Bedazzling for Beginners
How to Rhinestone Everything from Notebooks & Frames to Flip Flops & Credit Cards
Filmed live from Coronado Island, California, this tutorial from Debi is the ultimate beginner's guide to the craft trend that's taking over — bedazzling. Whether you've never picked up a rhinestone in your life or you're already a little obsessed, this show is packed with practical tips, product recommendations, and genuinely fun project ideas that make the whole hobby feel completely accessible.
You'll start by learning exactly what you need to get started — and spoiler: it's not much. Debi walks you through the difference between plastic rhinestone kits (great for color variety, perfect for beginners at around $20 for 28,000 stones) and glass rhinestones like Beads Land (the better quality pick for special projects, around $6 per 1,400-count bag), and why a rhinestone storage organizer tray system is worth every penny once you're hooked. You'll also learn why the picker pen is non-negotiable, the difference between wax pencils and picker pens and when to use each, and which glues to reach for — T8000, B7000, and Gem Tac — and how to use precision syringe tips to apply glue exactly where you need it.
From there Debi shows you how to bedazzle a CVS notebook with multi-color rhinestones in a way that looks intentional and boutique-worthy, how to layer rhinestones at two levels for a dimensional, heirloom shadow box effect, and how to fill in gaps between larger stones with tiny 2mm rhinestones for a professional finish. She also demonstrates how to make gorgeous beaded bead pens using metal pen bodies, small inexpensive beads, and silver spacers — a project kids from age 5 to 12 can do — and shows how to bedazzle plain flip flop straps and turn a basic picture frame into a blue and white toile showpiece using decoupage plus rhinestones.
The surprise hit of the show is the bedazzled Magic Credit Card Wand — a $9.99 Amazon find that holds your credit card inside a rhinestone-covered wand so you can tap to pay in style. Debi also previews an upcoming mirror project using Bonding Boss primer and a floral napkin from Decoupage Queen, showing how the same bedazzling technique elevates decoupage projects to an entirely new level.
This is one of the most fun and genuinely useful tutorials Debi has filmed — perfect for Mother's Day gifts, girls' nights, granddaughter craft dates, or just a relaxing evening on the couch with your rhinestones and a good true crime show.
🛒 Supply List
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Rhinestones
Color Rhinestone Starter Kit — ~$20 for 28,000 stones in 28 colors — great for color variety
Rhinestone Kit — additional kit option with assorted stones
3mm Crystal AB Rhinestones — higher quality glass for special projects
Crystal AB rhinestones — 5mm and 2mm sizes (Amazon) — for credit card wand and fine fill-in work
Storage & Organization
Rhinestone Organizer Deluxe — for large rhinestone collections
Rhinestone Organizer Small — great starter option
Rhinestone Trays — small flip trays, pack of 6–7
Sticky Pads for Under Trays — keeps trays from tipping
Tools
Picker Pens — pack of 2 with extra tips, ~$8; also available at Michaels
Picker Wax Pencils — ~$3 for 10 on Temu or ~$6 on Amazon
Hot fix tool (included in most starter kits; optional for wearables/fabric)
Small needle nose pliers (optional, for card wand safety)
Small ladybug desk vacuum (for cleanup — Amazon)
Adhesives
Gem Tac Glue — use with precision syringe tips
T8000 clear adhesive (Shein for faster/cheaper shipping, or Amazon)
Precision tip applicator bottles/syringes (Amazon)
Hot glue gun + glue sticks (for temporary hold while permanent glue sets)
Projects & Base Items
Notebook/journal — CVS or any craft store, ~$9.99
Plain picture frames (thrift store or Amazon)
Bead Pom Pom Pens — metal body bead pens
Small beads and silver spacers (Amazon or Temu)
Flip flops — CVS, ~$5
Decorative buttons/brooches — Hobby Lobby Sewology section, $1.99–$3.99
Small bows (Amazon)
Blank mirror (for upcoming project)
Magic Credit Card Wand — $16.99 (Amazon)
For Decoupage + Bedazzle Projects
Dixie Belle Clear Bonding Boss (primer)
White base coat paint
Floral napkins — Decoupage Queen
Mod Podge Multi or Pentart Decoupage Varnish & Glue
Soft paintbrush
