attaching crystals

[Princess Babies Bowtique]

I am trying to decide which way is best for attaching crystals. Haven't done any. Apparently there is a heat or iron-on method and tools to do the heat fixing; then there are "stud" type setters. Which method do you ladies prefer? When you consider cost, availability of appropriate crystals, ease of use and of course, LOOKS!, is one better than another? (My dd wants hints on what to get me for Christmas, so any advice would be great! Thanks!)

[Kashmir*Moon]

I love my hot fix tool. It was only like $10 at Hobby Lobby. I'd strive for something more expensive for Christmas

[Kashmir*Moon]

the hot fix tool is like a wood burning tool with tips for different size crystals. You just put it on the crystal and poof, the glue melts and it's stuck.

But you have to use the crystals for hot fixing of course.

Bad morning, brain not working.

[Kashmir*Moon]

this is where I get most of my crystals, unless I'm in a pinch and have to run to hobby lobby. The swarovski's hold up best in my opinion

http://stores.ebay.com/Mister-Nailhead

[cynthia]

Absolutely hotfixes!..lol...

Here's where I buy mine since I don't hv Joann's. I hv Michaels, but their Swarovski's are just outrageous for a small amt...

http://www.jewelrysupply.com

http://www.hotfixqueen.com

http://www.artbeads.com

Ebay: I've bought some from seller Papi? or wassit Pappi? Can't recall now..lol..

cynthia =)

[jennygoff]

My question is: Swarovski or the cheap ones?? Is there a big difference?

[Kashmir*Moon]

Jen since I use my crystals on things that will be going through the wash I trust the Swarovski more. The glue is more reliable, at least on the one's I've purchased. When I started embellishing clothes, I used the cheaper glass crystals. My middle daughter is my guinea pig and well, her clothes get washed 3X's as much as anyone elses. The glass crystals are only half there, the Swarovski's have not fallen off yet.

I do tell my customers to wash inside out gentle and dry low but me, I'm not as gentle!

[jennygoff]

Thanks Jen!! I was checking out the hotfixqueen.com and wanted to see before I invested!! I bought a cheapie Marie Osmond hot fix tool off of Ebay for $5 (new) just to start learning how to do this, so cross your fingers and off I go!! Do you recommend a specific tool?

Jen

[Kashmir*Moon]

I love mine, it's the first one I've had. And I was using my iron before that and it was sooooo inconsistant, anything had to be better. Mine has interchangeable tips, but I only ever use the flat one because I like to lay out all of my crystals to see the pattern first then set them. I love this shirt so I'm going to show it off again

[imadoll]

here is a video that shows you what it is, how its used..ITS AWESOME!!!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=R6bVc-gal9s