Adding glitz for maximum impact

With my background in pageantry and custom costumes, I often hear “there is no such thing as too much bling!”  I respectfully disagree.  While it is rare, there are instances when 1 more rhinestone or sequin is just too much.  So how do you successfully decorate without going overboard?

• Begin by considering the use of the project

Is this item for casual wear, a formal occasion, or stage performance?   Clothing or home dec projects for casual/everyday use do not require an abundance of bling.  In fact, strategically placed accents have a greater impact than handfuls of sequins and rhinestones that appear to be dumped on something. For example, when working with an underwater theme, adding a few rhinestones to simulate air bubbles coming from a fish’s mouth adds a nice finishing touch.  Decorating Easter eggs?  Try adding a stripe of rhinestones or sequins around the center as a focal point.  Putting stars on a t-shirt?  Try sewing a trail of silver metallic thread behind the star to create the illusion of a shooting star.  Abiding by the adage “less is more” works best for everyday items.

For formal wear, it’s easy to increase the glitz level but again, consider the event.  Some formal occasions are better suited for rich luxurious fabrics and less rhinestones and sequins.  For instance, when attending an opera or symphony performance, it’s better to consider fabric options such as silk, satin, velvet, and brocades.  If additional decoration is needed, exercise restraint and focus on a few key areas that will provide an elegant finishing touch.  Rhinestones placed along a collar, jacket lapel or cuffs and fancy buttons are enough.  Not a fan of adding rhinestones to a suit?  A great alternative is a long,   sequined scarf.  It can be draped across the shoulders and held in place with a broach or tied as a belt at the waist esp. when wearing a fitted black dress.

If you closely examine a pageant gown or stage costume, you will notice that if there is a lot of decoration, it tends to be organized and strategic.  Rhinestones are often concentrated in specific areas- the neckline, waistline or along the hem.  Why?  So that the beading captures stage lighting and flatters the natural beauty of the model or actor.

• Create and work with a design plan

Before beginning any decoration, layout the project and analyze it.  Ask yourself, how much glitz do I need?  Should I focus on 1 or 2 areas or tackle an overall approach?  How many stones or sequins do I need?  Does my budget permit the level of decoration I want to attempt?  Do I have enough time?  Prepare a needed materials list and begin price comparisons among different vendors.  Price checking is extremely important when working with a limited budget or if you are buying expensive items such as fancy cut rhinestones, rhinestone banding, sequin fabric, fancy buttons, and intricate trims.   If you discover that a preferred item is too expensive for the budget, consider all alternatives.  Will a different shape rhinestone work just as well?  Do you need to consider a different vendor?  Do you have a coupon or discount code?

Once you have everything ready, it’s time to begin the putting on the bling!  Take your time and carefully apply the ornamentation.  If something needs sewn on, use the correct thread.  If you opt to glue, make sure to use a glue that is suitable for the fabric or surface of your project.  Work neatly.  I cannot stress the importance of carefully applying stones and glitz.  It takes longer, but the results are well worth the extra effort.    Finally, if you are unsure if you need to add more glitz, you can either err on the side of caution or ask for input.   Once finished, take photos to document the project.  This way you can reference the project at a later time if you decide to use a similar plan on a different project.