Discuss the different methods of adding some bling to your designs. Rhinestone and rhinestud transfers, templates, equipment, software and supplies are inlcuded in this forum.
There are a few different options when it comes to Rhinestones.
Korean (less expensive but as long as they are not acrylic they have good shine)
Czech (good quality but a little more expensive)
Swarovski (most expensive but are beautiful)
Again, you have several options regarding application. You can create your own transfer and apply with a heat press. Buy a transfer and apply with heat press or if you have INCREDIBLE patience, you can apply directly to the garment with the heat press or you can use a wand type application, one-by-one.
I've done it every way you can imagine and have used all different types of stones. The best profit margin is with good Korean stones. Swarovski's are great but pretty pricey. you can check out some of what we have done [on our myspace page] some of the designs are with Korean (most of them) and there are a few with Swarovski.
Hope this helps.
Renee
Last edited by Rodney; March 20th, 2007 at 05:38 PM.
Reason: removed link to myspace page as per forum rules - it's already linked under your username
Hi, Finally something on this forum that I do know something about. Rhinestones are one of those things that you can pay what you want to. Swavorski stones are the best!! but as said very pricey. A good Korean stone will add the bling at about 1/2 the cost. I started with Swavorski and still use them on my pageant clothing but for the line of t shirts I do, it is all Korean. For the Swavorski, I-Kandi is great but if you sign up for the wholesale part at Kandi-Corp the prices do get much better. Now I use Papi on Ebay. His prices for the Korean are the best I have found so far and he sells by the gross up to 25 gross. He has a website hotfixRhinestones where you can buy but if you need quanity, try his ebay store where he has the larger groups. His ebay store is Rhinestones and Crafts. If you do a search for hot fix on Ebay you will find many sellers and it is easy to compare prices. I can personally vouch for the quality of stones from Papi though. I use his stone different ways. If I am just adding a few to something I have embroidered I use the hot fix application tool. For an application like your picture you will need to get the mylar paper that comes in two pieces. It is a clear sticky back paper with a white cover. You print your design on a transparency, flip it over and then cover with the sticky side up of the clear. You then add the stones, glue side up using your print as a guide. A wax stick is the only good way to do this. Don't even try to place them one by one with tweezers or your hand. They are called jewerlers sticks and are like a q-tip with wax on one end which help you pick up each stone individually. The mylar paper is also available on Ebay in different amounts. If you plan on doing a lot of this, ThreadArt.com - Quilting and Embroidery Supplies has a 330 ft roll for a good price. I will say here that the design like you are looking at will cost an arm and leg even using the Korean stones. Doing a design like this will take about 3-4 gross of stones. Another alternative you might look at is the rhinestuds. These are metal and fauceted which give a lot of bling for a lot less money. Papi has those also. They are attached the same way. All of these have glue already on the back and when pressed the glue melts and sticks to the fabric. Much, much easier than trying to glue them on and the results are much better. You can also buy designs already made, ready to iron on. Sun's Transfer Company has a large variety at good prices and they can also do your design for you for a minimum. You will have to call them to order. I use their designs whenever possible to save time and money. Hope this helps and if I can be of any help, just let me know.
There are a few different options when it comes to Rhinestones.
Korean (less expensive but as long as they are not acrylic they have good shine)
Czech(good quality but a little more expensive)
Swarovski (most expensive but are beautiful)
Do you have links to these? A wholesaler for each type.
Quote:
I use Swarovski crystals I have many places where I buy them from
And can we get a link from you also?
I like the look you get with stones and studs. I've found that there are some really cheap ones out there. You might get some that look good, but they'll have cheap glue on them. Fall off in a few washings. The Swarovskis stay on wash after wash. I've never used Koreans and never heard of Czech. I would, how ever, like to find a nice stone that will not break the bank. People like the look of a good stone, but they don't like the price they bring.
__________________ You can learn a lot from the TSF.
I just took a look at the few links up top. Sun's transfer company does not have any quotes. Tried their contact page and you can not send the info to them. The site does not send the info that I input.
__________________ You can learn a lot from the TSF.
If you're going to be producing your own transfers (making your own die) you can purchase bulk Swarovski Hotfix crystals through E.H. Ashley as long as you have a tax ID number. www.ehashle.com/main Click on "Swarovski" on the left side, then click on "stones & beads." Great customer service and prompt shipping.
To add just a bit more "confusion", I stumbled upon a thread where some embelishers talked about "rhine studs" and using them on "boy clothes", and now I noticed them for sale on a website. What is the difference? Would anyone suggest one over another? I know from reading that the Korean stones are of better quality, ie: brilliance and glue, but how about size? The only ones I've used thus far are some small ones I've used to add just "a touch of bling" to vinyl designs. What would most of you use for an entire design with rhinestones? Thanks! Amy
Hi, Finally something on this forum that I do know something about. Rhinestones are one of those things that you can pay what you want to. Swavorski stones are the best!! but as said very pricey. A good Korean stone will add the bling at about 1/2 the cost. I started with Swavorski and still use them on my pageant clothing but for the line of t shirts I do, it is all Korean. For the Swavorski, I-Kandi is great but if you sign up for the wholesale part at Kandi-Corp the prices do get much better. Now I use Papi on Ebay. His prices for the Korean are the best I have found so far and he sells by the gross up to 25 gross. He has a website hotfixRhinestones where you can buy but if you need quanity, try his ebay store where he has the larger groups. His ebay store is Rhinestones and Crafts. If you do a search for hot fix on Ebay you will find many sellers and it is easy to compare prices. I can personally vouch for the quality of stones from Papi though. I use his stone different ways. If I am just adding a few to something I have embroidered I use the hot fix application tool. For an application like your picture you will need to get the mylar paper that comes in two pieces. It is a clear sticky back paper with a white cover. You print your design on a transparency, flip it over and then cover with the sticky side up of the clear. You then add the stones, glue side up using your print as a guide. A wax stick is the only good way to do this. Don't even try to place them one by one with tweezers or your hand. They are called jewerlers sticks and are like a q-tip with wax on one end which help you pick up each stone individually. The mylar paper is also available on Ebay in different amounts. If you plan on doing a lot of this, ThreadArt.com - Quilting and Embroidery Supplies has a 330 ft roll for a good price. I will say here that the design like you are looking at will cost an arm and leg even using the Korean stones. Doing a design like this will take about 3-4 gross of stones. Another alternative you might look at is the rhinestuds. These are metal and fauceted which give a lot of bling for a lot less money. Papi has those also. They are attached the same way. All of these have glue already on the back and when pressed the glue melts and sticks to the fabric. Much, much easier than trying to glue them on and the results are much better. You can also buy designs already made, ready to iron on. Sun's Transfer Company has a large variety at good prices and they can also do your design for you for a minimum. You will have to call them to order. I use their designs whenever possible to save time and money. Hope this helps and if I can be of any help, just let me know.
Thanks! You do know what you're talking about! I appreciate the help with the rhinestone vs. studs too!
Blessings, Amy
Hi Amy, Glad I was able to help. I have some new information you might find useful too. I have started using rhinestone templates for all rhinestone or rhinestud designs. These are a piece of vinyl that have been designed and cut in the correct size holes to fit the stones or studs you want to use. You pour the stones over the vinyl, brush them around a bit and then just fix a few that might be missing or turned over. Then you put your mylar tape over the top and you are ready to go!!! Super, super timesaver!!!!! Try www.rhinestonetemplates.com Sandy Jo is fantastic to work with and has some fantastic stones and studs also!!! Check out the website and it will give you more information.
Deb
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BTW, the site is 
