You bought a bedazzle kit. Or a bag of rhinestones. Or you found a hot-fix applicator in a drawer and remembered that bedazzling things is one of the most satisfying crafts on the planet. Now you need something to bedazzle, and the phone case you already did three times is not cutting it anymore.

This guide has 50 things to bedazzle, sorted from beginner-friendly five-minute projects to full weekend pieces. Every idea includes what to buy (most items cost under $5 at a dollar store), which rhinestones work best on that surface, and the one mistake to avoid. No product upsells, no affiliate links — just a list of things that look genuinely better with crystals on them.

The easiest things to bedazzle for beginners are a phone case, a water bottle, sunglasses, a compact mirror and a hair clip. These items are small, flat or gently curved, and cheap enough that a mistake costs nothing. Use flat-back rhinestones with E6000 glue for the strongest hold, or hot-fix rhinestones with a wax-tip applicator for faster placement. Start with a simple pattern (rows, a border, a single initial) before attempting full-coverage bling.

What you need to bedazzle anything

Flat-back rhinestones. The most common type. Available in every size from SS6 (2mm) to SS40 (8mm). Clear AB (aurora borealis) is the most popular finish because it reflects rainbow colours. Buy assorted sizes — small stones fill gaps, large stones create focal points.
E6000 glue. The industry standard for permanently bonding rhinestones to any surface: plastic, metal, glass, fabric, wood, leather. It is strong, flexible and waterproof when cured. Apply a tiny dot per stone. The fumes are strong — work in a ventilated area.
Hot-fix rhinestones + applicator wand. An alternative to glue. Hot-fix stones have heat-activated adhesive on the back. Touch them with the heated wand tip and they bond to the surface. Faster than gluing one by one, but only works on heat-resistant surfaces (not balloon cups or thin plastic).
Wax-tip pickup pencil. Lifts rhinestones individually without dropping them. Essential for placing small stones precisely. A $2 tool that saves hours of fumbling with tweezers.
Tweezers. For adjusting placement and pressing stones into wet glue. Flat-tip tweezers work better than pointed ones for rhinestones.
Painter’s tape. Use it to mask off areas you do not want to bedazzle, or to create clean lines and borders. Remove before the glue fully cures.
Sealer spray (optional). A clear coat sprayed over the finished piece to add extra hold and protect against stones popping off with wear. Mod Podge Dimensional Magic or a clear enamel spray both work.

Easy things to bedazzle for beginners

Start here. These items are small, cheap, and have flat or gently curved surfaces that make rhinestone placement forgiving.

1. Phone case

The universal first bedazzle project. Buy a plain hard-shell case ($1–3 at a dollar store), lay out your pattern before gluing, and work section by section. Start with a border around the edge, then fill inward. For a full-coverage case, start from one corner and work in rows. The mistake to avoid: using too much glue. A tiny dot per stone is enough — excess glue squeezes out between stones and dries cloudy.

2. Water bottle

A stainless steel or hard plastic water bottle gives you a large, smooth cylinder to work with. Use a single colour for an elegant look, or go full rainbow chaos. Apply rhinestones in horizontal rows, rotating the bottle as you go. The mistake to avoid: trying to bedazzle a bottle you still want to put in the dishwasher. The stones will survive hand-washing with E6000 glue, but not a dishwasher cycle.

3. Sunglasses

Bedazzle the frames only — the arms and the bridge — not the lenses. Dollar-store sunglasses are the perfect canvas because losing a stone is not a tragedy. Use small stones (SS6–SS10) on the narrow frame edges. The mistake to avoid: placing stones where they touch your skin. The forehead rest and nose pads should stay clear.

4. Compact mirror

A small flat surface, a satisfying result, and a project that finishes in 10 minutes. Bedazzle the outside of the lid, leave the mirror side clean. Use a colour palette that matches your bag. The mistake to avoid: getting glue on the mirror surface. Tape the mirror shut before starting.

5. AirPods or earbuds case

A tiny project with a huge visual payoff. The small surface area means you need very few stones, and the case sits in your hand where everyone sees it. Use SS6 (2mm) stones for the small curves. The mistake to avoid: blocking the charging port or hinge. Test the case opens and closes before the glue cures.

6. Hair claw clip

Buy a large claw clip from a dollar store, cover the outer surface with rhinestones, and you have a $30-looking hair accessory for $4 in materials. The curved surface is forgiving because gaps between stones are hidden by the curve. The mistake to avoid: bedazzling the inner teeth. They need to grip hair, not scratch your scalp.

7. Lighter

A disposable lighter covered in rhinestones becomes an instant conversation piece. The flat sides are easy, the curves at the top require smaller stones. Use E6000, not hot-fix — the lighter gets warm. The mistake to avoid: covering the spark wheel or the gas release. Those need to stay functional.

8. Pen or pencil

A single bedazzled pen on your desk changes the energy of the entire workspace. Wrap rhinestones around the barrel in spirals or rows. Use small stones (SS6) and work slowly — the narrow cylinder is the trickiest beginner shape. The mistake to avoid: bedazzling the grip area. Your fingers need a smooth surface to write.

9. Keychain or key fob

A small flat keychain tag or fob is the fastest complete project — under 5 minutes. Initial keychains are the most popular: cover the entire surface and leave one letter un-bedazzled, or fill the letter in a contrasting colour. The mistake to avoid: making the keychain too heavy. Rhinestones add weight. Keep it to one side only.

10. Headband

A padded or hard headband with a flat top surface is an ideal beginner project. Line the top with a single row of large stones, or cover the entire outer surface. The result looks like expensive costume jewellery. The mistake to avoid: bedazzling the underside that touches your head. Rhinestones plus scalp equals regret.

Cute things to bedazzle

The projects that perform best on TikTok and Pinterest. Small, photogenic and designed to make people ask “where did you get that?”

11. Picture frame

A plain wood or plastic frame ($1 at any dollar store) becomes a luxury-looking piece with full rhinestone coverage. Use the frame as a gift by inserting a photo before wrapping. The mistake to avoid: using stones so large they overwhelm the frame and distract from the photo. SS10–SS16 is the sweet spot.

12. Jewellery box

Bedazzle the lid of a small wooden or ceramic box. Leave the inside clean so jewellery does not catch on stones. A monogram initial on the lid in a contrasting colour personalises it instantly. The mistake to avoid: bedazzling the hinge side. Stones near the hinge prevent the lid from closing flush.

13. Makeup brush holder

A plain ceramic cup or glass jar becomes a vanity centrepiece when covered in rhinestones. Fill it with brushes and it organises and decorates simultaneously. The mistake to avoid: unstable placement. Weight the bottom with decorative stones or sand before bedazzling so it does not tip when full of brushes.

14. Initial tote bag

Iron or glue a rhinestone initial onto a plain canvas tote bag. The single letter on the plain fabric is more striking than full coverage. Use hot-fix rhinestones for fabric — they bond better than glue-on stones to textile surfaces. The mistake to avoid: choosing stones that are too small. Fabric flexes, so larger stones (SS16–SS20) with more adhesive surface area hold better.

15. Candle jar

Bedazzle the outside of a glass candle jar with a border of rhinestones around the rim, a vertical stripe, or full coverage on the lower half. The candlelight refracts through the rhinestones and creates a spectacular glow. The mistake to avoid: placing stones too close to the top where the flame heats the glass. Keep a 3cm gap from the rim.

16. Nail file or tweezers

Tiny luxury. Bedazzle the handle of a nail file or the arms of tweezers and they go from boring tool to glamorous accessory. Minimal stones, maximum impact. The mistake to avoid: bedazzling the working end. The file surface and tweezer tips need to stay functional.

17. Lanyard or badge holder

A bedazzled lanyard for a work badge, a festival pass, or school ID turns a boring necessity into a statement. Cover the flat ribbon surface with small stones in a pattern. The mistake to avoid: making it scratch against your neck. Keep the back of the lanyard (skin side) stone-free.

18. Pill case or vitamin organiser

A small plastic pill case with rhinestones on the lid becomes a chic accessory rather than a medical necessity. Use a colour palette: all gold, all rose pink, or gradient colours across the days of the week. The mistake to avoid: blocking the hinge. Test that every compartment opens before the glue sets.

19. Bookmark

A metal or thick card bookmark with rhinestones along one edge or in a small cluster at the top. Every time you open the book, sparkle. The mistake to avoid: making it too thick. A heavily bedazzled bookmark will not lie flat between pages.

20. Phone grip or PopSocket

The circular surface of a phone grip is the perfect canvas for a radial rhinestone pattern — start from the centre and work outward in concentric rings. Use small stones (SS6–SS10) because the surface is tiny. The mistake to avoid: placing stones where the grip collapses. The mechanism needs clearance.

Household items to bedazzle

Functional things in your house that look better with rhinestones. These are the projects that make your home feel personalised without spending money on new decor.

21. Light switch cover

Remove the plastic cover plate, bedazzle it, let it cure, reattach. A two-minute installation that upgrades every room. Use a single colour that matches the wall or go full crystal for maximum drama. The mistake to avoid: covering the screw holes. Leave them clear or you cannot reattach the plate.

22. Remote control

Yes, seriously. A bedazzled TV remote is a power move. Cover the back and sides, leave the buttons and IR sensor clear. Use small stones and work around every button precisely. The mistake to avoid: any stone near the battery compartment. You need to open it eventually.

23. Coasters

Plain ceramic or cork coasters from a dollar store, bedazzled on the top surface, sealed with a clear coat. They protect your table and catch light. The mistake to avoid: leaving stones raised above the rim. A glass needs a flat resting surface, so keep the centre slightly lower or use flat-profile stones.

24. Tissue box cover

A rectangular tissue box cover with rhinestones on every side transforms the most boring household item into a statement piece. Work one panel at a time, let each side cure before flipping. The mistake to avoid: blocking the opening where tissues pull through.

25. Mason jar vase

A glass mason jar with a rhinestone border around the rim, a vertical stripe, or full coverage. Fill with flowers and the crystals catch sunlight alongside the blooms. The mistake to avoid: bedazzling the bottom. It needs to sit flat on a surface.

26. Door handle or knob

Bedazzle the face of a round doorknob for a subtle surprise every time someone grabs it. Use E6000 for a permanent hold that survives daily turning. The mistake to avoid: covering the sides where your hand grips. Rhinestones under pressure pop off and hurt.

27. Soap dispenser

A plain pump soap dispenser from a dollar store with rhinestones on the body (not the pump mechanism). A bathroom upgrade that costs $3 and looks like it cost $25. The mistake to avoid: stones on the pump head. They get wet and slippery.

28. Stapler

A desk stapler with full rhinestone coverage is the most unexpectedly glamorous office supply in existence. Leave the hinge, spring, and staple tray clear. The mistake to avoid: anything near the mechanism. It needs to open and close under pressure.

29. Plant pot

A small terracotta or plastic plant pot with rhinestones around the rim or in a pattern on the body. The combination of green plant life and crystal sparkle is surprisingly effective. The mistake to avoid: outdoor placement without sealing. Rain and UV will loosen stones. Seal with outdoor-grade clear coat.

30. Clipboard

A full-coverage rhinestoned clipboard for lists, recipes, or display purposes. Bedazzle the front clip and the back panel, leave the writing surface clear. The mistake to avoid: the writing surface. Obviously.

Wearable things to bedazzle

Clothes and accessories that go from plain to statement with the right placement. These require hot-fix rhinestones for fabric items and E6000 for hard-surface accessories.

31. White sneakers

Bedazzle the logo, the heel tab, the tongue, or the entire upper for maximum impact. White canvas sneakers from a discount store are the cheapest canvas. Use hot-fix stones and an applicator wand for fabric sections, E6000 for rubber soles and plastic logos. The mistake to avoid: bedazzling the sole or insole. You walk on those.

32. Denim jacket collar and cuffs

Rhinestones along the collar edge and cuff edges turn a $15 denim jacket into a $150-looking piece. The denim texture helps hot-fix stones grip. Keep the back and body plain for contrast. The mistake to avoid: full-body coverage on a denim jacket. The weight of 3,000 rhinestones makes it unwearable.

33. Baseball cap brim

A clean row of rhinestones along the edge of the brim, or a full-coverage crystal brim with a plain crown. The contrast is what makes it work. Use hot-fix stones pressed firmly. The mistake to avoid: the crown area near the forehead. Sweat loosens adhesive.

34. Belt buckle

A plain rectangular belt buckle with full rhinestone coverage becomes the centrepiece of any outfit. Remove the buckle from the belt strap, bedazzle it flat on a table, let it cure, reattach. The mistake to avoid: stones on the prong or the strap holes. The buckle mechanism needs to function.

35. Slide sandals

Plain rubber or foam slides with rhinestones on the strap. Summer footwear that sparkles. Use E6000 for the best hold on rubber and foam surfaces. The mistake to avoid: the footbed. Stones under your foot are painful.

Things to bedazzle and sell

The projects people buy on Etsy, at craft markets and on Instagram. If you have the technique down, these items have genuine resale value.

36. Rhinestoned tumblers

The #1 bedazzle product on Etsy. A stainless steel tumbler with full rhinestone coverage sells for $25–45 depending on size and design. Ombre colour gradients, custom names and initial monograms are the bestsellers. The investment: $5 tumbler + $8 rhinestones + $3 glue = $16 cost, $25–45 sale price.

37. Custom keychains

Personalised initial keychains are the volume play. Make 20 of the same letter in different colours and sell for $8–15 each. Materials cost under $2 per keychain. The margins are excellent and the production time per unit drops as you get faster.

38. Phone grips

Bedazzled PopSockets and phone grips sell for $12–18. The circular surface is small enough to complete in 15 minutes. Offer custom colours and initials. The volume potential at craft markets is high because the price point is impulse-buy territory.

39. Compact mirrors

A dollar-store compact mirror with full rhinestone coverage on the outside sells for $10–15. Bridesmaids’ gifts are the biggest market — people order 4–8 matching mirrors at once. Offer colour coordination with wedding palettes.

40. Badge reels

Rhinestoned badge reels for nurses, teachers and office workers. A niche market with repeat customers and reliable demand. Materials cost under $3; selling price $10–15. The key: offer industry-specific designs (stethoscopes for nurses, apples for teachers).

How to bedazzle anything — the complete technique

This is the section no competitor includes properly. Whether you use glue or a hot-fix applicator, the process is the same.

Step 1: Clean the surface. Wipe with rubbing alcohol. Any oil, dust or residue prevents adhesive from bonding. This step matters more than the glue brand.
Step 2: Plan your pattern. Lay stones on the surface without glue first. Decide on rows, borders, random scatter, or full coverage. Take a photo of the layout before gluing so you remember the pattern.
Step 3: Start from the edge or centre. For borders, start at one edge and work inward. For full coverage, start at one corner and work in rows. For a focal point (an initial, a shape), start with that element and fill around it.
Step 4: Apply glue in small sections. Squeeze a thin line of E6000 along a 3cm section, place stones into the wet glue with a wax pencil, then move to the next section. Working in small areas prevents the glue from drying before you place stones.
Step 5: Press and hold. Once a section is placed, press each stone gently with a flat tool (the back of a spoon, a popsicle stick). This ensures full contact between the stone and the adhesive.
Step 6: Fill gaps. After the main pattern is done, go back and fill gaps between larger stones with smaller stones (SS6). Gaps make a project look unfinished; filled gaps make it look professional.
Step 7: Cure for 24 hours. Let the piece sit undisturbed for a full 24 hours before handling. E6000 takes 24–72 hours to reach full strength. Picking it up too early pops stones off.
Step 8: Seal (optional but recommended). Spray a thin coat of clear sealant over the finished piece. This adds a second layer of hold and fills micro-gaps between stones, making the whole surface more durable.

Things to bedazzle: FAQ

What can I bedazzle and sell?

Tumblers ($25–45), keychains ($8–15), phone grips ($12–18), compact mirrors ($10–15), badge reels ($10–15) and wine glasses ($20–35) are the most profitable bedazzle products. Tumblers are the highest-value item; keychains are the highest-volume. Custom names and initials command a premium over plain designs.

What supplies do I need to bedazzle?

Flat-back rhinestones (assorted sizes), E6000 glue or a hot-fix applicator wand, a wax-tip pickup pencil, tweezers, painter’s tape and optionally a clear sealant spray. The full supply list with recommendations is at the top of this article. Total starter cost: $15–25.

What can I use for bedazzling?

Flat-back rhinestones are the standard. They come in glass (Swarovski, Preciosa) for premium sparkle or acrylic/resin for budget projects. Hot-fix rhinestones have heat-activated adhesive for fabric. Gem stickers (peel-and-stick) are the easiest but least durable option. For permanent results, flat-back rhinestones with E6000 glue are the industry standard.

What can you not bedazzle?

Anything that goes in a dishwasher (the heat and detergent dissolve adhesive), anything that flexes repeatedly (yoga mats, resistance bands — the stones pop off), anything that touches food directly (the inside of cups, plates, utensils), and anything that gets extremely hot (oven mitts, trivets, exhaust pipes). The surface must be relatively rigid, non-porous, and not regularly exposed to high heat or submersion.

How do you make rhinestones stay on permanently?

Clean the surface with rubbing alcohol, use E6000 industrial adhesive (not craft glue, not hot glue), press each stone firmly into the adhesive, cure for 24 hours before handling, and seal with a clear coat spray. This method keeps stones attached through daily use, hand-washing and normal wear. The weak link is always surface preparation — if the surface is oily or dusty, the glue will not bond properly regardless of brand.

Is bedazzling the same as rhinestoning?

Yes. Bedazzling, rhinestoning and “blinging” all refer to the same craft: attaching rhinestones, crystals or gems to surfaces for decorative effect. “Bedazzle” comes from the Bedazzler tool (a mechanical rhinestone applicator sold since the 1970s), but the term now applies to any method of applying rhinestones, whether by hand, with glue, or with a hot-fix wand.

How much does it cost to start bedazzling?

$15–25 for a starter kit: a bag of 1,000+ mixed rhinestones ($5–8), a tube of E6000 glue ($4–6), a wax pencil ($2), tweezers ($2), and your first item to bedazzle ($1–5 from a dollar store). A hot-fix applicator wand adds $15–25 but is optional. Most crafters start with glue and upgrade to a wand after their first few projects.

Pick something, glue something, sparkle

The phone case (idea 1) takes 15 minutes and teaches you everything: surface prep, glue control, stone placement, gap filling, curing time. By the time it dries, you will be looking around your house for the next thing. That is how bedazzling works — you start with one phone case and end up with a rhinestoned stapler, a crystal remote control, and a tumbler business.

For more creative hobbies, air dry clay ideas has 50 no-kiln projects, junk journal ideas has 50 mixed-media pages, and things to do when bored is the master list. If bedazzling clicks, hobbies to do at home , crafts to make and sell has more hands-on projects that turn boredom into something you can hold.