Category: Arts & Crafts

Elevate Your Bling with Birthstone-Inspired Rhinestones

Here’s a good trivia question for you: Do you know your own birthstone? And if you do, are you sure it’s the right one?

Birthstones–precious stones associated with the month of the year when you were born–have been around for generations: many cultures have traditions, legends, and belief systems that incorporate these unique gems.

In the early 2000s, jewelers decided to update the list of modern birthstones to focus on gems that are more readily available. Instead of hefty, opaque selections like pearls and opals, the 2000s-era birthstone chart selects gems that are naturally transparent. This makes it much easier to create birthstone-specific gifts like jewelry and gem-studded decorations, but it also makes it easier to find lower-cost alternatives for expensive birthstones within the same color family.

Today, we’re exploring the opportunities found in rhinestones. Studious DIY-ers can make budget-friendly swaps for their loved ones’ birthstones with these rhinestone equivalents. Find your favorite shades, select flatback or hot fix, and you’re off to the races in style!

 

 

 

 

January

Birthstone: Garnet

What it Looks Like: Garnet is a gem that usually appears in a dark shade of red, but can be found in a variety of colors. Traditionally, garnets are found in Brazil, India, Madagascar, and the United States, and form isometric crystals that can be easily cut and shaped into rich red pieces.

Best Bang for your Buck: Brilliance Siam Rhinestones or Dome Rhinestone Beaded Buttons

One Step Up: Swarovski Burgundy Rhinestones

Inspiration Credit: Amy Holton Designs

 

 

 

February

Birthstone: Amethyst

What it Looks Like: This lovely purple gemstone is usually found in a lighter shades, but can range from close-to-clear to deep, dark purple. As a naturally forming crystal, amethyst creates some beautiful, intricate shapes. For a rhinestone equivalent, choose from a range of purple shades.

Best Bang for your Buck: Brilliance Amethyst Rhinestones

One Step Up: Swarovski Amethyst or Purple Velvet Rhinestones

Inspiration Credit: DesignLoveFest

 

 

 

 

March

Birthstone: Aquamarine (replacing Bloodstone)

What it Looks Like: Aquamarine, as its name suggests, offers a beautiful collection of blue shades. Usually found as a bright, cheery blue (as opposed to the darker, deeper shades you’d find in sapphire), aquamarine is a great pick for beachy DIY projects, spring-themed jewelry, and rhinestone embellishments.

Best Bang for your Buck: Brilliance Aquamarine Rhinestones

One Step Up: Swarovski Aquamarine  or Caribbean Blue Rhinestones

Inspiration Credit: Creative in Chicago

 

 

 

 

April

Birthstone: Diamond

What it Looks Like: You know what they say–diamonds are a girl’s best friend! However, this beautiful stone is so sought-after that it’s become famous for its price. Diamonds run the gamut from traditional, clear-cut stones to darker shades, rough-cut “natural” diamonds, and even pink diamonds! For a lower-cost alternative, try clear glass beads or rhinestones in your favorite shimmery shade.

Best Bang for your Buck: Brilliance Collection Crystal Rhinestones

One Step Up: Swarovski Crystal or Crystal Silver Shade Rhinestones

Inspiration Credit: Blitsy

 

 

 

May

Birthstone: Emerald

What it Looks Like: Who doesn’t love the gorgeous green of emeralds? These beautiful stones can be on the lighter or darker ends, all with rich greens that can even look blue or clear in certain lights. Emerald is a great pick for summery projects and jewelry. Choose rhinestones with a deep green hue to match the extravagance of emerald more closely!

Best Bang for your Buck: Brilliance Emerald Rhinestones

One Step Up: Swarovski Emerald or Swarovski Palace Green Opal Rhinestones

Inspiration Credit: Cut Out And Keep

 

 

June

Birthstone: Alexandrite (replacing Pearl)

What it Looks Like: Traditionally, June’s birthstone was pearl, but those can be tricky to get ahold of–and trickier still to add to DIY projects. Instead, alexandrite offers a stone with a similar sheen that’s much easier to get your hands on. For a less expensive option, try an opalescent rhinestone or one that isn’t transparent.

Best Bang for your Buck: Brilliance Crystal Ab Rhinestones

One Step Up: Swarovski White Opal or Transmission Rhinestones

Inspiration Credit: Sydne Style

 

 

July

Birthstone: Ruby

What it Looks Like: Rubies are one of the most interesting gemstones available. Their deep red color is prized for its intensity, and makes a great addition to any summery projects, embellishments like flames and phoenixes, and rhinestone sunsets.

Best Bang for your Buck: Brilliance Light Siam Rhinestones

One Step Up: Swarovski Ruby or Siam Rhinestones

Inspiration Credit: The Pinning Mama

 

 

August

Birthstone: Peridot or Spinel (replacing Sardonyx)

What it Looks Like: Peridot looks like a gentler emerald, with a soft green hue. This shining stone is great for understated pieces, and makes a wonderful counterpart to silver, gold, or rose gold for that effortless springtime look.

Best Bang for your Buck: Brilliance Peridot Rhinestones

One Step Up: Swarovski Peridot or Chrysolite Rhinestones

Inspiration Credit: All Free Jewelry Making

 

 

September

Birthstone: Sapphire

What it Looks Like: Sapphire will catch anyone’s eye. This gorgeous blue stone can be as bright as a summer sky or as mild as water. The many shades available make sapphire a popular choice for earrings and bracelets, especially when laid against silver, black, or gold.

Best Bang for your Buck: Brilliance Sapphire and Light Sapphire Rhinestones

One Step Up: Swarovski Sapphire and White Opal/Sky Blue

Inspiration Credit: Honestly WTF

 

 

 

October

Birthstone: Tourmaline (replacing Opal)

What it Looks Like: Tourmaline is one of those incredible stones that can be different every time you pick it up. Many October babies choose a specific variation–pink tourmaline–as their gem of choice because of its brightness and flair, but tourmaline can appear in shades of pink, red, and dark hues that approach black.

Best Bang for your Buck: For pink tourmaline, try Brilliance Rose Rhinestones

One Step Up: Swarovski Crystal Volcano or Fuchsia Rhinestones

Inspiration Credit: Susan McDonough

 

November

Birthstone: Topaz or Citrine

What it Looks Like: Topaz and Citrine are known for their gentle, orange hue. This stone lets off a comforting glow, like sunlight trapped in glass. These stones are great for jewelry you’d wear in summer and fall, or any DIY projects that are designed to catch the light.

Best Bang for your Buck: Brilliance Topaz Rhinestones

One Step Up: Swarovski Crystal Tabac 

Inspiration Credit: Woman’s Day

 

 

December

Birthstone: Blue Zircon or Tanzanite (replacing Turquoise or Lapis)

What it Looks Like: We know the color turquoise because of the stone it’s named for–a flawless, deep blue that’s almost green. In recent years, it’s become much harder to find turquoise appearing naturally, so blue zircon and tanzanite make great substitutes. You get all the beauty of turquoise’s natural shade with a stone that’s much easier to place.

Best Bang for your Buck: Brilliance Blue Zircon Rhinestones

One Step Up: Swarovski Blue Zircon or Crystal Meridian Blue Rhinestones

Inspiration Credit: Rosyscription

Back To School 2018: DIY Preppy Backpack

It’s that time of year again, the one that students dread and parents love: Back to School Season. The fall semester starts in about a month so it’s about time to start creating some great new school supplies, for a great price! I am going to start this series with an essential: the backpack. Today, we are creating the perfect, basic, preppy-style backpack which is perfect for every student who wants to update their backpack for the new school year!

Today’s Look: The Preppy Student

What You’ll Need:

Instructions:

Step 1: Cut zipper tassels already on bag off with scissors. Then, loop leather cord through zipper and cut to desired length, making a loop.

 

Take thinner cord and tie in a knot around the loop to hold it together. Wrap thin cord around and then tie in a knot twice to secure. Cut off excess of both cords. Repeat for all other zippers on bag.

Step 2: Take white grosgrain ribbon and striped grosgrain ribbon and layer them on top of each other, then glue with E6000 glue. Wait for it to dry a bit, then you can begin to line your backpack with it.

Glue ribbon to the inside part of the zipper flap and then fold to begin lining the backpack along the zipper.

Continuously glue as you go until the ribbon is all the way across the top of the backpack. To finish, fold over flap and glue, the same as when you started the ribbon.

Step 3: Using the same ribbon layered and glued on top of each other, glue to the side pockets of the backpack (if there are any) using E6000 glue. Tip: Use binder clips to secure ribbon while drying to make sure it stays in place!

Step 4: Now we are going to apply the letters! Lay out your monogram in the desired order and lay a thin piece of fabric on top in order to protect the letters from the iron.

Then, use your iron to press down onto the patches for about 20 seconds, or until they are attached to the bag.

Remove fabric for the finished look!

 

DIY: Valentine’s Day Card

Love is in the air! Valentine’s Day is a time to express to the ones you love how special they truly are. What is more special then making your own Valentine’s Day card! We’ve made it super simple with these fun DIY ideas! Moonlight as Cupid by following these easy steps:

HEART VALENTINE’S DAY CARD

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What you’ll need: 

Cardstock

Pencil

Pink and Red Buttons

Magna-Tac Glue

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Step 1: Download the templates for the outside and inside (links provided) and print it on cardstock paper.

Step 2: With a pencil, draw a faint heart shape on the paper.

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Step 3: Apply a thin layer of glue along the line of the traced heart.

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DSC_0784.jpgStep 4: Apply the buttons onto the glue and wait for it to dry!

 

 

Look’s like someones been struck by Cupid!

TWO HEART VALENTINE’S DAY CARD 

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What you’ll need: 

Cardstock

Pencil

Magna-Tac Glue

Rhinestone Glue-On Kit 

Brilliance Rhinestones 

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Step 1: Download the template provided and print it on cardstock paper

Step 2: With a pencil, trace 2 small hearts side by side.

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Step 3: Apply a thin layer of glue in the heart.

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Step 4: With a small amount of Beeswax on the Wooden Applicator, pick up each rhinestone and place within the outline of the heart until filled.

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Step 5: Repeat Step 4 with other color.

Wearing your heart on your sleeve never looked so pretty!

DIY: HALLOWEEN TREAT BAG

The best part of halloween is definitely the candy! So why not dress up your treat bag in its own little costume? We’ve put together two simple DIY tutorials for fun treat bags that you can fill with all the sweets you can get.

BAT SILHOUETTE BAG

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What you’ll need:

A tote bag

White Felt

Bat Iron-on Patches

Scissors

Fabric Glue

dsc_06721. Trace a circle on the felt to make the shape of the moon. Make sure it’s proportionate to the bag and the patches.

dsc_06772. Cut the circle out and using the fabric glue, glue it onto the bag.

dsc_06783. Place patches as shown.

dsc_06794. Iron the patches on high heat for 20 seconds each. Repeat if necessary.

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And you’re done!

FRANKENSTEIN BAG

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What you’ll need:

A tote bag

Felt – Green and White

Two black buttons in different sizes

Vinyl trim

Scissors

Fabric Glue 

dsc_06841. Draw a zig zag line on the long side of the felt sheet.

dsc_06882. Cut the felt along the line. Using the fabric glue, glue it onto the bag.

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3. Cut two differently sized circles from the white felt for the eyes. Make them larger than the buttons.

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4. Glue the two circles onto the felt.

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5. Glue the buttons onto the white felt, placing them closer to the bottom of the circle.

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6. Cut a strip of vinyl trim to make the unibrow.

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7. Cut vinyl trim into thin strips for the scar details.

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8. Cut a curved mouth shape and glue all the details onto the bag.

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Trick or Treat?

DIY: Holiday Gift Wrapping

Sometimes, it’s not only about what’s on the inside that counts! Taking time to wrap a gift shows care, and makes the gift recipient even more appreciative of the effort. If you’re looking to upgrade your gifting game, check out these three fun ways to wrap your holiday presents!
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What You’ll Need:

DSC_02891- Place the largest velvet ribbon going across the front. Flip over and glue the two pieces together when they meet.

DSC_02922- Flip box over, and place the 36mm velvet ribbon on top of the larget velvet you just pout down. Flip over and glue down.

DSC_02993- Take a piece of the 36mm ribbon and place under the two velvet ribbons you placed down. Create a bow.

DSC_03024- Take a piece of your 50mm velvet and create a 4 inch. motif. Glue end to the back of the ribbon. Place aside.

 

DSC_03055- Repeat step 4 but with 36mm velvet and 2 inch. motif.

DSC_03116- Take your 22mm ribbon and place the tassel threw it.

DSC_03137- Take the 50mm velvet motif and 36mm velvet motif and place together with the smaller one on top.

DSC_03168- Lay the 22m velvet and tassel combo across the motif and glue on the back. Place in the center of the gift.

 

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What You’ll Need:

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1- Place velvet ribbon across and glue end on the back.

DSC_03192- Place a piece of grosgrain ribbon an each side of the velvet  and glue on back.

DSC_03273- Take the silk ribbon an create a bow. Create another bow by adding another piece of silk ribbon.

 

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What You’ll Need:

TapeDSC_03281- Place velvet ribbon across box and glue on the back.

DSC_03322- Take a piece of velvet ribbon and place the fur pom pom threw. Tie a knot so the fur pompom does not slide off.
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What You’ll Need:




DSC_03441- Create a hole with your hold puncher at the end of each ribbon. Make the tags as long as you like.

DSC_03462- Cut at different angles to create different styles.

DSC_03483- Take your maker and write the person name or desired text.

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Back to School Essentials 101

It’s Back to School season! How excited are you to be back in school? Or if you’re a parent, how excited are you for your kids to go back to school? Well, whether you’re a student looking for some quick tips on how to dazzle up your style this year, or a parent just looking for more ways to be creative this school year, you have clicked into the right place. Here are some great tips for the upcoming school year. Remember to focus on your studies, and stay fashionable!

M&J Trimming - DIY: Milk Jug

Lesson#1: Lunch Box – This is by far one of the most creative, yet so simple, DIYs. Lunch is a very important meal of the day, so bring it to school in style. Personalize it with your choice of pattern and button.

M&J Trimming - DIY Backpacks

Lesson#2: A Stylish Backpack – Check out these creative DIYs for styling up your backpack! Loving the studded, ivory backpack, it’s so chic!

M&J Trimming - Button Bookmarks

Lesson#3: Fancy Bookmarks – Never lose track of that last page. These adorable button bookmarks are perfect for bookmarking homework pages, study pages, or just book marking that favorite book of yours.

M&J Trimming - Personalized Supplies

Lesson#4: Personalize Your Supplies: This is such a great way to add a personal touch of creativity to your school supplies. Personalize your supplies with these easy and quick tips for your school supplies can have a little sense of fashion as well. Such a fun project to do by yourself or with the kids.

M&J Trimming - DIY: Organizer

Lesson#5: Stay Organized – Organization is key to a successful year. Keep your books stored, and your supplies together with this simple supply organizer.

 

Favorite DIYs from July

As the summer slowly comes to an end, keep yourself busy with these DIYs that surely come in handy.

M&J Trimming - Hardware Necklace DIYWho said hardware couldn’t be a girl’s best friend? Check out this necklace made out of hardware pieces and leather cording.

M&J Trimming - Bleached Beach Towel DIYThese personalized bleached towels are to die for!

CornholrKeep the summer going with these fun DIY outdoor games!

FrameHave your memories surrounded by summer all year long with this nautical-inspired picture frame.

BraceletWho knew hook and eyes would make such a cute accessory piece?  These bracelets are a must-have for the perfect arm candy.

 

 

Sparkling Brilliance Stones DIY Roundup

Our newly featured Brilliance Collection of rhinestones is here for all of your sparkling creative needs.  Tackle your biggest projects with our Brilliance Collection.

Flip-Flop-RhinestonesDazzle up your plain jane flip flops with our Brilliance rhinestones before the summer ends.

15-how-to-crystallize-a-champagne-flute-tutorialThe perfect engagement or wedding preset any bride can have is this beautifully designed Crystallized Wine/Champagne Flute Glass.

c93dc3a756599051352dc7ca92e78086Shine bright like a diamond in this amazing tropical-inspired bra top. It’s brilliant! (And perfect for Halloween.)

DIY-Gem-ClusterEarringsA cluster of sparkles makes this the perfect DIY accessory for any formal event!

 

 

DIY: Father’s Day Keychain

This Father’s Day make your dad something he is sure to love! If your dad has a habit of losing his keys, make them harder to misplace with a guy-approved keychain. No rhinestones or baubles here! We created a braided faux leather keychain that has an edge of rustic masculinity.

DSC_0208Materials:

Leather Braid

Key chain clasp

Needle and Thread

Scissors

Sobo glue

DSC_02111. Take your leather fold over to create a loop. Make the loop as long as you desire. Cut excess leather.

DSC_02132. Slip the leather through the metal clasp opening.

DSC_02153. Sew the edges of your trim together.

DSC_02174. Glue the edges of the trim with your Sobo glue so it does not fray. Let dry.DSC_0259