be mixed to closely match the stone's color at the site of a hole.

The holes were easy to fill and smooth over with the clay.

However, not all stones can be baked even at the low temperatures needed to cure polymer clay.

Some composite stones reacted badly. The binder melted or burned, releasing a terrible smell.

Who knows what chemicals are used in some of these "stones"?

It was summer, and all the windows were open. After turning off the oven, I quickly set up a fan to clear the smell and left the house for a while.
Judy Larson's Filling Holes in Stones - , General Education, , filling stones with holes
Some polymer clays polish better than others when trying to match the polymer clay to the surface luster of the host stone.

If I use these stones, I will still cover the filled holes with an embellishment, such as a vine with leaves or flowers, or large flower petals or leaves.

It will be better to use stone dust mixed with epoxy resin to fill holes in the future. No baking is needed and it will polish to be a better match to the host stone surface.

Note: When altered stones are used in pieces to be sold, there must be full disclosure of what was done to alter them.

Materials

44x34MM Dendrite Agate/Black Jasper Inlay Flat Pear Pendant
E1-363
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $7.00
  • Gold Club Price: $5.25
Out of Stock
44x34MM Dendrite Agate/Black Jasper Inlay Flat Rectangle Pendant
E1-362
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $7.00
  • Gold Club Price: $5.25
Out of Stock
47x34MM Green Zebra Jasper Ladder Pendant
E1-278
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $3.20
  • Gold Club Price: $2.40
Out of Stock
39MM Dendrite Agate/Black Jasper Inlay Flat Round Pendant
E1-365
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $7.00
  • Gold Club Price: $5.25
Add to Bag
44X34mm Paint Brush/Black Jasper Inlay Pear Pendant - Pack of 1
E1-254
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $7.97
  • Gold Club Price: $5.98
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Tools

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  • Category: General Education
  • Technique(s): General Education