How to Bling a New Bedazzled Rhinestone Candy Box
Bedazzled Candy Box
I've been making Bedazzled Candy Boxes for a little over two years now and they've been a HUGE hit! Bedazzled boxes are great to use as party favors, baby shower decor, handmade Valentine's or display them on a candy buffet. Either way, you are sure to wow everyone!
If you are planning on making these for either a bridal shower or in lieu of treat bags, be sure to get started on these in a timely manner because you'll need a variety of materials (you never know about shipping options when ordering supplies) and these take a lot of time to make. Trust me...this is not typically finished in one afternoon.
I do not make these for bridal showers or to give as gifts, though. My bedazzled candy boxes are framed and used as pop art for my walls. I absolutely love the way these look and love how these add sparkle to my otherwise blank walls.
Framed bedazzled candy
In this tutorial, I'm sharing everything you need to know about making a bedazzled rhinestone candy box. Before we jump into bedazzling, let's answer some of the top questions I get about rhinestones.
Is bedazzling hard?
Not at all! Bedazzling takes time, but can be super easy and fun once you get the hang of it. Start with a simple design choice, use the right tools, and take your time—before you know it, you’ll be creating sparkly masterpieces like a pro.
What type of rhinestones are best to bedazzle a candy box?
If you’re not in the rhinestone world like I am, you may not know that there are tons of different rhinestone types. There are resin rhinestones, glass rhinestones, acrylic rhinestones, and crystal rhinestones. Their appearances all vary in different lights and they all have a range of different rhinestone colors.
So which rhinestones are the best to use to make a bling candy box? I chose to use glass rhinestones because they’re high-quality rhinestones that really sparkle! I'm using different sizes of rhinestones for this project, but the right rhinestones for you will depend on your surface area. Make sure you don’t use hot fix rhinestones for your bedazzled box, because you need flatback rhinestones for the best results.
I get some of my rhinestones from Amazon, but I get the bulk of my rhinestones from this incredible rhinestone online store. Use coupon code artbeat for 10% off all purchases!
What is the best way to stick on rhinestones?
The best way to stick on rhinestones is by using an adhesive with a strong bond. Personally, I think Liquid Fusion is the best rhinestone adhesive for this bling project. Apply a small amount of glue to the back of each rhinestone or directly to your clean surface, and use a wax pickup tool for precise placement. Make sure you're applying to a flat surface. For slick surfaces, you'll need to sand for best results.
I did a deep dive into the best rhinestone glues and tested popular brands. Check out this post to see what specific glue is best for for your next project!
What rhinestones sparkle the most?
The most dazzling rhinestone designs are usually made with glass gems. Glass rhinestones, especially crystal ones like Swarovski, have the most sparkle thanks to their clarity and detailed faceting. Resin rhinestones are a good budget-friendly option with decent shine, but if you really want a brilliant finish, glass is the best choice.
What tools should you use for bedazzling?
The must-have tools for bedazzling are a wax pens or penicils (also called a gem picker) for precise placement, tweezers for adjustments, and a good adhesive like Liquid Fusion.
If you’re working on straight lines, a ruler or template can help keep things neat. A tray for sorting rhinestone size and individual colors is also a good idea to keep your workspace organized.
Here's What You'll Need to Get Started Making a Bedazzled Rhinestone Candy Box
Affiliate disclaimer: Although I stand by all of the products I use, I can receive a small commission from any products purchased via my affiliate links.
Candy Boxes (I recommend using cardboard or paper and not plastic)
Table Covering
Alcohol Prep Pad or Rubbing Alcohol
I get some of my rhinestones from Amazon (linked above), but I get the bulk of my rhinestones from this incredible rhinestone online store. Use coupon code artbeat for 10% off all purchases!
*I love ordering supplies on Amazon because there are tons of selection results, free shipping (typically ships within a few business days) and it’s never final sale so if you change your mind, you can send the supplies back.
Check out my favorite items on my Amazon storefront. You’ll find a full page of all of my favorite things!
Are you ready to bling it on?
Bring your designs to life and let your creativity truly sparkle with our comprehensive rhinestone course.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Rhinestones to Candy Boxes:
Gently wipe down the candy box. You will want to make sure the box is clean and dust free. Do not wipe too hard - you do not want to remove the colors and images.
Add your rhinestones onto a tray. Personally, I prefer to only work with individual colors at a time. I do, however, love using different size rhinestones. I think this adds more interest and sparkle. Give the tray a slight shake to flip all of the rhinestones so that they are laying flat and ready to be picked up.
Using your toothpick, add a small amount of glue to the candy box and spread it very thin. Avoid clumps - If your glue is too thick, your shiny stone will get covered in glue and will have a cloudy appearance. To see the best glue options (in case you're not using cardboard), see this post.
Using your wax pen, press down on the top of the rhinestone and place it on the glue. All glues have a different set time, but you should have about 5 minutes to move your rhinestone around with a pair of tweezers if you want to put it into another spot or move it towards a border. After that, you will need pliers or a dental tool to remove the crystals and this might rip the box (trust me, I learned this the hard way)!
Complete an entire section before moving to another color. I highly recommend starting your box right in the middle and working the tight middle spaces first and then moving outwards.
This takes a lot of time and patience but is a much easier strategy than jumping around and then having to add glue and rhinestones to tight spaces. Keep going until the entire box is covered with rhinestones.
The candy boxes will not look great until the glue has dried completely. Once the glue is dry, take a closer look and see if you've covered all of your bases. If not, add more rhinestones. Use smaller stones to fill in gaps between larger stones
Adding rhinestones to a candy box
Rhinestone Placement Techniques for Bedazzled Candy Boxes
If you really want to make your bedazzled box stand out, try using some different rhinestone placement techniques.
Want to learn all about rhinestone application tips and tricks? Check out my Bling It On Course to learn how to make rhinestone templates and hand-place rhinestones like a pro!
Linear Method
Use the linear method when following straight lines on the box. This is where you place each rhinestone in a straight vertical and horizontal line. It's helpful to have a guide like a ruler to keep your lines straight.
Scatter Method
The scatter method involves mixing up the crystal size. Place the larger stones first and then fill in the gaps with the smaller sizes. This is my favorite method because it sparkles the most!
Honeycomb Method
The honeycomb pattern uses all of the same size rhinestones in an offset pattern. Start by placing your first row of stones in a straight line. For the second line, place the stones in between the stones in the first line.
Creative Ideas for Bedazzled Boxes
Once you've bedazzled your candy box you can use the same method to bling out any type of box! Bedazzled boxes can be used in so many ways. Use them as gift boxes, party favors, or cute storage for jewelry or small trinkets.
I also think they make the perfect gift because you can't get them anywhere else! How cute would it be to give these craft projects as a Valentine's Day gift?
If you're just blinging out a plain box, check out this post to see how you can use a sticker as a rhinestone template!
Sparkle Struggles? Tips to Keep Your Bling on Point!
Bedazzled candy box with wet glue
Bedazzling isn't hard, but getting the right techniques down can take some practice. If you're brand new to the world of bling, you'll love this beginner's guide to bedazzling with rhinestones! Here are some tips for some common problems with this rhinestone project:
How to Prevent Glue from Showing
To keep glue from showing, use a precision tip applicator or a toothpick to apply very small amounts. A little goes a long way—excess glue can seep out and dull the sparkle. Let the glue dry completely clear before handling to avoid smudges or mess.
How to Fix Misplaced Rhinestones
If a rhinestone ends up in the wrong spot, don’t worry! Gently pry it off with tweezers or a craft knife while the glue is still tacky. Clean off any excess glue with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, then reapply the rhinestone in the right place.
If you wait for the glue to set completely, it will be more difficult to remove the rhinestones because it can rip delicate materials. Always check the placement of your stones before the glue dries!
How to Deal with Rhinestones That Fall Off
For rhinestones that fall off, keep a small repair kit handy with extra stones and glue. Clean the area where the rhinestone was, apply a fresh dot of glue, and press the rhinestone back into place.
FAQs about using rhinestones to bedazzle candy boxes
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The short answer is yes. However, do not use school glue if you want this to last forever. School glue is best used on craft projects for kids using a lower quality rhinestone. If you spend a lot of money on rhinestones, you want them to stand the test of time.
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If the glue is still wet, carefully remove it either using pliers or with your hands. Throw out the rhinestone unless you can get it clean. Personally, I do not think it is worth it to try to salvage a single rhinestone.
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Most adhesives will adhere in 24-36 hours.
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You can literally bling out anything! I've made rhinestone ornaments, candle holders, earrings, tote bags, pens, and more! One of my favorite things to add rhinestones to are stainless steel tumblers. See this tutorial for how to make gorgeous DIY rhinestone tumblers, or this tutorial on how to bling crocs. check out my full collection of rhinestone projects here!
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Yes, you can use hot glue to attach rhinestones, but I don’t recommend it. The bond isn’t strong enough for long-term durability, and the rhinestones are likely to pop off over time. For a project that lasts, stick with a high-quality adhesive like Liquid Fusion or E6000!
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It’s possible to reuse rhinestones if you can remove them without damage, but it’s often not worth the effort. Adhesive residue can dull their shine and ability to stick to a new surface. For the best results, start with fresh rhinestones to make sure your project looks great and lasts longer.
Wrapping It Up
Now that you've mastered bedazzling...go ahead and make a candy buffet! Hey, maybe you even want to make a clear rhinestone candy scoop?! The world is your oyster!
From selecting the perfect rhinestones and glue to nailing placement techniques, you’re ready to sparkle like a pro. Whether you’re gifting these candy boxes, using them as stunning party decor, or even displaying them as pop art, your creations are bound to turn heads.
Get out there and add a little sparkle to the world! Forget gift cards, handmade gifts are the best!
Can’t wait to bedazzle something else? Check out all of my rhinestone tutorials here!
