Rhinestone DIY

Rhinestones are a great way to add some sparkle and shine to any project. Whether you're looking to add some bling to your clothing, accessories, or home decor, rhinestones are a versatile and affordable option. If you're new to the world of rhinestone crafting, don't worry! There are plenty of easy DIY projects that you can try out. Here are three beginner-friendly rhinestone projects to get you started.

1. Rhinestone Picture Frame

If you're looking to add some bling to your home decor, a rhinestone picture frame is a great option to start with. You can use rhinestones to create a border around a favorite photo or to add some sparkle to a plain frame. To get started, you'll need a picture frame, rhinestones, and glue. For this project flat-backed rhinestones that are non-hotfix (meaning they don’t have heat-activated glue) will be your best bet.  

As always, start by laying out your rhinestones on a flat surface and deciding on your design. You can create a simple border or go crazy with the sparkles! Once you have your design in mind, use glue to attach the rhinestones to the frame. Be sure to allow the glue to dry completely before adding your photo.

2. Rhinestone Phone Case

Another fun and easy rhinestone project is to decorate your own phone case. You can use rhinestones to make your phone stand out and reflect your dazzling personality. You'll need a phone case with a surface that the glue will adhere to, rhinestones of your choosing, tweezers, and glue. A clear or colorful acrylic case, or one made of a similar material, will give you the best bond for your stones. 

Start by laying out your phone case (without your phone in it) on a flat surface and deciding where you want to place your rhinestones. Once you have your design in mind, use glue to attach the rhinestones. Be sure to allow the glue to dry completely before handling it! 

3. Rhinestone T-Shirt

One of the most popular rhinestone projects is to add some bling to a plain t-shirt. All you need is a t-shirt, non-hotfix rhinestones, and fabric glue. You can also use hot-fix stones with fabric but you will need a safe heat source. You can find rhinestones in a variety of colors and finishes on the Sparkles Rhinestone website at Sparklesrhinstones.com.

To get started, lay out your t-shirt on a flat surface and decide where you want to place your rhinestones. You can create a simple design, like a heart or star, or go for something more elaborate. Once you have your design in mind, use fabric glue to attach the rhinestones to the shirt. Be sure to follow the instructions on the glue bottle and allow the shirt to dry completely before wearing.

Working with rhinestones can be a bit tricky, especially if you're new to crafting. Here are a few tips to help things go smoothly:

- Use the right glue: When working with rhinestones, it's important to use a glue that is specifically designed for fabric or jewelry making. Regular craft glue may not hold up well over time. I typically recommend the E6000 with a small nozzle to help place the glue precisely when working with hard surfaces (like a picture frame).  A toothpick can also be a useful tool to transfer glue onto the rhinestone backs. 

- Use tweezers: To pick up, move and apply rhinestones with precision, use a pair of tweezers. This will help you grip the stones and place them exactly where you want them and will also help you keep from getting glue all over your fingers! 

- Plan it out: Before you start gluing rhinestones to your project, practice laying them out on a flat surface. This will help you get a feel for how they look, whether you need to spread them out or create a more dense pattern.  

- Be patient: Working with rhinestones can be time-consuming, especially if you're creating a complex design. Take your time and be patient, and you'll end up with a beautiful finished product.

Rhinestone crafting is a fun and easy way to add some sparkle and shine to your projects. Whether you're creating a rhinestone t-shirt, hair accessory, or picture frame, there are plenty of beginner-friendly projects to try out. With a little practice and patience, you'll be a rhinestone crafting pro in no time!

Everything you need to start crafting can be found at Sparklesrhinestones.com!