Crystal Flat Backs Frenzy

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Author: Vickie Pozzolini

Crystals are everywhere, they are all the rage! The beauty and brilliance of CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski® Elements flat backs are seen adorning everything from purses and headbands to cell phones and t-shirts. It’s great fun to join in the crystal frenzy fun, but remember that these teeny, tiny crystals take a little more time and work to apply. Allow me to offer you some advice from my numerous years of embellishing tote bags, shirts and other clothing items with these lovely crystal flat backs.

Crystal flat backs can be applied in two different ways. If labeled Hotfix, then a fine layer of heat sensitive glue has already been applied to the back of the crystal. You need to use a Hotfix tool to heat up each crystal which melts the glue. This process makes for an almost foolproof and fast set.

If your crystals are NOT labeled Hotfix (or if you are working on a non-fabric project) then your crystals need to be glued down with fast bonding jewelry glue.

If creating your own design, I recommend you start out with a basic simple shape, such as a heart or star. Draw the design out on a piece of a paper and then carefully cut the shape out. Use tape to adhere the shape to your fabric item in the desired location. Outline the entire edge of the shape with crystal flat backs using jewelry tweezers if needed.

Adhering Crystals with Hotfix:

1. With your Hotfix tool, use the large flat tip (often called the Hot Spot) to adhere the crystals to your item, working small areas at a time.
2. Press the tool on the crystal for 30 seconds until melted into position.
3. Once you completely adhere all the crystals around the shape, you can either leave it as is or if feeling adventuresome, then fill in the center area with more Hotfix crystals.

Adhering Crystals with NO Hotfix:

1. Make certain the surface you are adhering the flat back crystals to is clean.
2. Plan out your design on the surface you are going to decorate. If you are unable to, work out the design on a sheet of paper.
3. Use tweezers to lift the flat back crystal from the surface, add a drop of glue to the surface and place the flat back crystal on top of the glue.
4. Let the glue dry completely before using. Allowing the flat back crystals to set will aid in the life of your decorated item.

Crystal Flat Backs are easy to use and add so much interest to a simple frame, purse or piece of clothing. Try adding them to a small project first to get used to the technique and once you’ve gotten the hang of it you’ll be adding them to almost everything!