Swarovski Inspirations
Part 1 of 2
A reader wanted to know more about using flat back rhinestone crystals for jewelry designs. They are certainly fun to use for that extra bling factor! For example, I added Swarovski versions to these earrings in my store.
These rhinestones come either glueless or as hot fix versions where you can use a special tool to heat up and activate the glue at the back. The hot fix ones are best for porous materials like fabrics and paper. You'll have to use a good glue for attaching the non-hot fix ones to slick surfaces such as metal etc.
The above is Carlyjcais' Gossip Girl Inspired Crystal Mesh Earrings which she made by gluing the rhinestones onto tulle and fabric.
There are different tools available to attach hot fix crystals. One example is called the Bejeweler Pro. It works for most porous and some non-porous items. Check out the video tutorial from Beadaholique on how to use this easy tool. Fair warning - you might get carried away blinging anything that doesn't move in your house! And perhaps some that do, too!
Fusion Beads has a great tutorial on how to glue flat back crystals onto metal charms. The trick here is to use a special tool called a jewel setter. It has a tacky end which helps pick up the rhinestones for positioning. Otherwise use toothpicks or Q-tips and tweezers for this task. See this tutorial by M and J Trimming.
The Henna Caravan has a beautiful tutorial for embellishing stenciled henna designs on skin with Swarovski crystals.
More Crystal Tutorials :
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
Part 1 of 2
A reader wanted to know more about using flat back rhinestone crystals for jewelry designs. They are certainly fun to use for that extra bling factor! For example, I added Swarovski versions to these earrings in my store.
These rhinestones come either glueless or as hot fix versions where you can use a special tool to heat up and activate the glue at the back. The hot fix ones are best for porous materials like fabrics and paper. You'll have to use a good glue for attaching the non-hot fix ones to slick surfaces such as metal etc.
The above is Carlyjcais' Gossip Girl Inspired Crystal Mesh Earrings which she made by gluing the rhinestones onto tulle and fabric.
There are different tools available to attach hot fix crystals. One example is called the Bejeweler Pro. It works for most porous and some non-porous items. Check out the video tutorial from Beadaholique on how to use this easy tool. Fair warning - you might get carried away blinging anything that doesn't move in your house! And perhaps some that do, too!
Fusion Beads has a great tutorial on how to glue flat back crystals onto metal charms. The trick here is to use a special tool called a jewel setter. It has a tacky end which helps pick up the rhinestones for positioning. Otherwise use toothpicks or Q-tips and tweezers for this task. See this tutorial by M and J Trimming.
The Henna Caravan has a beautiful tutorial for embellishing stenciled henna designs on skin with Swarovski crystals.
More Crystal Tutorials :
- How to Make Easy Stunning Swarovski Bracelet Tutorials
- How to Make 3-D Rhinestone Flowers Tutorial
- Book Review - Crystal Brilliance - Making Jewelry with Crystal Beads
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
Thanks Pearl, lots of good info on the flat backs. I love your version in your store!!!
ReplyDeleteCarol
Interesting...something I've not done yet...I'm still looking for an amazing glue...haven't found it yet??? There's a post for your Pearl...the best/worst glues?
ReplyDeleteCheers
Well, I don't know about the relative effectiveness of different glues as I just usually use E6000!
ReplyDeleteE6000 is great. I recently bought G-S Hypo Cement and it has a micro needle as an applicator. Love it.
ReplyDeleteI've not been too turned on by flatback rhinestones as I thought they were all plastic. I'll have to check them out again if they come in glass/crystal.
What a great way to add bling to just about anything. But I'll have to pass on getting the Bejeweler as it looks like it could become quite addictive. I could just see my home and my family looking like the late, great Liberace. :D
ReplyDeleteYeah, there are some cheap ones around but the Swarovski versions are delightful.
ReplyDeleteToo funny Anna! I wonder if Liberace's designers used the Bejeweler Pro?
Looks great! I have used www.615supply.com to purchase any of the gemstone beads I need, with great results. 615Supply also has glass beads, wood beads, and charms.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!