The Holidays Are Calling… and They Want Sparkle

There’s something magical about pulling out the holiday décor—wreaths, garlands, lights, and of course, the stockings lined up along the mantel. But if your stockings are looking a little too classic (a.k.a. plain), this is the perfect moment to add a touch of brilliance.

A custom rhinestoned stocking turns a simple holiday favorite into a keepsake—something that feels warm, personal, and extra merry. And the best part? It’s an easy DIY project you can do in an afternoon.

Below, I’ll walk you through how to bring sparkle to your stockings using rhinestones—Angie-style: simple, fun, professional, and full of festive flair.

1. Choose Your Stocking Design

Before you start gluing, pick a direction:

✨ Classic Trim
A row (or several!) of rhinestones along the cuff for a clean, elegant finish.

✨ Monogram Moment
Add an initial in rhinestones—perfect for families, roommates, or gift-giving.

✨ Holiday Icons
If you’re feeling crafty, try creating a Christmas tree, snowflake, reindeer, or even a sparkling snowman silhouette.

✨ Maximalist Sparkle
Cover the entire front panel. Why not? ’Tis the season.

Pro tip: Sketch your idea on paper first. Once you see it visually, it’s much easier to plan spacing, sizing, and colors.

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2. Choose Your Rhinestones

This is where the fun really begins.

You can use flatback or hotfix rhinestones — both work beautifully on stockings, so choose whatever application method feels easiest.

✨ Size

• Use one size for a clean, uniform look

• Or mix 3–4 sizes for depth and dimensional sparkle (my personal favorite)

✨ Color

For holiday palettes, you can’t go wrong with:

• Red

• Emerald

• Gold

• Crystal Clear

And if you want the perfect mix of affordability + shine, our Priceless Crystals™ are a fan favorite for stocking projects.

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3. Pick the Right Glue (If You’re Not Using Hotfix)

Your glue can make or break the final look, so choose based on your stocking material:

• Velvet: Use E6000 — it’s the strongest option for plush fabrics.

• Cotton, felt, or knit: Gem-Tac or Jewel-It works beautifully.

All three dry clear, flexible, and durable — exactly what you want for long-lasting holiday keepsakes.

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4. Apply Your Rhinestones

Set up your space, grab a cup of cocoa, and let’s get sparkling.

Step-by-Step

1. Add a barrier
   Slide the cardboard inside the stocking to prevent glue bleed-through.

2. Lay your stocking flat
   A table or craft mat works great.

3. Prep your stones
   Pour them into a rhinestone tray for easy pickup.

4. Attach your sparkle
   For hotfix:

   • Heat the adhesive on the back of each stone

   • Press the fabric for a few seconds

   For flatbacks:

   • Use a small syringe or precision-tip bottle

   • Add a small dot of glue to the back of each rhinestone

   • Place with your pick-up tool, adjust as needed, and let it dry fully

5. Let it set
   Drying times vary — but don’t rush it. Beautiful things take time.

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5. Add a Little Extra Holiday Magic

Once your rhinestones are on, you can:

• Add ribbon or trim along the cuff
• Tie on a small charm
• Create matching stockings for the whole family
• Add rhinestones to your tree skirt for a coordinated look

And if you want inspiration, we have a full video showing how we used crystal-clear Priceless Crystals™—including the new flat-back shapes—to make gorgeous snowflakes on a stocking.

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Finish with Sparkle

Whether your holiday style is minimalist elegance or full-on festive glam, a rhinestoned stocking is a heartfelt project that adds warmth and personality to your home.

If you need rhinestones, tools, or a little creative nudge, we’ve got everything you need to make your holiday décor shine.