Quick answer: Some of the best things to rhinestone are denim jackets, sunglasses, phone cases, sneakers, water bottles, bookmarks, and even laptop covers. Almost any flat, sturdy surface can hold rhinestones with the right glue.
Rhinestoning has grown far past jean jackets and dance costumes. Once you start looking around your house, you will find a dozen things that could use a little sparkle. Below are 13 tried and true things to rhinestone, from wearable classics to a few surprising picks, plus quick notes on how to approach each one.
| Category | Difficulty | Time Needed |
| Wearables (jackets, shoes, sunglasses) | Advanced | 1 to 3+ hours |
| Accessories (bookmarks, phone cases) | Beginner | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Tech & drinkware | Intermediate | 45 minutes to 2 hours |
1. Denim Jacket
A denim jacket is one of the most popular rhinestone projects because the sturdy fabric holds hotfix stones well through repeated wear. Crafters often cover the shoulders in shimmering stones, trace the collar in gems, or spell out a nickname in rhinestone lettering. One rhinestone retailer suggests covering the shoulders with shimmering stones, tracing the collar with an elegant array of gems, or even spelling out a favorite quote or nickname in a dazzling rhinestone font. Support high-stress areas like seams with extra glue for durability.
2. Sneakers
Sneakers turn into wearable art once you add rhinestones to the sides and heel. One rhinestone art guide recommends focusing on the sides and heel areas and sealing the edges for longevity. Use a flexible glue so the stones move with the shoe instead of popping off when you walk.
3. Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a simple accessory that can look a little plain, and rhinestones fix that fast. A rhinestone project guide suggests shaking things up by adding rhinestones to sunglasses, either as a border along the edges or covering more of the frame. Keep stones off the lenses and hinges so the glasses still fold and fit properly.
4. Phone Case
A phone case is one of the easiest starter projects since the surface is flat and hard. One guide notes that with a few rhinestones and some creativity, a plain phone case can become a dazzling accessory, whether you go for an elegant monogram design or cover every inch in a full pattern. Choose a matte or textured case, since glossy plastic can make stones slide before the glue sets.
5. Water Bottle
A rhinestoned water bottle makes hydration feel a little more fun and adds a personal touch to something you carry every day. One embellishment guide describes bringing luxury to a drinks bottle to make exercising more enjoyable with a blinged-up water bottle. Stick to the smooth middle section and avoid the lid threads so the bottle still seals properly.
6. Bookmark
A rhinestoned bookmark is a quick, low-cost project that also makes a sweet gift for a reader. One rhinestone guide suggests taking a plain bookmark and adding rhinestones in your favorite colors and patterns to create a dazzling page marker for every reading session. It is also a great way to practice pattern spacing before committing to a bigger surface.
7. Laptop Cover
A rhinestoned laptop cover or case adds personality to a device you look at every day. One rhinestone craft roundup mentions customizing laptop covers among the many ways rhinestones can be used, alongside curtains, jewelry, and headbands. Keep stones away from vents and hinges so airflow and folding are not affected.
8. Champagne Glass
A personalized champagne glass makes a thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gift for a celebration. One guide describes personalizing a champagne flute as a thoughtful, bespoke gift and recommends checking a detailed glassware embellishment method for the best results. Keep rhinestones on the stem or lower bowl, away from where lips touch the glass.
9. Novelty Drinks Bottle
An empty glass bottle, like a favorite liquor or soda bottle, can be turned into a display piece once fully covered in rhinestones. One guide even suggests turning a fully bedazzled bottle into a lamp base for a striking piece of interior design. This is a good project for practicing full-coverage patterns since a bottle has no fabric stretch to worry about.
10. Home Phone or Landline
Yes, people are really rhinestoning house phones. It sounds unusual, but flat plastic devices like a home phone base offer plenty of surface area for a full-coverage sparkle look. One crafter’s video documenting “random things I’ve rhinestoned recently” includes a dispenser and a house phone among the items covered. Just like with any electronic, avoid the buttons, ports, and speaker holes so the phone still works.
11. Soap or Lotion Dispenser
A plain bathroom or kitchen dispenser is an easy, low-pressure canvas for rhinestones since it sits in one place and rarely gets handled roughly. The same crafter’s “random things I’ve rhinestoned” list includes a dispenser as one of the everyday items given the bling treatment. Just keep the pump mechanism clear so it still works smoothly.
12. Rhinestone Portrait Art
Instead of decorating an object, you can rhinestone a picture itself by combining painting with crystal placement. One rhinestone art guide describes portrait rhinestone art as combining painting and crystals, using the stones to highlight the picture and add a unique charm to a home, whether you keep it or gift it. This works well as a canvas piece you can frame and hang.
13. Halloween Mask
A plain Halloween or costume mask becomes a statement piece once covered in rhinestones, perfect for a party or a themed shoot. One crafter’s rhinestoning video is tagged specifically with a Halloween mask project alongside their other random rhinestoned items. Since masks sit close to the face, use a low-odor glue and let it cure fully before wearing.
How much rhinestone coverage do you actually need?
One rhinestone art guide estimates that for a 10cm by 10cm area using standard SS20 stones, you will need approximately 400 rhinestones for full coverage, which is more than most beginners expect. Buying a bit extra always beats running out mid-project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rhinestone a denim jacket without sewing?
Yes, hotfix rhinestones can be applied with an iron or heat press, and flatback stones can be glued on with fabric glue, so no sewing is required.
Will rhinestones on sneakers survive walking outside?
Yes, if you use a flexible glue and seal the edges. One rhinestone art guide advises focusing on the sides and heel areas and sealing edges for longevity when rhinestoning sneakers.
How many rhinestones do I need for a small project?
For a small area of about 10cm by 10cm, you need roughly 400 standard-size rhinestones for full coverage, so always buy a bit more than you think you need.
Is it safe to rhinestone a phone or house phone?
Yes, as long as you avoid buttons, ports, speaker holes, and any charging contacts so the device keeps working normally.
References
- Rhinestones Unlimited, “10 Uncommon Projects for Rhinestone Lovers”
- Crystal Parade, “20 Fun Things to Bedazzle: Project Ideas & Inspiration”
- Craftionary, “Rhinestone Art: Bedazzled with Gem and Crystal Bling Ideas”
- Rhinestone Shop Blog, “10 Rhinestone Crafts for Sparkling DIY Projects”
- Kcullenthats, TikTok video, “Random things I’ve started to rhinestone recently”
Sarah Anderson . J
I’m the mom behind Wise Mom Blogger, where everyday creativity meets real-life motherhood. I share easy DIY crafts, cozy knitting and crochet projects, beginner-friendly sewing ideas, and family-tested recipes—plus quick baking hacks that make homemade feel doable on busy days.
