Tuesday, April 29, 2014

A Look at Other Uses for Rhinestones

Rhinestones have always been known for their decorative worth. These low-cost crystals can easily be bought in sets from an arts store and used for personal projects. While appropriate for decorating clothing and accessories, rhinestones may also be used in other ways, such as greeting card designs or designs for fingernails.

Rhinestones in Cards

Most rhinestones and other hot fix crystals have certain amounts of adhesive on them, perfect for sticking to paper and cardboard. Whether one uses it as a greeting card or as invitations, these beautiful stones can brighten any illustrated design. A tip for using rhinestones for cards: before sticking the stones, position them first on the card design. From there, determine if the crystals would indeed look good on the card, then if you like what you see, you can proceed with carefully placing the stones.

Rhinestone Fingernails

Some girls see rhinestones not only as clothing designs but also as a means of enhancing their fingernails. Several options and designs can be made with nail polish and rhinestones, ranging from letters, to shapes, to simple crystal patterns that can make any fingernail sparkle. The technique is to apply solid colored nail polish first, carefully pressing the rhinestones onto the fingernails, and finishing with a coat of clear nail polish.

Conclusion

Overall, it can be said that rhinestones can make any project look beautiful. The options for using these stones are only limited to one's imagination.

A Look at Other Uses for Rhinestones

Rhinestones have always been known for their decorative worth. These low-cost crystals can easily be bought in sets from an arts store and used for personal projects. While appropriate for decorating clothing and accessories, rhinestones may also be used in other ways, such as greeting card designs or designs for fingernails.

Rhinestones in Cards

Most rhinestones and other hot fix crystals have certain amounts of adhesive on them, perfect for sticking to paper and cardboard. Whether one uses it as a greeting card or as invitations, these beautiful stones can brighten any illustrated design. A tip for using rhinestones for cards: before sticking the stones, position them first on the card design. From there, determine if the crystals would indeed look good on the card, then if you like what you see, you can proceed with carefully placing the stones.

Rhinestone Fingernails

Some girls see rhinestones not only as clothing designs but also as a means of enhancing their fingernails. Several options and designs can be made with nail polish and rhinestones, ranging from letters, to shapes, to simple crystal patterns that can make any fingernail sparkle. The technique is to apply solid colored nail polish first, carefully pressing the rhinestones onto the fingernails, and finishing with a coat of clear nail polish.

Conclusion

Overall, it can be said that rhinestones can make any project look beautiful. The options for using these stones are only limited to one's imagination.

Friday, April 25, 2014

Mixing and Matching with Swarovski Rhinestones

Of the various jewelry materials available to craft jewelers everywhere, Swarovski crystals are perhaps the most popular of them all. Swarovski crystals are all cut using a patented technique invented by Daniel Swarovski, giving them a charming and timeless appearance. There’s also the distinct sheen that each Swarovski piece exudes, which is something other rhinestones can’t just do.

Swarovski’s line of rhinestones actually comes in different types, each suited for the needs of the jewelers and designers using them. Flat-back types are designed to be attached using hot glue, while Hot Fix varieties already have adhesives on them so that hobbyists simply have to heat them. The company also has sew-on rhinestones that, as their name implies, can be sewn together or on cloth.

Craft jewelers and designers are free to mix and match their use of Swarovski’s full range of rhinestones for full effect. Whether you are making a piece of jewelry, a fancy costume, a new fingernail design, or even a gem-laden luxury car, Swarovski has the right rhinestone for you. The company’s versatile product range makes it a favorite among many hobbyists and fashion designers. If you’re in need of a little sparkle in your craft project, consider using Swarovski’s rhinestones.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Perfect Cut: Using Swarovski Elements for Projects

Half of the fun in creating your own jewelry is in making something beautiful out of scratch; the other half is in proudly wearing something that you’ve made and designed yourself. While basic jewelry making is quite a simple hobby to get into, enthusiasts are strictly limited to putting together beads and baubles molded or shaped beforehand. Unless a hobbyist dabbles in mining and gem crafting, she has to rely on purchases of beads and accent pieces to cobble jewelry together.

It can be restricting for hobbyists to simply stick to the preset designs that beads and other jewelry materials come in. Jewelry making also gets boring pretty quickly if hobbyists end up using the same materials over and over again. Fortunately, Swarovski’s line of customizable designs, dubbed Swarovski Elements, seeks to change all that.

Swarovski Elements allows customers to choose from a wide variety of gems and stones cut to specifications. This allows jewelry making hobbyists to obtain shapes that simply can’t be purchased on retail. Swarovski also offers other similar products designed to further enhance jewelry making and fashion projects. With the option to select custom made Swarovski crystals, jewelry hobbyists can take their projects to a whole new level of personalization.

Friday, April 18, 2014

Making Custom Accessories w/ Swarovski Crystals

No matter in what part of the world, accessories like necklaces, bracelets, and earrings will always be worn by women from all walks of life. Even as time passes and cultures change, one constant is that people wear these types of accessories to express their personality and show a little more of their individual style.
As it is well ingrained in culture and fashion, it can’t be helped that these accessories are produced in massive quantities. Unfortunately what isn’t realized by some producers is that the inspiration behind bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and other accessories is the need to stand out. Because of that, people constantly look for a way to develop their own designs and have it made by a professional, or end up making it themselves.
For the artist in you, you can proceed to make your own high quality accessories and embellishments by investing in wholesale Swarovksi crystal beads. One of the most popular jewelry design elements for the past several decades, the material sparkles like no other and comes in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes.
Whether for personal use or to do business and produce one-of-a-kind pieces for your clientele, you can acquire Swarovski beads and other types at wholesale prices from trusted online stores. These suppliers can also provide new accessory design ideas.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Raising Your Gift Giving Efforts with Crystals

When it comes to giving gifts, nothing can compare to one that is unique and custom made. By being one of a kind, the gift holds even more meaning as it would simply be irreplaceable.
To make a gift thoughtful, a great recommendation would be to have it custom made with wholesale crystals. Timelessly popular with women, jewelry and other crystal-adorned items serve as memorable and elegant keepsakes.
There are many ways to have a gift custom made and it just matters what item you want personalized. If you are the type of person who has an affinity for crafts, you can easily make the gift yourself, as there are reliable online retailers who offer a wide selection of wholesale crystals. These retailers can also provide great gift suggestions to personalize, as well as recommend the types of crystals that would best suit your present, and how to go about your project.
Some popular custom gift ideas include home décor, apparel like shoes, caps and clothing, and accessories like bags, belts and cellphone cases. There are plenty of crystal designs, colors and shapes from which to choose, offering the gift giver limitless design possibilities. It will also help to look into various DIY tutorials to see how you can perfectly customize your gift.

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Customizing Items with Rhinestone Appliques

Whether its shoes, jackets, dresses, bags, or other items, people want the clothes they wear and the accompanying accessories to stand out. This has led to many brands producing limited items with exclusive designs, giving it a touch of uniqueness for the select few who are able to purchase it.
It’s this need to be unique and the prices of items in the market that have led to the thriving of the customization business. Not a new concept, many have made a living by creating or customizing one-of-a-kind pieces in an effort to satisfy the need for a truly personal style.
While many have dabbled in using custom fabrics and colors, a popular trend among customizers has been rhinestone appliques. Whether used to adorn bags, enhance dresses, or to personalize basic cellphone cases, rhinestones have become a popular way to make items unique. Small businesses have been established for the sole purpose of bedazzling particular items, while many have also chosen to use rhinestones in DIY projects.
There are many rhinestones available in the market, from those made of Swarovski crystals, to those made with acrylic. Online stores that provide retail and wholesale of a wide variety of rhinestones are a great source for anyone looking for creative design options to choose from.

Monday, April 7, 2014

How to Keep Rhinestone Jewelry in Good Condition

Rhinestones can be a great investment, especially when cared for properly. Not only will caring for your jewelry help preserve it for years to come, but it will also make it possible for future generations to enjoy it.

Rhinestone jewelry is made of metal, so unlike silver or gold, it will oxidize and wear off over time. This can be remedied through simple cleaning methods. You don’t have to go out of your way to hire a professional cleaner. Here are a few pointers:

  • Never spray glass cleaner directly on the jewelry. Use a small cloth to clean the area and cotton swabs to target the places that are hard to reach.
  • Use non-abrasive cleaners.
  • Do not submerge rhinestones with foil backing in water, as they can be easily damaged.
  • Be gentle with your rhinestone jewelry when cleaning it. If you’re too forceful, the piece may come apart and it might become difficult to repair.
  • Avoid wearing your jewelry whilst taking part in rigorous activities. It’s also best to keep your jewelry away from hairspray, lotion, makeup and other beauty products.

Harsh environments tend to damage rhinestone jewelry. Make it a point to keep them in cool, dry, smoke and dust-free places.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Shopping for Swarovski Crystals

Swarovski is the brand almost everyone turns to for the finest jewelry crystals and pearls. Retailers all over the world sell pieces with Swarovski crystals, such as bridal pieces, necklaces, pendants, jaw clips, hair accessories and brooches. These pieces are usually known for their elegance and beauty.

Because of the various options Swarovski has to offer, it can be difficult to select styles and colors that complement you. Choosing jewelry is not that different from choosing clothes for your wardrobe. It is always best to stick to classic pieces that will never go out of season. But if you’re aiming for something a little trendier, it doesn’t hurt to step outside the box. Here are some tips:

  1. Make sure the jewelry is appropriate for the occasion. A huge statement piece might be right for a ladies’ night out, but if you’re attending a business meeting, it’s best to stick to simpler pieces.

  1. See what colors best suit your skin tone. Brightly-colored crystals don’t suit every skin type. You’re going to have to test which one looks best on you. It also helps to have someone you trust to accompany you while you pick out jewelry.

  1. Stay within your budget. While looking pretty is important, you also have to think about how much you’re willing to spend.