How to Embellish Your Sunglasses with Rhinestones
Buying embellished sunglasses is an expensive indulgence, especially when considering how easy it is to create unique and beautiful designs on any pair of sunglasses you own, cheaply and quickly. If you love the look of rhinestone-bedecked shades but do not have the cash to buy the pricey brand-name versions, here are some great tips on how to embellish your own as well as some ideas for quirky and fun designs that will set you apart from the crowd. Do-it-yourself projects always require some tools and know-how, so be sure to collect all your supplies and plan out your design ahead of time for the best end result.
Gather Your Supplies
Most of the supplies required to embellish sunglasses are probably in your house already, though you will want to purchase a variety of rhinestones in a rainbow of colors and a reasonable spectrum of sizes. Swarovski crystals are extremely popular but can also be pricey. Consider mixing and matching high-end stones with more economically priced ones for a fashion-forward but affordable look.
In addition to rhinestones, you will need a pair of sunglasses, of course, masking tape, glass cleaner, cloth, jewel glue, and possibly sealant. The sealant is only necessary if you also choose to paint or add glitter to your sunglasses. It ensures a smooth feel, because the last thing you want are fabulous sunglasses that are too uncomfortable to wear.
Plan Your Design
Incredible results always require planning, so knowing in advance the design that you actually want to build on your glasses is crucial. Being limited only by your imagination can be overwhelming, so you may want to research some common and popular designs and either tweak them to suit you, come up with something entirely different, or copy them entirely. Some inspirational options might include the sun, moon, or stars; an initial, monogram, or name; or an abstract take on a brand logo.
Once you have chosen your design, you should practice setting it out. You may think that creating the letter “A” out of rhinestones is simple, but setting out the stones the way you want them on a napkin or table gives you a chance to adjust size and shape before you have committed to gluing and cannot undue your work. Plus, it will get you used to placing tiny stones on a small area. It might feel unnatural or clumsy at first.
Start Placing Rhinestones
You have all the tools you need, you have planned your design, and you set it out. Now all you need to do is prepare your sunglasses and start gluing your stones. Sunglasses get greasy from touching and wearing, so you want to clean them to ensure that the stones adhere firmly. Use the glass cleaner on the lenses and wipe them clean with the cloth. Use the masking tape to cover the lenses so you do not accidentally scratch them or get glue on them. Clean off the rest of the sunglasses, wipe dry, and prepare your jewel glue. Add a little glue to each stone before placing it. Slowly work through your design and allow your glasses to dry before wearing them.
