Holidays from the Heart – Dab, Set and Sparkle!

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season has made many people lose sight of what’s special about this time of the year. This year, instead of a gift purchased on impulse, give a gift from the heart: one made by loving hands that embraces its recipient in thoughtfulness and creates a lasting memory. We want to take you back to a time when gifts were more meaningful, when holiday family traditions were as much a gift as the box with the shiny bow. Our Holidays from the Heart series will provide you with gift ideas, decoration tips and more to prepare you for the most wonderful time of the year—full of good cheer and heartfelt traditions you can pass on to future generations. Each week until the end of December we will bring you inspiration for heartfelt gifts, fun family projects and party hosting.

A simple and exciting way to make the holidays more personal is with a little twinkling touch. Just a slight change in design can make a world of difference in the overall result when you choose the perfect color scheme and sparkle. Rhinestones, or Swarovski flatbacks, will be this week’s focus.

Christmas Countdown

Start filling your home with festive wall decorations that are simple yet eye-catching. An advent calendar is a traditional symbol of Christmas but you can update it with this crafty project. Instead of candy, place cute charms in each pocket. Put a finished bracelet in the first pocket and then you can add to it with each new day. Glue flatbacks in a decorative pattern on the front in festive colors to make it special for your family. This is a great way to get kids excited and have fun making jewelry at the same time.

If you’re looking to get into the spirit with a more romantic touch, make an intricate ornament you can hang even after Christmas. Our Victorian Snowflake ornament can be embellished with rich red and green flatbacks to resemble a holly branch or adorned in icy blue rhinestones for a winter treat to last through January. Either of our projects is a wonderful starting point for decorating your home.

Get Tangled up in Shimmering Hair Accessories

If you have a pretty little princess at home, crown her with the perfect gift of sparkling hair accessories. Handmade accessories are the best because no one else will have the exact same style, making her hair flair special—just like her. Present pieces worthy of her royal beauty, like our Geometric Couture Headband or Golden Plum Barrette. Each project is simple enough to make with just a few components and adhesive.

For the hard-to-shop-for teenager, recreate the most buzz worthy headpiece in Hollywood cinema! Bella’s Bridal Barrette features an ornate filigree link finished in Gilders Paste and deep blue flatbacks. Use varying shades of blue and Crystal AB coloring for a romantic replica or play around with sizes and colors for something your teen would love.

A Gift too Good to Give

Be the life of the party and don’t forget to treat yourself! Make a sparkling modern cocktail ring in just minutes with nothing more than some simple supplies and your favorite rhinestones. Our Block Party ring idea incorporates the popular color blocking fashion trend with hot red and black tones, but you can turn it into something truly show stopping with wild colors! Show off your creation at the next office holiday party or your next night on the town with friends.

Thoughtful Stocking Stuffers

Need an idea for your Secret Santa gift? Give your cubicle buddy some homemade magnets to help brighten their day. All you need are some small round magnets, E6000 glue and an assortment of flatbacks. These Swarovski Rhinestone Magnets add sparkle to any space and would make a wonderful stocking stuffer as well.

Don’t forget—jewelry-making tools make excellent gifts, too! Take advantage with our 30% off select tools sale happening this week.

-Marissa