How to make a glass cabochon pendant with a 'Funny Retro Woman' image

What you'll accomplish

This walk-through shows the practical steps to turn a printed image — here, the black-and-white "Funny Retro Woman" photo — into a simple glass cabochon pendant. The goal is a clean, wearable pendant created by aligning a circular image under a round glass cabochon and setting it in a pendant bezel.

Materials and tools (general list)

Gather the common supplies crafters use for cabochon pendants: a round glass cabochon, a matching pendant bezel, a printed copy of the image you want to use, clear-drying adhesive suitable for glass and paper, scissors or a craft punch sized to your cabochon, tweezers, and a chain or cord for the finished necklace.

Step 1 — Choose and prepare the image

Use the photo you want to feature. For this project we’re using the supplied black-and-white photo of a woman on a porch flipping the bird (the same image shown on a dusty rose velvet jewelry box in the product photo). When preparing the artwork, aim for a circular crop that places the subject where you want it under the cabochon.

Step 2 — Size and print

Determine the diameter of your cabochon and crop the image to that approximate circle before printing. Print a test on plain paper first to confirm composition and scale. Once satisfied, print the final image on the paper type you prefer for your chosen adhesive method.

Step 3 — Cut the image to fit

Carefully cut a circular piece from the printed image that matches your cabochon. You can use a circle punch for consistency or precise scissors and a template. Keep the cut edge clean so the image sits flush inside the bezel.

Step 4 — Adhere the image to the cabochon

Place a small amount of clear-drying adhesive on the flat side of the glass cabochon, then set the printed circle face down onto the adhesive so the image shows through the curved side. Press gently to remove air bubbles and ensure even contact. Wipe away any glue squeezed out before it dries.

Step 5 — Trim and set in the bezel

Once the glue has dried, confirm the image is centered and the edges are neat. Set the cabochon into the pendant bezel and press it into place so the bezel holds the glass securely. If your bezel requires a small dab of adhesive to stay closed, apply it where needed and allow it to cure according to the glue’s instructions.

Finishing

Add a chain or cord and inspect the pendant for any loose edges. Clean any fingerprints from the glass surface and the bezel before wearing or gifting.

Troubleshooting and tips

• If the image looks slightly magnified or cropped unexpectedly, re-check your crop and scale before printing.
• For a centered portrait, place the subject slightly above the true center of the circle so the face reads well under the dome.
• Work on a clean, flat surface and allow adhesives to fully cure before handling the finished piece.

Use the ready-made option

If you prefer not to create the pendant yourself, you can choose the finished Funny Retro Woman Necklace — Flip the Bird Pendant shown in the product photo. It’s a convenient way to get the same image as a wearable necklace without making one from scratch.

Product link: Funny Retro Woman Necklace, Flip the Bird Pendant