Recently Mari from SentFromMars.com created a tutorial to show how easy it is to customize your boots with rhinestones and screw on studs. We want to share with you the video that she has done documenting the process and show you how you can beautify your boots and make them special and shiny with rhinestones and studs.
A video on how to customize your boots with rhinestones by Mari from SentFromMars.com.
You can also find the step-by-step tutorial and links to the tools and materials used in the video on Instructables.com. You can even download the heart-shaped template used in the tutorial.
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We experimented on several adhesive types with some very interesting observations.
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And so we decided to do a little research of our own with flat back rhinestones. These are some of our observations.
Super Glue
In general, super glue is not suitable for flat back rhinestones and pointed back rhinestones with silver foil backing. This is because it tends to cloud the rhinestones when the glue interacts with the silver foil. The picture below shows a close-up of a flat back rhinestone with the silver foil backing clouded by super glue.
Clouded flat back rhinestone |
As for suitable surfaces; metal, glass, ceramics and some plastics are fine with super glue. However, it cannot be used on most polystyrene/styrofoam and paper clay surfaces as it eats into it. The picture below shows a part of the styrofoam eaten into when attempting to adhere a glossy pearl rhinestone with super glue. It is also best not to used it on flexible material such as paper, rubber or fabric.
Corroded styrofoam |
Super glue is fast drying and dries like glass, therefore it shatters like glass upon hard impact or if the bond is broken. It sticks fast which makes it difficult to re-position or remove a flat back rhinestone if a mistake is made. It has a strong bond, is waterproof and dries clear, however, some brands may look a little powdery white on certain surfaces (read the product label carefully). Super glue can be quite runny and large amounts come out if the tube or bottle is squeezed hard. Apply sparingly or the excess will ooze out from under the rhinestones. Any glue that gets onto the rhinestone is not easily removed and will give the rhinestone a blurred effect. Try as much as possible not to have any contact with skin. It hardens and dries so fast that it'll be a few days before the skin feels normal again. Not a convenient adhesive to remove so do take care.
Hot Glue
A fun adhesive to use. It comes in the form of a glue stick that is inserted into a hot glue gun. Once the gun is heated up, the glue stick melts for application.
Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks |
This is a fast drying glue and there is little room for error so be sure to get the positioning correct. Press the flat back rhinestone down fast or the glue may solidify thick and create a gap between the rhinestone and the surface. On the plus side, it can be used in place of 3d foam dots and it costs less too!
Glue hardened thick under a flat back rhinestone |
Hot glue is generally suitable for larger items like the 10mm flat back rhinestone in the picture above. It would be tricky to use hot glue on smaller items like 2.5mm rhinestones.
. It can be quite stringy as it cools and the strings are a little messy to remove. It dries clear but tends to yellow with age. However, some brands have coloured glue sticks available so this is definitely a glue with possibilities. It allows glued items to be separated again relatively easily if required, and if all else fails just heat it up again with a hairdryer. Hot glue is suitable for most surfaces, like hard plastics, foam, paper products, wood, clay and glass. Do note, however, that you should avoid using it on surfaces that are subject to high temperatures as that would make the glue re-melt. Be careful when handling hot glue, it may not appear to be hot but it is and can cause burns on skin.
Epoxy Resin Adhesives
An interesting adhesive that comes in two parts; a resin and a hardener, that have to be mixed together. The formula is often equal parts resin and hardener, however, instructions vary with each manufacturer so it is best to read the product label with care as inaccurate measuring and mixing will prevent the resin from curing and hardening. There are many kinds of epoxy resins available, from the heavy duty industrial types to the milder, less toxic, user-friendly, off-the-shelf variety.
We tried the user-friendly kind on some flat back rhinestones. In general, the resin mixture is initially runny and can be a little slippery, making it tricky to attach the rhinestones. After a couple of minutes the mixture gets stickier and more syrupy, this is when the glue is easier to manage. However, this process can be wasteful and time consuming, specially when used with numerous small objects like flat back rhinestones. This is because after attaching a couple of rhinestones, the initial resin mixture becomes too stiff to continue to be applied properly, and another mixture will have to be made before gluing can commence again. This is especially so with quick drying resins, hence, it would be better to source for slower curing variations.
Hardened resin mixture |
Epoxy resins are strong bonding adhesives that are suitable for use on glass, metal, porcelain, rigid plastic and wood. It is not as suitable on fabric as other flexible glues. The flat back rhinestones break away easily from the cloth, with some of the silver foil backing torn off.
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Nevertheless, epoxy resins are adjustable adhesives that can be made flexible or rigid depending on the different components added to the resin. Most epoxy resins dry clear, but once again, depending on the chemical elements added to the resin, it can be made to dry opaque as well. Always work in a well ventilated area and avoid skin contact when mixing and handling resins. Some resins can be very toxic and give out a strong, vaporous ordour. Read the product label carefully, use gloves or barrier cream to protect your hands and take all necessary precautions suggested. Measured, mixed and managed with care, the epoxy resin is a good, strong adhesive that does not cloud rhinestones.
A versatile adhesive that is waterproof, flexible and dries clear. It is slow drying and if you squeeze out a lump, the outer layer will slowly harden first. Since it solidifies slowly, rhinestones can be positioned and re-positioned several times within 5-10 minutes after the initial attachment. This makes it easy to maneuver the flat back rhinestones around. As it begins to cure, the E-6000 can be a tad stringy if left exposed for over a minute but the strings are easily removed with a pincer. Once the glue is left to hardened overnight, the bond is very strong and durable.
E-6000 Industrial Strength Adhesive |
The interesting thing about this glue is that not only does it dry hard with a very strong bond, it also has 'rubber-like' qualities. Instead of shattering like super glue, the E-6000 actually acts like a shock absorber if the piece you are working on is dropped or knocked. It is safe for use with virtually every type of rhinestone and gemstone. A tough, non-corrosive and self-leveling adhesive, it is appropriate for practically all surfaces, including wood, canvas, plastic, ceramics, vinyl, glass, paper, leather and even fabric. When glued onto fabric, the bond withstands several machine washings. It is easy and painless to remove from skin.
That's the end of our research and we hope our findings have been helpful. Do try out different types of adhesives and brands to find the one(s) that you find most suitable and comfortable to use. Before we end here are some tips that might be useful.
Tips on what to look for in adhesives for rhinestones
Tips on glueing rhinestones
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Find out how hot fix (also known as iron-on) rhinestones, rhinestuds and pearls can be fixed beautifully on anything and everything fabric!
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Here we reveal the secret of using hot fix transfer paper or tape to conveniently apply a rhinestone or rhinestud design onto fabric with ease. With this effortless method, you can create your own designs, store it for future use, share it with family and friends, or even sell your designs for profit!
Step 1: Construct your design on a clean flat surface.
You may use hot fix rhinestones or hot fix rhinestuds of different colors and sizes or a mixture of both rhinestones and rhinestuds. However, do make sure the rhinestones and studs are of the hot fix variety with adhesive on the flat back surface in order for this procedure to work.
Hot fix rhinestones, rhinestuds and the hot fix transfer tapes can be found in Summer-Ray.com.
Step 2: Transfer the hot fix rhinestone/stud design to a piece of hot fix transfer paper or tape.
Once you have arranged your desired hot fix rhinestone design, it is ready to be transferred to a piece of hot fix transfer tape.
Partially peel off the transparent layer of hot fix transfer tape from the white backing layer.
Place the sticky transparent layer over your rhinestone design and ensure the sticky transparent tape makes good contact with all the rhinestones and studs. Apply some pressure onto your design to make sure that the rhinestones and studs are well-adhered onto the hot fix transfer tape.
Step 3: Peel off the hot fix transfer tape.
Slowly peel off the hot fix transfer tape, making sure that all the rhinestones and rhinestuds are adhering onto the hot fix transfer tape.
Step 4: Replace the backing sheet.
You may now replace the backing sheet, and your design is ready to be transferred onto your clothing.
In this form, you may also preserve the design for future use, and you have a choice of displaying or selling your designs.
Step 5: Transfer the design onto chosen clothing.
When you are ready to transfer the design onto your clothing, you will need an iron and an ironing board.
The photo shows a simple rhinestud design on a piece of hot fix transfer tape, and the sleeve of a T-shirt where the rhinestud design is to adhere to.
To begin, peel the transparent layer of the hot fix transfer tape, with the rhinestud design, from the white backing sheet and position it onto the desired position on the fabric.
As the transparent layer of the hot fix transfer tape is sticky, it will stick to your clothing but worry not as it can be peeled away easily without causing any damage.
The tape also helps to set your rhinestud and rhinestone design in place.
Step 6: Iron on your hot fix rhinestone/rhinstud design.
Turn your clothing over to reveal the underside where the rhinestone design is so that it is accessible to an iron.
With the iron set to a temperature suitable for the material of the clothing, place the iron onto the underside of where the rhinestone design is. The heat from the iron will melt the adhesive on the back of the rhinestuds and rhinestones causing them to stick permanently onto your clothing.
Attention must be paid not to place the iron on your clothing for too long to avoid damage to the material due to excessive heat from the iron. This step can be repeated a few times in short intervals.
Step 7: Check that the rhinestones/rhinestuds are securely attached and remove the transfer tape.
When you feel that the rhinestones and studs are stuck securely to the material, turn it over again and slowly peel off the transparent layer of the hot fix transfer tape from your clothing. If the heat application step is sufficiently done, you will have all the rhinestuds and rhinestones sticking firmly onto the material.
If you find some rhinestuds or rhinestones not sticking well to the fabric, repeat the heat application step and perhaps try with a slightly elevated temperature.
Taa-daaaa!
Your special design is now transferred to the fabric and ready to been shown off!
]]>Here are 5 ideas on how to arrange an inexpensive yet adorable reception!
Courtesy of SimplyBridal.
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If after doing all of your wedding planning, you realize that you’re on a tighter budget than you anticipated and therefore, you don’t have as much money as you would like for your reception, that’s OK. There are actually a lot of cute things that you can do for your reception that will be fun, memorable, and pretty affordable too.
If you’re interested in knowing what some of those things are, we’ve provided you with a list of five of them below:
If you’re looking for something that you can do to serve as centerpieces for your wedding, something that doesn’t cost a ton of money, how about putting pictures of your guests in frames and putting them on all of your tables? It’s a cheaper route for you and will be a lot of fun for your family members and friends to look at (and talk about).
Don’t want to spend money on a bartender? No problem. Something that you can do is rent some water coolers and fill them up with some of your favorite alcoholic beverages. It’s cute, it’s creative, and it’s an easy way to serve some vodka, beer or even wine.
Sometimes wedding cakes can get to be pretty expensive. Well, if you’re looking for an alternative that’s unique and inexpensive, cupcakes are a great route to go. You can position them in such a way that they look just like a cake or you can even make a few wedding dress cupcakes. You can get instructions on how to create those by going to your favorite search engine and putting “wedding dress cupcakes” in the search field.
If you’re planning on having an outdoor wedding or one during the time of year when the weather will be nice and warm, another fun thing that you can do is forego a formal reception altogether and instead, hold a block party. It can consist of a DJ outside and as for the food? Rent a food truck. You’ll have your guests talking about your reception for months to come.
Are you trying to figure out what to do for wedding favors? How about not having any and creating a candy bar table? You can even make it a candy theme from a certain era, complete with some customized carry bags for your guests to put the candy in. SimplyBridal has a wide selection of unique wedding favors that are extremely affordable and cater to a variety of themes. Just go to the site and put “wedding favors” in the search field.
Throwing an amazing wedding reception doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. It’s all about being creative, entertaining, and finding special ways to celebrate your love with all those you care about. Happy planning!
Blog entry courtesy of simplybridal.com
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The sweetest puppets I've ever seen!
This post is dedicated to the wonder and enchantment of marionettes.
]]>Marionette of a little girl |
The puppets on a string that had me on a string... |
Aren't they adorable?! |
Picture courtesy of http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/wood-crafts4.htm |
String attached to the hands |
String attached to the knees |
The hook at the end of the metal wire that attaches the head to the body |
The controls above the puppets |
The signature of the creator |
Intricately painted faces |
Wooden legs and shoes |
Picture courtesy of http://www.sp.uconn.edu/~wwwsfa/library_howto_marionettes.htm |
Make your own devil horns and tail for costume parties, Halloween, or just to run around the house with when you're in the mood. ;-)
]]>Every little kid (and a lot of big kids too) dreams of having super powers, and if you can't have those, the next best thing is to have a superhero outfit.
Turns out you don't need superpowers to scrounge up a fun and 'super cool' outfit. :-)
]]>Ever wondered how Washi eggs are made? It's actually not too difficult.
Read our blog to find out how to turn ordinary egg shells into works of art with the lovely Japanese originated Washi paper.
]]>Make holes at the top and bottom of the egg |
Blow the egg out of the shell |
My little Washi egg work station |
Measuring the width of the egg |
Measuring the length of the egg |
The paper, cut to fit the egg snugly |
Folding the paper |
The fingers mark the middle of the egg |
Cut 4 strips to your fingers |
Cutting the folds to complete the fringe of strips |
A fringe of strips at both sides |
Cutting the peaks |
Picket fences |
Checking the fit |
Covering the paper with glue |
Covered completely from tip to tip |
Press down the strips onto the egg |
Smoothing out the creases |
A gap in the paper |
Peel away the strips |
Shaping to fit the gap |
Cut the ends of a toothpick |
Tie a knot around the toothpick |
Slip the toothpick into the egg shell |
Ready to be decorated |
My Washi eggs |
Smoothing creases away with a spoon |
Here, we experimented with different paint and lots of rhinestones to create an assortment of designs!
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It's especially great for allowing adjustments to fit according to the tastes and size of the wearer.
Step 1.
Cut the cord to your desired length and cross both ends of the cord.
Step 2.
Take the right end (which I will call End A) and tie a regular knot approximately 1 to 2 inches below the left end (End B).
Step 3.
Tie it loosely at first and check if it slides smoothly along End B.
Step 4.
If you are satisfied, tie a double knot with the loose end of End A. You may want to tie the knots loosely at first for easy adjustments later.
Step 5.
Take End B and tie a regular knot around End A, and repeat step 4 with the loose end of End B.
Step 6.
Try sliding both knots up and down the cord. Now would also be a good time to try it on for size to see if you like the fit.
If it does not fit the way you want it to, untie the knots and repeat the process. If you are happy with the fit, tighten the knots securely. And hey presto! You're done! Have fun making necklaces, chokers, bracelets and anklets using this simple but effective technique! :-)
]]>Here's a blog entry on how to make a simple but pretty choker.
It was pretty simple! ;-)
]]>1. Using black craft string, I cut a good length of the string, leaving an ample amount for mistakes.
2. Then I tied a knot at the back of the button hole, making sure it was smack in the middle of the string.
3. Next, I tied two knots on each side of the first knot. 4. Then I slipped in some Tibetan spacer beads, choosing two different-sized floral patterns, and butterflies.5. I added white butterfly buttons to the choker, holding them securely in place by tying two knots on each end of the button hole. Then using my trusted tube of E6000 craft glue, I fixed the butterfly buttons firmly to the knots.
6. I ended my design with more spacer beads and tied a knot at the end to keep them from sliding around.7. The next bit was tricky, I had to measure the string to fit snugly around my neck, while ensuring it was long enough to slip over my head. After some trial-and-error, I had the rough measurements down and tied sliding knots, placing a tiny spacer bead at each knot.
8. I placed the choker on to see if it would fit well...and taa daaa! A perfect fit!Satisfied, I took it off to burn the end bits of the string with a lighter, and I was set to go out with my new homemade choker.
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So I made a few exciting changes that breathed new life into it!
It was actually quite easy too!
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Apart from casual outings, this belt has been a faithful and useful follower on many a backpacking trip. It was time to repay it for years of service ;) Now, how should I do it? Somehow, like the old bead bag, putting the bling on it did not appeal to me. Call me sentimental, but I wanted the belt to represent the feeling I get whenever I'm about to embark on a trip to a new country. I closed my eyes to better remember the feeling. Then it hit me. The heavenly feeling of being alive with a new adventure ahead, the dreamy sight of millions of twinkling lights from the city you're about to land in, the magic of exploring a new place...culture...season... No doubt about it, I was going to decorate my belt with stars... In the beginning, I tried on some seashell buttons, like so.
But it wasn't enough. The belt deserved more. A little more sparkle and shine perhaps without over bedazzling it. This was when I thought of adding some shiny beads. I chose brown and white beaded pearl stars to suit the earthy colour of the belt. The next decision was the design. I played around with the arrangement, using the different coloured beads. Sometimes opting for more of one colour to go between or around the seashell buttons. Sometimes totally excluding a particular colour.
Several variations later, it dawned on me that I did not want the design to be so ordered and rigid. After all, I never followed a strict regime during my travels. It was more fun, flexible, free and easy. That would have to be how the belt was decorated as well. Thus, instead of lining the stars in a particular pattern, I elected to place them in tiny irregular groups along the belt. I tried out how it would look, and not only was it pleasing to the eye, it suited the soul of the theme.
However, I still wanted it to look nice and unfrivolous, so I followed calculated intervals, taking care to measure where the buckle would attach when I put the belt on. I left a bigger gap there, in case I lost or (shudder) gained weight.
Satisfied with the design, I completed sewing on the seashell star buttons and used the E6000 glue to stick on the beaded pearl stars. And my belt was completed.
I was ecstatic! It felt like I had bought a brand new belt. Not wasting another minute, I put it on and the gap for the buckle was perfect. I've been wearing it ever since...with my jeans..cargo pants..shorts..skirts, and received some nice compliments from family and friends. I'm looking forward to my next holiday. We haven't decided yet where it would be...but if you happen to see a girl with a brown star spangled scout belt in your part of the world...that would be me :)
]]>Found an old fashioned bead bag in the attic?
Doll it up to make your own new fashion statement!
Here's an idea how!
Finding it brought back fond memories of the childhood fun my siblings and I had of decking ourselves out, and preening and parading in front of the mirror. A couple minutes of happy reminiscence later I was hit by a brilliant idea! Why not bring back the glory days of the old bead bag with some embellishments? And this is what I did. It was obvious that I could not ‘bling’ it with rhinestones as that would diminish its vintage charm. So I decided to go natural with some lovely coconut shell buttons and buckles. My first step was to use organza ribbons to accentuate the beads.
Next, I slipped in heart-shaped coconut shell buckles to the front, leaving the back buckle-free.
I was having such a good time! There were many possibilities to choose from. Should I end the encircling ribbons with a bow and more buttons or buckles? Should I add different shaped coconut shell buttons to the design? Should I dish out the bag with more frills and furbelows? Resolving to keep it as simple and tasteful as possible, I sewed on light purple and maroon mulberry flowers...
...and a small heart-shaped coconut shell button on a bow.
Then I left the ribbon ends to cascade down the side and, voila!
Now the old beaded bag has been transformed and finds itself in demand again. It’s been to a summer wedding with my cousin, for a dinner date with my best friend and I’ve caught Mum giving it some furtive glances too. I suspect it will be following her for tombola night at the club very soon. What a success my save-the-old-bead-bag project turned out to be! I look forward to embarking on another one soon... ...and somewhere in heaven, I know Mama is smiling to see her old bead bag revisiting its glory days. ;)
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