Rhinestone questions?????

[Lipan Lady]

Hi. I would like to trim some beadwork with rhinestones and don't know where to start. I looked in the archives and found some helpful info, but not what I am needing. I know there is some plastic, stretch, and metal banding. Which is better? I also know there is different qualities of rhinestones. I've seen some at Wal-Mart and at Joanne's and the prices really vary, even though they look the same. What's a good price? I think I found some on ebay, but don't want to buy until I know it's the right kind. I'm starting to ramble, so it's your turn. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks:)

Betty

[eap7]

Hi Lipan Lady, as for my thoughts, I think the metal ones look better but they are much more expensive than the plastic ones. The plastic ones do come in a lot of different colors, at least at wal mart. One downside I've found to metal ones is that the little "teeth" or setting that holds in the rhinestone might get caught in your hair, on your shirt, etc, so you'll need to take pliers and bend them down to stop any snags. I have gotten ones from Joann's and Walmart but never online. As for which ones you should buy, it'll prob depend on your budget. I'll buy whatever I can afford at the time. Unless, have you found a cheap source online?

[Eagle Plumes]

Hi Lipan Lady, as for my thoughts, I think the metal ones look better but they are much more expensive than the plastic ones. The plastic ones do come in a lot of different colors, at least at wal mart. One downside I've found to metal ones is that the little "teeth" or setting that holds in the rhinestone might get caught in your hair, on your shirt, etc, so you'll need to take pliers and bend them down to stop any snags. I have gotten ones from Joann's and Walmart but never online. As for which ones you should buy, it'll prob depend on your budget. I'll buy whatever I can afford at the time. Unless, have you found a cheap source online?

Im gonna agree with Eap7, the more expencive one's are super sparkly,but pricey as well, what I tend to do with mine is if my pieces are for sale I use the middle priced ones, and for personal use I go all out ,or if im gifting work. But it all go's back to what you have money wise when buying your material's. BUt if I had my rahters Id use the higher end bling.

[Lipan Lady]

Thanks for your replies. The rhinestones are for family so I do want that bling. The metal ones look much better than the plastic ones. The prices vary, starting at $7.99 yd. and higher, much higher. What size goes well with 12 and 13 size beads? There isn't a Joanne's down here and Hancock's is really pricey. Wal-mart has rhinestones, but they are the plastic ones. Another question, are the rhinestones sewn on to the beadwork? Any other suggestions or info is really appreciated. Thanks again for your help:)

Betty

[Eagle Plumes]

Thanks for your replies. The rhinestones are for family so I do want that bling. The metal ones look much better than the plastic ones. The prices vary, starting at $7.99 yd. and higher, much higher. What size goes well with 12 and 13 size beads? There isn't a Joanne's down here and Hancock's is really pricey. Wal-mart has rhinestones, but they are the plastic ones. Another question, are the rhinestones sewn on to the beadwork? Any other suggestions or info is really appreciated. Thanks again for your help:)

Betty

Do you have Hobby Lobby? Ive not looked there but it's worth a try if you have one in your area. As for the rinestones I sew mine on by hand tacking them down and putting a dab of glue on the very end where the rinestons ends so it does not flip up and leaves a nice finnished neat look. ON the ones i use there is the little strip that connects one stone to the next in these little spaces is where I place my stitches. Have you looked on line for selection and prices??? Ive seen some nice ones on there. AS for stone sizes compared to bead size, I never really gave it much thought, if I like the stones ,place it to the work and if im pleased I use it.

[MayChe]

Thanks for your replies. The rhinestones are for family so I do want that bling. The metal ones look much better than the plastic ones. The prices vary, starting at $7.99 yd. and higher, much higher. What size goes well with 12 and 13 size beads? There isn't a Joanne's down here and Hancock's is really pricey. Wal-mart has rhinestones, but they are the plastic ones. Another question, are the rhinestones sewn on to the beadwork? Any other suggestions or info is really appreciated. Thanks again for your help:)

Betty

Yeah the metal ones are awesome, but the only problem I seem to have with those are that the little metal hooks that hold the stone in place get caught up in everything, from other people's shirts to hair. Are the one's you were talking about in Joann's the Austrian Crystal kind? The ones used for making wedding dresses? Now those are expensive at about $14/yard here. The way I sew the rhinestones on is if I'm keeping them on the little metal strips that link them, just glue it down and then sew the metal strips down. If I'm taking them apart, then I run my needle threw the hole under the rhinestone where the metal strip was holding it. My beadwork that I and my good friend (who's a moderator, shh!) did are in size 11s and they look purdy good. I think if you did it in size 12s it would be nice but any smaller and I'd think I would use smaller rhinestones.

[superndngyrl]

If you use the plastic kind, Hobby Lobby has the lowest price.

[Lipan Lady]

Thanks (everyone) for all your help and advice. I really appreciate it:)

Betty