Can’t find it? Make it. Our DIY Jewelry & Accessories components make it easy to do it yourself- and be happy with the results. Here’s the key: with our DIY Jewelry & Accessories components, you’re starting with finished pieces that already look good on their own. Whatever you build on top, however you decorate, they’ll still look good- just better. Sparklier. (And, isn’t that the whole idea?

Appliques = DIY² Do It Yourself, Dye It Yourself. Yes, my friend. There is a designer’s thrill in this equation. Use a fabric dye suitable for synthetics and you can color these to match your vision, then add crystals to gild the lily. RU’s own Sarah dip dyed her DIY appliques for an ombré effect, then topped with crystals for her daughter’s solo costume. But, you don’t have to dye it yourself. Our DIY appliques come in a rainbow of shades to suit your project, whatever it may be. Use them as is to dress up a basic leotard, or add flat back crystals to create an easy pin-in hairpiece. RU’s own Jill trimmed the “Vinca” shape into smaller pieces, added rhinestones and created a choker for her soloing student. We particularly saw the potential of our DIY appliques for the dancesport crowd: make an inexpensive ballroom gown ready to wear in front of the judges simply by adding some crystal-covered appliques to your body’s focus area. (Then, shimmy and shake all over that dance floor!)

Ultrasuede = Ultrasuave One of my favorite DIY items is our ultrasuede bracelet. Check out the Swarovski® snap closure already set for you- it’s a stunner! This quick and easy project is great for first-time crafters. In fact, it’s often the teaching tool during our hands-on workshops, as even the veteran crystallers in the mix find it a relaxing way to spend some time creating a little something. Or, should I say creating a little something for themselves. It’s a guilt-free indulgence: small, quick, inexpensive, but drop dead gorgeous when finished. For wall-to-wall shine, one gross of 20ss flat backs fit 3-deep quite nicely. We’ve expanded the line to include DIY ultrasuede chokers that are really on trend (though we’ve been dancing in chokers for years, right?) and double wrap bracelets that add elegance in a slimmer silhouette. And, for those off-stage hours in life, imagine how the ultrasuede lanyard- already finished with shiny chrome hardware- can glam up your keys, your hall pass, your sweat suit, your 9 to 5 with a double row of 20ss crystals you added yourself. 

Hairdo It Yourself Hair clips, barrettes, combs and headbands in glossy tortoise shell acetate give you a sturdy, lightweight and attractive base to start from. Glue on flat backs in any design you can imagine, or cover the base with an applique and work 3D pointed back crystals into the low relief. Stretch elastic headbands in three shades blend in blonde, ginger or brunette updos. Snag some to stash around your dance bag or bathroom drawer as is, and get a few more to decorate. Attach an applique, glue on some crystals, pin on a brooch and find a piece of felt to back it. Make a fabric rose. Whatever! The world is your oyster, dear reader.       

Anything Goes Earrings Earring components are available for pierced or clip ears, and are an impactful way to get use out of the odds and ends left in your crystal kit. Did you trim some Swarovski® Crystal Rock to fit your costume? Glue the scrap shapes to an earring post. They don’t even have to match- they can be sparkly abstract art on your ears. There’s no wrong way to DIY Jewelry & Accessories! Top with the flat backs you’ve picked up from your carpet, and voila- repurposed, handmade, one-of-a-kind jewelry of your very own. 

Remember- DIY doesn’t mean you have to do it all by yourself. Grab a friend and spend some time in creativity. Everybody needs a little more sparkle in their lives. -xo- Jemm 

Rhinestones Unlimited blog author Jemm Stone is a multifaceted girl navigating our sparkly world with on-point insights. Visit our blog to follow her thoughts as she highlights design trends, turns the spotlight on industry influencers and breaks down how-to tips like light through a crystal prism.