Thursday, July 31, 2014

Review: Crystal Innovations Swarovski Value Packs, Rhinestones and Beads

I love rhinestones, I love how I can turn a dull plain t-shirt into a work of art, where people are complementing and asking, 'where did you get that shirt?' I love watching their jaws drop as I tell them I made it myself.
Why stop at just clothing though, with rhinestones I can turn my cell phone into a sparkling rainbow, I can add some flair to my old shoes, heck I can even deck out my computer screen.
Rhinestones though as I noticed begin to fade. Most of them available on the market now all fade and loose their color in due time, what angered me most was that I had spent quite a few bucks on collecting all of them in different sizes, shapes and colors.
However while browsing a local hot spot of mine, I discovered that I could buy packs of Swarovski flat back crystals. These crystals however were much smaller, yet would sparkle like no other rhinestone I had ever seen. One set back though, one pack of only 20 cost nearly $6.00. Perhaps though, spending more would mean better looking items, and non-fading.
I picked up 4 packs of Crystal Innovations Swarovski flat backs, 2 in pink, and 2 in white. I was planning on gluing them down to my wallet in a candy cane striped pattern. In all I had 40 of each color, and it looked as if this was all I would need. I only planned on striping the middle anyway.
The hardest lesson learned about flat backs is the type of glue to use so that way the stones stay put and don't peel off. I find that using an extremely small amount of Gorilla Glue and water work like a charm.
When I got home, I took out my wallet and placed a very small drip of glue on to the wallet. I then used a paper towel drenched in water to spread the glue. You have to be very careful not to use too much glue or it will bubble! This glue takes 24 hours to harden, so you have plenty of time to work with your crystals.
I used a pair of tweezers, and placed each crystal on to the wallet where I wanted it. After about an hour of strategic placing, and using steady hands, I was done. It looked fabulous, and best of all the Swarovski rhinestones really make a difference compared to cheap plastic ones.
The next day my wallet was ready for the usual abuse I put my wallet through. Slamming it in my purse, and ripping it out of it. The stones stay put, and still shine like a star.
Since my first trial with Crystal Innovations, I have been a fan. I now have these stones in many shapes, colors, and sizes. This company even sells larger Swarovski pendants for you to make necklaces, these pendants cost around $5-$10 depending on it's size.
You may also purchase beads that shine like crazy. Using Pure Allure beads to make bracelets, necklaces, and earrings really save money. Buying a Swarovski piece would easily run from around $80.00 to $400. Why pay such high prices when you can easily make them yourself. Crystal Innovations even sell kits for around $19.00 for you to make a necklace, bracelet or pair of earrings.
There are tons of colors to choose from, and tons of creative things for you to use these beads and rhinestones with. I have seen blues in almost 10 different hues available, pinks in every shade possible, bright neon yellows, orange, greens in many shades. You name it, Crystal Innovations has it. You can purchase beads in round shapes, star shapes, heart shapes, and many, many more shapes.
These beads and flat backs are really easy to spot, they can be found in any craft store in the beading section. They will be the stones that shine above all of the others. They truly are hard to miss, and once your eyes meet a package of Crystal Innovations you will know it. Some colors shine so brightly that it looks as if they are glowing.
I myself had never, ever been interested in beading until I ran into this company's Swarovskicrystals. I am making necklaces, and bracelets that people actually want to purchase.
If you are a real enthusiast, you could easily make a lot of spare money off of making Swarovski beaded jewelry.
Even if you are not into rhinestones and beading, once you take a glimpse at just how beautiful the crystals are from Crystal Innovation you may find yourself sticking them on to everything, and making Jewelry. I didn't even know I knew how to make jewelry, but there kits make everything a breeze.
You can find them at Michaels, or AC Moore, prices will remain the same.
Helpful links
Here you can purchase jewlery making Crystal Innovation toggles, http://www.beadland.com
Here are some metal sliders to make jewlwery making even easier. Simply slide them on to metal or wire. http://www.primitivearthbeads.com
At this site you can purchase other jewlery making supplies. http://www.addictionbeads.com
You can also get bulk beads and rhinestones at www.ebay.com or www.amazon.com.

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