Rhinestones the Cheap Way With Cameo/Cricut

If you have an electronic cutting machine you are thrilled with the many possibilities of using it: from the simple paper cutting for your scrapbook to the most amazing crafts like rhinestones.

There are so many ways to use the machine, but the big companies will tell you to buy something for each different project. If you thought investing in your cutting machine was an effort, believe me, it can get even more expensive.

According to Silhouette brand, if you want to make something with rhinestones you will need:

-template material

-transfer tape

-backing board

-positioning brush

-rhinestones

They sell this starter kit for $40

I believe that you don't have to waste you money in those "speciality" materials (although bloggers may want you to buy them to receive a commission).

So I'm going to share with you my method for cutting rhinestones templates and applying them and you'll only have to buy ONE material: rhinestones. And I will tell you where to buy ONE THOUSAND for less than 4 dollars.

Rhinestones (click here to buy 1440 for less than $4 usd with free shipping, I used the SS10, it´s 3mm)

A box

A cutting machine

Iron

Paper

The item that will have the rhinestones

A rhinestone design. You can find it online, some are free, or read my instructable where I teach you how to make your own.

Cut your box the size of your mat (letter or 12x12) I found that different cereal boxes have different thickness of cardboard. Pick one that isn't very thick. Load the mat in the machine and let it do its magic.

For silhouette machines use blade 9 thickness 33 speed 4, double cut.

Lay your item in a flat surface that is near a plug (we are going to iron the rhinestones here) and don't move. Palace your template with the printed side up, and pour the rhinestones. Move your finger in circles over the holes and this way the rhinestones are going to fill the holes.

One minute later you should have all the holes filled. Put aside all rhinestones that aren't in the holes. Flip the rhinestones that are upside down (with the black side up), you can use tweezers or a pointy object like a pen to help you achieve this.

Now let your iron get hot, at the hottest temperature. Place your paper at the top of the rhinestones and iron everything. Depending on the size of your design, but one to three minutes should be enough. Carefully check that the rhinestones are glued. Flip the tshirt and iron again for 30 secs.

Now you have a unique item! And if you want to make several, you can re-use the template.