How To Select and Use Rhinestones

How to Select and Use Rhinestones

How do you select and use rhinestones? How many rhinestones do you need for your project? Our rhinestone how-to library includes answers to these questions, as well as design ideas, patterns for rhinestones, estimating guides to help you determine how many rhinestones you need. Borrow from our experience to become a rhinestone master!

		This section contains general information and how-to's from Rhinestones Unlimited.
From the SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Application Manual. You can download the entire manual or just the chapters you're interested in. Used by permission.		How to Attach Flat Back Rhinestones (Crystals) Recommended Adhesives & Glues for Rhinestones (Crystals)
Professor of Crystal Welcome Video An introduction to Swarovski and Nick Regine, who hosts the instructional series, The Professor of Crystal.		How to Use Hotfix Rhinestones (Crystals) Rhinestone Color Cross-Reference
Episode 1: Crystal Applicator Tool & Trims In this episode, the Professor of Crystal introduces the Crystal Applicator Tool and demonstrates its use with Jeans Buttons, Rose Pins, Rivets, Decorative Buttons, and Snaps.		PDF Design Sketch Templates (Female) PDF File Printable Rhinestone/Sequin Size Chart PDF File Estimating Guide - How many rhinestones do you need?
Episode 2: How to Glue Swarovski Elements Kellie DeFries, a.k.a. The Crystal Ninja, shares her favorite tips and tricks for attaching crystal rhinestones to various surfaces.		PDF File NEW! Group Project Planning Worksheet - Worksheet for Group Performance Costumes PDF File Make Your Own Barrettes Instruction Sheet
Episode 4: Embellishing with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Hotfix Stones and Transfers The Professor takes us to Austria to meet Ralph Schweger, who provides expert advice in the application of hotfix trims.		PDF File Make Your Own Earrings Instruction Sheet PDF File Make Your Own Combs Instruction Sheet NEW! Swarovski Crystal Applicator Instructions
Episode 5: Soldering with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Nick Regine introduces us to the tools, supplies and techniques to demonstrate the basics of soldering with Swarovski Elements.		PDF Swarovski Crystal Setter/Rose Pins PDF Swarovski Crystal Setter/Rivets
Episode 6: Basic Jewelry Stringing with Swarovski Crystal and Beadalon Wyatt White of Beadlon joins Nick to teach the Crystal Professor about basic finishing techniques while working with beads.		PDF Swarovski Crystal Setter/Jeans Buttons PDF Swarovski Crystal Setter/Snaps & Buttons
Episode 8: Felting Pat Riesenburger shows how she incorporates crystals into her fiber art works.
Episode 10: Crystallized Nails Gina Silvestro, Swarovski Nail Ambassador, shows The Professor how she turns nails into sparkling accessories by using small Swarovski crystals.		Still have questions about rhinestones or other trims? You can always Ask Mama Rhinestone.
Episode 11: UV To The Rescue Nick Regine demonstrates how he uses UV adhesive when working with large flat backs in challenging situations.
Episode 12: Trends for Fall/Winter 2014/15 Heidi McCormick discusses this season's trends and how they are interpreted using Swarovski crystal.

PDF General Information
PDF Soldering, Plating, and Stone Setting
PDF File Gluing
PDF File Sealing
PDF File Hotfix Application
PDF File Sewing, Embroidery, and Hand Application
PDF File Mechanical Application
PDF File Care Instructions
PDF File Legal Notices
PDF File Complete Manual (16MB; 157 pages)

Our customers also like to share their tips and favorite ways of working with rhinestones and trims.
PDF File Applying Individual Sequins with a Seed Bead - from Vicky, who embellishes Lycra swimsuits for synchronized swimming competitors.
PDF File Gluing Rhinestones with a Syringe - from Kristen, who embellishes accessories with loose rhinestones (crystals).
PDF File Using Hotfix Rhinestones - from Rene, who creates skating costume designs using hotfix rhinestones (crystals)