Bejewel it Yourself

a picture of a package of crafting supplies

bejewel

adjective | bə-ˈjü-əld
Sparkling, shimmering, and unapologetically extra.

verb | bə-ˈjü-əl
To embellish an accessory with rhinestones, pearls, and other sparkly things.

How to Bejewel Your Own Accessories

Bejeweling is easier than it looks—though there’s a bit of a learning curve, and you'll get better with practice. Even a few rhinestones can make any accessory pop, and with some patience, you’ll be creating stunning designs in no time.

Below, you’ll find simple, step-by-step instructions and tips to guide you through the process, so you can polish up real nice!

Gather Supplies

  • Embellishments: glass/acrylic rhinestones, flatback pearls, resin flowers, butterflies, etc.
  • B7000 Glue (with precision tip): strong hold, clear drying.
  • Tools: tweezers, wax picker pencil, toothpicks (for cleanup).
  • Prep Materials: rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs.

You can embellish almost any item, though this Bejewel it Yourself system is perfect for plastic, metal, acrylic, wood, ceramic, glass, and canvas. Embellishments will not stick on silicone surfaces, and fabric pieces will have a different technique and glue.

You can find most of your supplies on Amazon and Etsy,
or you can purchase a biy kit below with everything
you need to bejewel it yourself at home!

Prepare Work Area

Work in a well-lit, well-ventilated area with a flat, uncluttered surface. Place your rhinestones in a shallow dish or tray within easy reach of your dominant hand. Using a tray is helpful for keeping all your supplies organized and makes it easier to pick up any stray rhinestones. Plus, you can safely move the entire project if you need to take a break—just carry the tray to a secure spot.

apply embellishments

Clean the surface with rubbing alcohol to remove dust or oils. Let it dry completely before applying glue.

Arrange your embellishments on the accessory without glue to visualize the final look. Take a photo for reference. For symmetrical designs, plan one side and mirror it on the other.

Work in 1-inch sections: Apply a thin layer of B7000 glue directly onto the accessory. You’ll have about 90 seconds before the glue starts setting, so apply glue only to the area you’re working on.

Start with Larger Pieces: Use tweezers or a wax picker pencil to place larger embellishments like flowers or butterflies first.

Add Smaller Fillers: After placing larger pieces, fill in gaps with rhinestones and pearls in various sizes and textures for a layered look.

Adjust as Needed: You’ll have a few minutes to adjust before the glue fully sets. If it hardens too soon, scrape it off and reapply.

Repeat in Sections: Continue working section by section until the design is complete.
Leave the accessory undisturbed for 24 hours to allow the glue to cure completely. Avoid touching or testing the embellishments during this time.

Optional: Seal for Extra Durability
Once cured, add a clear topcoat for extra hold, especially around edges where pieces might catch. Avoid using sealant on matte or iridescent embellishments, as it may alter their finish. Clear nail polish can work as a quick alternative.

BIY Inspiration

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FAQ

  • How do I bejewel fabric?

    It all depends on the type of fabric that you are using. There are fabric specific glues that work better on some surfaces, and you will want to space your embellishments a little further apart to account for the flex in the fabric. There are also hotfix rhinestones, with glue already attached to the back and that you use a special heat tool to apply.

  • Can I use hot glue instead of jewelry glue?

    Not recommended! Hot glue doesn't hold as well on slick surfaces and can be too bulky, affecting the look. Jewelry glue like B7000 gives a much stronger, longer-lasting hold.

  • What’s the best way to remove glue if I make a mistake?

    If the glue is still wet, wipe it away with the end of your picker or a toothpick. For dried glue, carefully peel it off or, depending on the surface, use a small amount of acetone on a cotton swab.

  • Can I use nail art rhinestones?

    Yes! Nail art rhinestones, pearls, and mini charms work well for fine details. Just make sure to use a stronger adhesive than nail glue, like B7000, to ensure they stay in place on non-nail surfaces.

  • Can I use glitter or other loose elements in my design?

    Definitely! Just make sure to use a clear topcoat or sealant, like Mod Podge, over loose elements like glitter to lock them in place and prevent fallout.

  • How do I avoid glue strings when applying?

    Apply with a precision tip. Also, let the glue “settle” slightly on the applicator before touching it to the accessory to minimize strings.

  • What kind of embellishments work best for durability?

    Glass and resin rhinestones hold up well, as do quality flatback pearls and charms. Avoid anything too bulky or heavy, as it can come loose more easily.

  • Can I remove embellishments if I change my mind?

    B7000 takes around 2 full days to cure completely, but it is definitely still possible to peel off embellishments after that. You can use a pair of tweezers to pry the embellishment off, but be careful with the surface of your item.

Have any questions?

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or issues when bejeweling! And definitely check out my Instagram for more BIY inspiration.

Get in Touch