How to make a brooch from stones and rhinestones: tips for beginners
Handmade jewelry is expensive, and many crafters would like to try their hand at this type of needlework. The only things that hold them back are the complexity of many projects and the need to buy special tools, glue, wire, and findings.
If you want to make a brooch from stones and rhinestones, you should definitely give it a try. I want to share a few tips that will help you overcome the difficulties.
1. Do you need expensive materials?
A beautiful brooch does not necessarily have to be made of natural stones and Swarovski crystals. You can make your first pieces from what you have at home without spending a single penny.
The photo shows one of my first brooches - a "Heart" embroidered with beads, buttons, and rhinestones cut from my girls' sweaters. Using such materials, you won't be afraid to experiment; on the contrary, you will gradually hone your skills. What is suitable for embroidering a brooch? Use old costume jewelry, plastic beads, faux pearls, small buttons, or a mix of seed beads.
2. What should you embroider the brooch on?
It is best to make your first pieces on thick felt. I bought mine at a stationery store; one sheet costs only 8 UAH and is enough for 10 brooches. If you are eager to try it today but don't have felt, take a thick fabric, such as denim, and start embroidering on that. Children can practice on regular scraps.
3. Do you need a hot glue gun?
A glue gun makes the work much easier, especially if you want to mount the brooch on thick leather or glue a large stone. If you haven't bought one yet, you can replace hot glue with an inexpensive alternative. A quick-drying, non-staining glue like "Moment Crystal" will work.
4. Where to start?
Start with simple-shaped brooches embroidered with the materials you have on hand. Don't try to bezel a cabochon right away; skills will come gradually, and you will be able to see how engaging this craft is.
5. Where to get findings?
You can buy various types and sizes of clasps in specialized stores or order them online. But at first, you can use a regular safety pin or a clasp from an old badge. Secure it to the back of the brooch with glue or thread.
I hope my tips help you take your first steps and, perhaps later, start your own business making unique jewelry.
I would also add that embroidering the brooch or hair clip itself is not as difficult as finishing the edge. It is better to start with the standard method, like how we overcast fabric, by stringing 3-4 beads at a time. And another subtle point: so that the base material doesn't show through, sew on the large stones or beads first, then fill in the space between them.