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My MIKO Sewing Patterns and supplies simply provide you with a canvas. But, your unique flair – your artistry – is expressed through the vibrancy of rhinestones, appliques, beads, and any other medium with which you can paint your canvas! (Hey…you can even literally use paint, too!)
Rhinestones, of course, are the most used suit decorations. They shine brilliantly under the harsh bodybuilding stage lights and they’re also versatile: you can create almost any design using a collection of colors and sizes.
BUT applying rhinestones onto your suit can be a huge pain if you don’t have the right tools. Before we get into the tools list, I’d like to share with you a video that helped me learn how to efficiently and cleanly apply rhinestones onto suits:
I highly recommend that you watch this tutorial! It’s so good and explains the stoning process with so much clarity.
Tools List
Ready to stone your suits? Let’s go through the tools that’ll make stoning easier and cleaner:
Syringes
I usually buy syringes with capacities of 5ml or 10ml. I use the 5ml syringe for smaller projects that will not require a lot of glue. I use the 10ml syringe for larger projects mostly because I don’t want to spend time continuously refilling my 5ml syringe with glue.
The downside of using a 10ml syringe is that you have to work quicker than your glue’s drying time. I use E6000 glue, which tends to dry quickly. Whether you use the 5ml or 10ml is really a matter of preference. But for the most part, I recommend using the 5ml syringe.
Where to buy:
- 5 pack of 5ml Syringes: Dreamtime Creations, $5.95
- 10 pack of 10ml Syringes: Dreamtime Creations, $9.99
- 10 pack of 5ml Syringes w/ 14 gauge glue applicator tips: Amazon, $9.00
Glue Applicator Tips
The glue applicator tip allows you to place precise dollops of glue onto your workpiece. The tips are available in different gauges: the larger the gauge number, the narrower the tip.
The gauge that you choose really depends on the type of glue you use. You will want a larger tip for thicker glues, such as E6000. For thinner and less viscous glues, choose a narrower tip.
Personally, I use tips in the range of 14 gauge to 16 gauge. But, the 14 gauge tip is my universal go-to.
Where to buy:
- 6 pack of 14GA tips: Dreamtime Creations, $5.95
- 10 pack of 15GA tips: Dreamtime Creations, $7.99
- 10 pack of 5ml Syringes w/ 14 gauge glue applicator tips: Amazon, $9.00
Rhinestone Pick-up Stick
If you have the dexterity of an elephant (like me), you will definitely need a tool that can easily and quickly pick up your rhinestones. Many makers highly recommend the Crystal Katana. Its conical shape allows for precise stone placement.
I personally use simple plastic sticks with a sticky end.
Where to buy:
- Crystal Katana: Dreamtime Creations, $28.95 or Amazon, $21.99
- 2 pack Plastic Sticky Stick: Dreamtime Creations, $1.99
Glue
As previously mentioned, I use E6000 glue. It is an incredibly viscous glue and it has a very distinctive chemical smell. While stoning, I usually have my windows open and a fan going for airflow and to dissipate the smell.
A less viscous and less smelly glue that is highly recommended is GemTac. I have no personal experience with GemTac. If you do choose to use this glue, make sure to also select a compatible glue applicator tip size.
Where to buy:
Extras
There are other tools that makers use for a more efficient or for an easier stoning process, such as sorting trays and tweezers. Personally, I use a pick-up stick in my right hand to pick up and set a rhinestone, and then I’ll use the curved tweezers in my left hand to make tiny adjustments to the rhinestone’s placement. It looks almost as if I’m playing the game Operation!
Other than the tweezers, I keep my process pretty simple. My way is not the only way to apply rhinestones, nor do I claim it’s the best way. In all honesty, I don’t prefer using rhinestones at all. My aesthetic vibes more with appliques. This is perhaps my most favorite make:
Now it’s time to hear from you! What is your stoning process like and what tools are your must-haves? Head on over to the DIY Bikini Facebook group (or the MIKO Suits Supplies Facebook page) to share!
I’ll talk to you soon!
xo,
Monica
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