Use Bedazzling Gems On A Christmas Ornament

Do It Yourself Dazzling Jeweled Christmas Ornament

Celebrating the holiday with a bejeweled Christmas tree didn’t become popular in America until the 1800s. Immigrant Germans brought the tradition with them to their new home and introduced the concept to their new neighbors. At first, Americans decorated their trees with homespun decorations, but soon began using jeweled Christmas ornaments. Here, we’ll give you instructions to make your own.
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Gather Your Materials To Make Your Rhinestone Christmas Ornament

The popularity of bling Christmas ornaments began in the small German town of Lauscha back in the 16th century. A glassmaker began creating baubles to decorate Christmas trees. As the years passed, decorations became increasingly popular and more extravagant.
 
Today, rhinestone Christmas ornaments are a beloved favorite with their enchanting play of light. While jeweled Christmas tree ornaments are stunning, they’re also expensive. However, you can make bling decorations for a fraction of the cost.
 
Of course, you can personalize your decorations with different colors and designs. However, to replicate the pictured ornament, you’ll need these supplies:
 

• 1 silver ball ornament
• 12ss rhinestones in colors rose and peridot (about 1 gross each)
• E6000 glue
• Wax tipped tool or tweezers
• Chalk
• Tape measure

 
When choosing your materials, remember that manufacturers make varying quality products. For example, the cheapest rhinestones will give your ornament the least amount of sparkle. 

Choose Your Pattern

If you own a Cricut, you can create intricate patterns to create stunning Christmas decorations. However, not everyone owns one of these expensive machines. Alternatively, you can also create your pattern using our free ornament template. The template’s flat surface can help you lay out your design before you start gluing.
 
However, for this bling project, we will use a scatter pattern. This rhinestone design has a fluid structure, and requires random rhinestone placement.
 
To begin, find the middle of the ornament with your tape measure and mark it with chalk.
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This will be your guide when gluing rhinestones, as the crystals will center around this line. For this design, most of the rhinestones will be peridot, with the rose-colored crystals sprinkled among the green.

Step-by-Step Instructions To Create A Jeweled Christmas Ornament

​It’s easy to create a sparkling rhinestone Christmas ornament by using the following steps:
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1. Apply Glue

Some adhesives dry quickly, so you’ll want to work in small sections. Also, when working with certain glues, like E6000, work in a well-ventilated area.  Place a drop of glue slightly smaller than the crystal rhinestone on the ornament, on or near the chalk line.
 
Tip: E6000 has a quick set time. To prevent glue from hardening before you have a chance to use it, squeeze the tube just a little bit. I also place a paper plate under the nozzle to catch any extra glue that drips out. Then, use a toothpick to scrape some glue and apply it to the ornament. Of course, you can also buy special syringe bottles and tips to use with this glue. 

2. Set Rhinestones in the Glue

Using a wax-tipped tool or tweezers, pick up a crystal rhinestone and place it onto the glue. Continue adding stones, increasing the spacing as you move out from the middle. Since this is a scattering of rhinestones, there is no real pattern and no way to do it wrong.       

3. Finish and Dry

All rhinestone glues have varying set and curing times. In a certain amount of time, the glue will harden enough so that you can no longer move the bedazzling gem. However, the glue won’t reach its full strength until its cure time. Most rhinestone adhesives need 24 hours to reach full strength.
 

FAQs About Bling Christmas Ornaments

Ready to begin your bling project, but have some questions? Below, we answer a few commonly asked ones.
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Which Rhinestone Offers the Most Sparkle?

​Currently, the Preciosa Maxima has the most sparkle. A crystal product, these rhinestones have 15 pristine-cut facets.
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How Can I Store My Jeweled Christmas Ornament?

​Often, the high temperatures of an attic can begin to break down the bonds of glue. To protect your jeweled Christmas ornament, keep it in a more temperature-controlled area of your home.
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Where Can I Buy Rhinestones Online?

 Since 2011, Rhinestones Etc. has been selling quality rhinestones online. We offer competitive prices, fast processing times, and excellent customer service. Here’s what a few of our clients say about our store:
 
The quality was as described – Tammy
Excellent service. As described. Thanks. – Cheryl
Beautiful crystals and excellent customer service! - Jennifer
 
Browse our store to find your perfect color, size, and quantity.