How to Use Hotfix Rhinestones to Make Jewelry

A hotfix rhinestone is a rhinestone with a special heat-sensitive backing. Hotfix rhinestones are often used for materials and leather but are also used in making jewelry. The adhesive on the back of hotfix rhinestones does not detach with water so the jewels are long-lasting.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Hotfix rhinestones
• Hotfix tool with a flat tip
• Jewelry

1. Choose the hotfix metals, shapes, mirrors or studs for your jewelry. Decide what design you want to create before beginning.
2. Attach the flat tip to the hotfix setting tool. Purchase a hotfix setting tool at most craft supply stores. The two main producers of hotfix setting tools are BeJeweler and Kandi Kane.
3. Let the tool heat up for 6 to 8 minutes. Do not touch the tip of the setting tool. The setting tool is much like a soldering iron. The tip of the iron will burn your skin.
4. Select the hotfix piece you want to add. Hold it with the back facing up. Hold the stones or pearls in your hand while heating. Any other hotfix products must be placed onto the jewelry flat-side down.
5. Heat the adhesive. For stones and jewels, heat the adhesive for 3 to 10 seconds. When the glue is ready, it bubbles. Quickly place the stone onto the garment. Do not press the tool into the garment or the stone sticks to the tool. For all other hotfix products, place the piece onto the jewelry. Put the hotfix tool top of the piece. Heat the piece for 5 to 10 seconds.

Tips & Warnings

• Angle the hotfix tool when heating a stone or pearl to ensure the stone does not stick to the tool.
• Place chalk dots on the jewelry where you want to place the jewels to allow you to work faster when adhering the jewels.