How to Bling Out Your Cell Phone With Crystals

Yes, your eHow editor Jacqui1 blinged out her own phone! Here it is.

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If you want to add a little sparkle to your dull-looking cell phone bling it out with crystals (or, cover it in rhinestones). All you need is a steady hand and a few items to get your phone to glitter. You can even personalize it with your initials, which is very popular with celebrities. Read on to learn more.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

For an average size flip phone, use about 600-800 foiled-flat back crystals in the colors and sizes of your choice. About 800 crystals in size SS12 will cover the front and back of a cell phone.
Choose crystals in the colors that you'll want to use, but have an idea in mind of the pattern so you can have all the materials in hand.
Old tweezers
A rag or paper towel to wipe off any glue that gets on the tweezers.
Plenty of clean, flat space to spread out. It should be a spot where you can leave your tools for a day or so.
Tacky glue
5 toothpicks

How to Bling Out Your Cell Phone With Crystals

Step1

Draw an outline of your phone on paper or print a photo of it. Using markers draw the design that you want on your phone. You may want to do this before you buy your crystals so you have a good idea of how many you'll need and what sizes you want to go with. Bring this drawing (and your phone) to the store.

Step2

Make sure your phone is totally clean on the outside. If it is a flip phone open it up to make sure the crystals do not block any hinges.

Step3

If you want to make markings on your phone with a pencil you could do that now, or just pick a corner to start from and begin laying your crystals. You'll want to pick up each crystal with the tweezers and apply the glue using a toothpick as a dabber. Don't go crazy, but be somewhat generous with the glue on the back of the crystals. You want them to dry flat, but also stay secure.

Step4

Carefully lay each crystal until one side is complete. Let it dry and move to the next side. Continue until you're done. Check for loose crystals and reapply them.

Tips & Warnings

It usually comes out looking more dramatic when you stay in the same color-range as your phone. This also allows a little extra room for error.
It may get a little pricey, but the higher-end you go with the crystals, the better the phone will look.
Stick to a somewhat simple pattern. You may want to do an initial or stripes or plaid, but anything too elaborate may be a bit too ambitious for this project.
Buy extra crystals. You will definitely lose a few from your phone along the way, so it is best to have some at home for quick repairs.
As you go along, make sure your not blocking any buttons and the phone can still open and close.