Bead & Rhinestone Wholesale Supplier to the World

Swarovski has officially released 2 new shades of red stones…..DARK SIAM and INDIAN SIAM!

Both colors are available in a range of round stones, rhinestones and fancy stones, including:

• Chatons (Pointed Back Stones): #1100 (PP3, PP4, PP5)  & #1028 (PP6, PP7, PP8, PP9, PP10, PP11, PP12, PP13, PP14)
• Rhinestones: #2000 (SS3) & #2028 (SS5, SS7, SS9, SS12, SS16, SS20)
• Hot Fix Rhinestones: #2000HF (SS3) & #2028HF (SS6, SS8, SS10, SS12, SS16, SS20)
• Fancy Stones: #4228 (4×2), #4428 (3MM), #4335 (3.5MM), #4501 (4×2, 5×2), #4735 (3.5MM), #4835 (3.5MM)

See how the new colors compare to established SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS colors Siam and Lt Siam:

Frankly, the (Siam and Dark Siam) and (Lt Siam and Indian Siam) are VERY, VERY, VERY close to each other.  It is very hard to tell the difference between them.  Dark Siam could easily be used as an alternative to Siam and Indian Siam could easily be used as an alternative to Lt Siam.

NEW BRANDING: SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS

Effective June 1, 2010, Swarovski® has annoucned that they will be going through a “branding optimization”.  As such, “CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements” will now become “SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS”.  This branding optimization will better reflect Swarovski® components as the premium brand for loose crystals in the marketplace with a stronger emphasis on the Swarovski® brand.

Now, we know what you are thinking….what a pain in the butt to have to change all the verbage on your marketing materials or website.  And we agree.  But, we also think this is absolutly the right move for Swarovski® to make.  “SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS” is a much easier and simpler way to convey the high quality products they make.  We always thought ”CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements” was a bit of a mouthfull! 

So, here is what the new brand logo looks like:

FOR BRANDING PARTNERS: MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS

Here is what the new branded tag looks like (for branded partners with Swarovski®):

For all you designers out there who are already a branded partner with Swarovski®, Swarovski® will be (or already have) contacting you about the change and what means for you.  For those designers who use exclusivley Swarovski elements in their designs, we encourage you to become a branded partner with Swarovski®.  With SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, you will benefit from the power of the umbrella brand of Swarovski® – a trademark with unmatched international reputation.  This strong link to the Swarovski® brand allows you to better reach your customers more frequently and approach other customers who are familiar with the high quality of the brand. 

Designers of shoes, handbags, clothing, jewelry, belts, home decor etc…. have all applied to become a branding partner with Swarovski®.   

You can find more information on becoming a branding partner on our website: Learn How to Become a SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Branded Partner

If you are interested in becoming a branding partner, please email Alisa Mandel Nogen at alisa@harmanbeads.com.

FOR CREATE-YOUR-STYLE PARTNERS: 

CREATE-YOUR-STYLE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS

Here is what the new brand logo looks like (for CREATE-YOUR-STYLE partners with Swarovski®):

Create Your Style™ with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS is a program designed by Swarovski to identify and support bead stores, resellers and websites that promote the SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS product.   As a CREATE YOUR STYLE (CYS) partner, you will have the approval to use the CYS logo.  Prior approval by Swarovski® is required to using the logo.

As a CREATE YOUR STYLE partner, you will received monthly communications from Swarovski® specifically for the CYS customer, including inspirational mailing, events, news etc…

You can find more information on becoming a CREATE-YOUR-STYLE partner on our website: Learn How to Become a CREATE-YOUR-STYLE Reseller

If you are interested in becoming a branding partner, please email Alisa Mandel Nogen at alisa@harmanbeads.com.

Swarovski has announced that on Monday, May 24, 2010, the currency surcharge for all products will be reduced to 16%.

Due to the sustained strength of the US Dollar versus the Euro over the past 2 weeks, Swarovski is able to reduce the currency surcharge from 22% to 16% effective Monday May 24, 2010.

It continues to be Swarovski’s goal to offer price stability to its’ customers.  While they are trying to avoid erratic jumps, they will continue to monitor the developments very closely and inform us of any possible further adjustments in the coming months.

Har-Man will send out email notifications with any updates we receive from Swarovski on future currency surcharge adjustments.

We believe that this 6% currency reduction gives us all a great opportunity to take advantage of the current strength of the US Dollar.

 We thank you for your continued business and loyalty to Har-Man Importing!

For every new launch Swarovski produces a limited number (approx 200 for the whole world) of books exemplifiying the trends.  Har-Man Importing is honored and grateful that we are one of the wholesalers who receives these books. 

These books are LITERALLY works of art!  They contain hand-made designs using CRYSTALLIZED™- Swarovski Elements.  Each page is like a couture garmet that you just want to wear.   Swarovski calls these books merely a “Trend Collection”.  I call them “COUTURE TREND BOOKS”! 

When designers come up to our showroom they swoon over each individual page.  We know that everyone can’t be in NY an visit our showroom, so we have decided to bring the book to you.  While these photos of the book pale in comparison to seeing it first hand, it will give you a glimpse into the art and beauty of the work they do.   

The trends for this collection are based from trend forcasting agencies and Swarovski.  The 2 new colors for these trends are: fern green and provence lavender. 

Look through the book below to view the COUTURE TREND BOOK for the CRYSTALLIZED™-Swarovski Trend Collection Spring/Summer 2011!  If you would like to view the book in person, please schedule an appointment at our New York City Showroom  (Call the office at 631-756-9800 to schedule a time).

Currently, there are two innovations within this collection: Mosaics and Ceramics.   

Swarovski Elements Mosaics

Swarovski Elements Mosaics

 In September 2009, Swarovski Elements launched their new line of “Fusion Concepts” with the development of “Mosaics”.  Mosaic beads, pendants and stones are made from crystal and each piece has unique characteristics.  No two pieces are exactly the same.  They are available in a limited range of styles and only come in 5 unique colors:  Moasic White Opal, Mosaic Pacific Opal, Mosaic Purple Opaque, Mosaic Sand Opal and Mosaic Amber Opal.  

Swarovski Elements Mosaics - Color Options

 Mosaic colors are available in the following styles and sizes, and are denoted by a “/A” after the style #s: 

• # 4470 (e.g #4470/A): 18mm – Cushion Cut Fancy Stone
• #4610 (e.g. #4610/A):  20×15 – Octagon Fancy Stone
• #5041 (e.g. #5041/A): 18mm – Briolette Bead (Large Hole)
• #5556 (e.g. #5556/A): 13.5×24, 15×27 – Galactic
• #6015 (e.g. #6015/A): 21mm – Polygon Drop
• #6150 (e.g. #6150/A): 50mm – Pegasus Pendant
• #6656 (e.g. #6056/A): 19, 27, 39mm – Galactic Horizontal Pendant 

Swarovski Elements Ceramics

Swarovski Elements Ceramics

In February 2010, Swarovski launched a new addition to their Fusion Concept Line…..the “Ceramics Collection”.  The ceramic collection brings together a very ancient material in a very modern way.  The first thing you should know about these “ceramics” made by Swarovski Elements is that that they are not made of crystal.  The ceramics are very hard and scratch resistant.  The luster of individual facets  shows subtle, sophisticated reflections.  Just like the “Mosaics”, each Ceramic bead or stone has individual characteristics.  They are available in a limited range of styles and only come in 4 unique colors:  Marbled Ivory, Marbled Yellow, Marbled Blue, and Marbled Black. 

Swarovski Elements Ceramics - Color Options

Ceramics colors are available in the following styles and sizes, and are denoted by a “/B” after the style #s:  

• # 2520 (e.g #2520/B): 14×10, 20×14 - Cosmic Flatback Stone
• # 3265 (e.g #3265/B): 20×16, 26×21 - Cosmic Sew-On Stone
• # 4139 (e.g #4139/B): 14, 20, 30mm - Cosmic Ring
• # 4739 (e.g #4739/B): 14×11, 20×16 - Cosmic Fancy Stone
• # 5000 (e.g #5000/B): 8, 10mm - Round Bead
• # 5601 (e.g #5601/B): 6, 8mm - Cube Bead
• # 6620 (e.g #6620/B): 20mm - Avante-Garde Pendant
• # 6680 (e.g #6680/B): 20mm - Cosmic Pendant

We have included for you below some designs that incorporate these Swarovski Elements Ceramic components.  

Use of Swarovski Ceramic Stones in Jewelry

Use of Swarovski Ceramic Stones in Jewelry

Use of Swarovski Ceramic Beads in Jewelry

Use of Swarovski Ceramic Stones on Shoes

Swarovski has issued a press release regarding the 2010 Independent Handbag Designer Awards sponsored by CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements.  Below is an excerpt from the press release….

THE FOURTH ANNUAL INDEPENDENT HANDBAG DESIGNER AWARDS PROUDLY ANNOUNCES A SPARKLING NEW DESIGN CATEGORY.

 New York, New York, January 12, 2010 – Handbag Designer 101, the world’s handbag designer resource, announces that CRYSTALLIZED™, the brand for all loose cut crystals manufactured by Swarovski, will sponsor a sparkling category, inviting designers to create innovative new handbags and compete for the Award, “Best Use of CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements for the 2010 Independent Handbag Designer Awards (IHDA)”. This unique collaboration inspires handbag designers to incorporate crystals as a creative ingredient, resulting in one of a kind, luxury designs”.

For the second time all registered designers may participate by submitting a detailed sketch of their handbag design, incorporating CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements. Designers are encouraged to create bags of any material or silhouette while utilizing crystal as embellishment, trimming or even as part of the core concept. The five best ideas will be chosen by the Handbag Designer 101 Preliminary Judging Panel, giving the selected designers access to CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements, to execute their final handbags for the annual awards ceremony on June 16, 2010 where the final winner will be announced.

 ”The Best Use of CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements Award is a great addition to our prestigious competition,” said Emily Blumenthal, founder of Handbag Designer 101 and IHDA. “We are extremely excited to partner with CRYSTALLIZED™ as I know the participating designers will be just as inspired as we are about this collaboration. Swarovski’s origin was working with emerging designers to make beautiful things and we are flattered that they would go back to their roots and realize that true creativity still comes from that community. We are confident that we will find the next IT handbag designer and can only hope it is through this amazing new category.”

The team from CRYSTALLIZED™ will provide regular features and tips on Handbag Designer 101, including new crystal innovations and product launches, upcoming new colors, trend forecasts and application know how. The new content will be featured on Handbag Designer 101 and the Handbag Designer 101 Weekly Round-Up which reach the handbag designer community at large and handbag aficionados throughout the world.

At the fourth annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards 2009, held at the New York Historical Society, the clutch was the star of the night. Iconic british designer Lulu Guinness was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Handbag Design, having just released her Lips Collection, a line of jewellery and accessories all made with CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements and now available for purchase in Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ stores. Additionally, London College of Fashion student Lorna Nixon wowed the judges with her evening clutch design, winning in the Best Use of CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements category. “I wanted to produce a structural bag, inspired by organic elements,” said Nixon.  A selection of the prize-winning pieces has been showcased in an exclusive exhibition at the New York Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ concept store.

“CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements makes it a priority to support and encourage the creativity and talent of the design community”, states Stephan Toljan, VP of Market Management. “It is our pleasure to have CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements sponsor  again the Independent Handbag Designer Awards and to have a handbag category that will both inspire and support designers to incorporate the creative material crystal in their one of a kind pieces.”

 The winner of the 2010 “Best Use of CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements” award will receive a crystal sponsorship with free access to crystals and Swarovski know how, to produce a limited edition of the winner bag. In addition, the winning handbag will be featured in several CRYSTALLIZED™ channels and communication tools in the US and internationally with industry and end consumer exposure. Applications for the 2010 Independent Handbag Designer Awards will be available online at handbagdesigner101.com for the “Best Use of CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements” by January 1st. The pinnacle of the international competition will culminate with the annual awards ceremony on June 16, 2010 at Parson’s School of Design.

 About Handbag Designer 101

Handbag Designer 101, the handbag designer resource was inspired by the needs for the handbag designer, aficionado and fan in all of us, as one knows we can never have too many bags. Handbag Designer 101 and Independent Handbag Designer Awards trademarks are owned by handbagdesigner101.com, a privately held company based in New York City.

 To Apply to the 3rd Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards: http://www.handbagdesigner101.com/independent_handbag_designer_awards

Handbag Designer 101: http://www.handbagdesigner101.com  or http://www.hbd101.com

Swarovski has announced their new CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements Spring/Summer 2011 Trend Collection

NEW CRYSTAL COLORS:

2 New CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Crystal Colors: Fern Green & Provence Lavender

1 New CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Crystal Pearl Color: Lavender

NEW SHAPES:

New CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Pendants

Following the début of legendary designer Andrée Putman’s ‘Fantastic Flowers’ in February 2009, CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements is delighted to announce her completion of this collection with three beautiful new pieces. The Ginko (6900), Zinnia (6901, 6902) and Lotus Pendants (6908) are delicate, crystalline interpretations of leaves found in nature, their organic shapes providing an aesthetic counterpoint to their graphic faceting. The innovative use of indents in the design of Zinnia and Lotus gives the illusion of a pattern of symmetrical ‘holes’, lending them a contemporary feel. As with all new Designer Editions, this collection now bears a distinctive stamp on its packaging.

New CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Fancy Stones:

New CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Flatback Rhinestone:

New CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Ceramic Fusion Concept:

Hot-on-the-heels of last season’s Crystal Mosaics come “Ceramics”, a unique selection of loose ceramics as Flat Backs, Sew-on Stones, Fancy Stones, Beads and Pendants that draw on the natural beauty of fired earth. Available in a tonal range of Marbled Black (653), Marbled Blue (654), Marbled Ivory (651) and Marbled Yellow (652), these latest innovations are the first to offer fully cut ceramics as a creative material. Completely opaque, their highly polished finish produces subtle reflections, while the textural craquelure effect creates individual, discreetly elegant pieces. Tough and scratch-resistant, they open up new functional design possibilities, such as key-ring accessories and extra-narrow bead fixings.

There are additional new styles and line extensions.  So, check our website for all the latest innovations by  CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements!

Yes, the new launch is here.  But, Swarovski will not start shipping from the factory until February 22nd.  So, get your pre-orders in now (see order form below) and be the first to receive these new colors and styles.  We will start shipping merchandise as soon as we start receiving it soon after Feb. 22!

For complete information, visit our website: www.shopharmanbeads.com

You can also download our pdf order form for these new colors and styles.

Hey everyone!  Just a heads up….on Tuesday, February 2nd, Swarovski will be making their official launch announcement for the Spring / Summer 2011 Trends.

We will be posting the new trend colors and innovations on Tuesday to this blog and to our website: www.shopharmanbeads.com

Check back on February 2nd to be the first to get all the new launch information!

 Swarovski announced yesterday that the Heart Pendant #6202 in the collection of CRYSTALLIZED™- Swarovski Elements will be upgraded to #6228, XILION HEART PENDANT.

The schematics and pictures below show the difference between #6202 and #6228:

CRYSTALLIZED - Swarovski Elements Heart Pendant Upgrade #6202 to #6228

So, the Xilion cut continues with a relaunch of the #6202 Heart Pendant as #6228.  The revolutionary XILION cut, with its alternating large and small facets, results in distinctively higher brilliance and particularly intense light refraction.  In addition, this XILION cut is differentiated from all other products on the market and copyright protected.

As with other XILION upgrades, there will be a transition period from #6202 to #6228 as long as inventories last.  During this transition period, #6228 will only be shipped when #6202 is out of stock.

We get calls all the time about how to apply CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Hot Fix loose rhinestones or transfers.  We hope this will offer a little guidance and helpful wisdom...

WHAT TOOLS CAN I USE TO APPLY CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski HOT FIX RHINESTONES (#2028)???

Iron or Heat Press Machine? While you can apply hot fix rhinestones with an iron, we don’t recommend it.  It is very hard to control the temperature and pressure.  To do any professional garment correctly you should invest in a heat press machine.   They are a few hundred dollars and vary depending on size and specific functionalities.   We recommend STAHLS.  They have a large selection and reasonable prices.

What about the Bejeweler? Ah, yes!  The bejeweler will  help you bedazzle anything!  The bejeweler is perfect for small jobs that just require the application of a few rhinestones or for application on products that are oddly shaped that won’t fit in a heat press.   We do sell the Bejeweler Pro (the fancy, updated one) on our website (buy the bejeweler here).  The bejeweler comes with tips for all sizes of CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Hot Fix loose rhinestones (#2028) and a cleaning brush to clean the tips after use. (This is important because you don’t want dried glue settling in the tips — it won’t hold the rhinestones well in the future.)

WHAT ELSE DOES SWAROVSKI MAKE THAT CAN I APPLY USING HOT FIX (OTHER THAN #2028 RHINESTONES)?

OK, I HAVE THE TOOLS…. SO NOW WHAT?

Hot fix application is an art.  You won’t be good at it the first time you do it.  Well, most people aren’t anyway.  It takes time and trial and error to learn what works for you and how the application differs depending on what the rhinestones are being applied to.

TEST, TEST, AND THEN TEST SOME MORE.

No matter who you are…..a small designer or a big manufacturer, hot fix application is going to be a matter of trial and error.  This is very important!! TEST.  TEST.  TEST.  Before you hot fix on your final product, it is very important to test the stones on the fabric.  This will ensure you figure out the correct time, temperature and pressure for type of fabric and stones you are using.  This is important if you are using the bejeweler, an iron or a heat press.

WHAT KINDS OF FABRICS CAN I USE HOT FIX STONES ON?  WHAT CAN I NOT USE HOT FIX STONES ON?

According to Swarovski, their hot fix products can be used on the following types of products: wool, cotton, linen, viscose, tulle, denim, lycra, cotton jersey, synthetic suede, silk, synthetics, technical fabrics, and artifical fur.

Please note that leather is not included in this list.  We have had customers who have successfully applied hot fix stones to leather with no problem.  However, Swarovski does not recommend it and they do not offer any specific application instructions.

Additionally, do not use hot fix stones on anything that can melt (eg. plastics).  Additional application on to wood etc is also possible, but again Swarovski does not recommend it nor do they offer any specific application instructions.  For this type of application, rhinestones without heat activated glue (No hot fix #2028) should be considered.  You can add your own glue to the back of the stone for application.

SWAROVSKI RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HOT FIX APPLICATION: TIME, TEMPERATURE & PRESSURE

Swarovski offers recommendations for hot fix application in their “Hot Fix Selector”.  The selector offers parameters for time, temperature and pressure for application for various materials when applying different hot fix elements with a heat press.  The hot fix selector can be found on our website or by clicking here.

The hot fix selector will have different sections depending on what type of CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements you are applying.  Find the section you need based on the product categories outlined below:

Xilion Transfers: Transfers with only #2028 hot fix rhinestones

Pearl Transfers: Transfers that contain hot fix pearl cabochons

Creation Transfers: Transfers that contain additional shapes of hot fix stones other than #2028

Diamond Transfers: Transfers that contain hot fix chatons

Metallic Transfers: Transfers that contain metallic elements (nailheads)

Mezzo Transfers: Transfers that contain primarily metallic elements (nailheads), but also contain #2028 flatback stones, pearl cabochons, or other flatback shapes.

Crystal Mesh: Standard Mesh, Metallisee, XL Mesh, or Arial Mesh

Crystal Pearl Mesh: Pearl Mesh

Crystal Fabric: Crystal Fabric

Crystal Transfabric: Crystal Transfabric

Crystaltex Banding and Motifs: All Crystaltex bandings (except transparent)

Crystaltex Bandings: Transparent Crystaltex bandings

For more information on any of these CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements products, please visit www.shopharmanbeads.com.

PLEASE REMEMBER, THESE ARE ONLY GUIDELINES.  IT IS IMPORTANT TO CARRY OUT YOUR OWN TESTING!

USING AN THE BEJEWELER FOR HOT FIX RHINESTONE APPLICATION

The Bejeweler is the best way to apply individual hot fix rhinestones.  It will apply CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements #2028 hot fix rhinestones in sizes SS6 – SS34.

Follow these easy steps to use your Bejeweler to apply hot fix rhinetones:

1) Choose the corresponding tip size for the rhinestone you want to apply and twist it into the head of the Bejeweler.

2) Plug in the Bejeweler and wait a few minutes for the tip to heat up. (Be careful, it will be hot!)

3) Gently press the Bejeweler over the “crystal side” of the rhinestone so that you can see the glue.

4) Wait until the glue begins to melt…you will see it bubble.

5) Place the tip straight down ad adhere the stone to the item you are decorating.  (Don’t press too hard or the stone might get wedged in the tip.  If this happens you can “flick” it out with a toothpick….but you will have to start over with a new stone.)

If you purchase the Bejeweler, a set of complete instructions are included in the box.

Below is an excerpt from the CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements Application Manual for application of rhinestones using an applicator such as the Bejeweler.

How to Apply Hot Fix Rhinestones Using a Bejweler

USING AN IRON FOR HOT FIX RHINESTONE APPLICATION

As mentioned above, applying rhinestones or a complete transfer by an iron is not recommended because of the lack of control you have over pressure and temperature.  Not to mention the steadiness of a heat press machine will greatly surpass any ironing board.  But if you HAVE TO use an iron, below is an excerpt from the CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements Application Manual for application of rhinestones using an iron.

How to Apply Hot Fix Rhinestones Using an Iron

USING A HEAT PRESS FOR HOT FIX RHINESTONE APPLICATION

By now, I am sure you know that a heat press is the best method for applying hot fix transfers or a lot of hot fix stones. Here are the basic steps for applying a hot fix transfer to fabric using a heat press.

1) Set your heat press to the recommended temperature settings, pressure settings and set your timer for the time recommended.  (Remember – always test first to make sure these configurations are correct.)

2) Cut the borders around the transfers close to the transfers itself.

3) Peel the white protective film off of the transfer and place the transfer where you would like it applied.  (We recommend doing this on a table next to the heat press machine, not on the heat press base.  You don’t want to get burned!)

4) Turn the fabric inside out and apply the heat directly to the side where the glue is.  (This is what Swarovski recommends, and we agree it is probably the best course of action.  But, if you are lazy like me and don’t want to turn everything inside out or risk messing up the placement of the trasnsfer, it usually works fine to apply the heat directly to the “crystal” side of the stone.)

5) Place a piece of teflon between the glue of the stone and either the top of the heat press or another part of the fabric…whichever it is facing.  You don’t want to get glue on the plate of the heat press and you definitely don’t want to glue the front of your shirt to the back because the glue seeped through.  The teflon will prevent this from happening.

6) Press the heat press down and start your timer.  When time is up, release the heat press and remove your garment.

7) Remove the garment from the heat press.  (It may be hot, so be careful.)  Take a piece of fabric and rub it over the transfer.  Wait a minute for the transfer to cool, then start to remove the carrier film from the transfer.  Do this slowly….if some stones are coming off with the carrier film, it needs to cook some more.  Just place the carrier film back down and repeat the heat fix process.  If no stones come off, you are done.  You may need to rub the fabric a little to get rid of any “transfer paper” markings.  (This is especially important when applying transfers to suede.)

As already mentioned, one of the best reasons to use a heat press is because of the even pressure that it allows.  Please see the figure below.  This is how the heat press should evenly lie on your product to apply the stones correctly.

How to Apply Hot Fix Rhinestones Using a Heat Press

It is very important to also use even pressure when you are using different size stones or different products in your design.   The picture below shows how the presence of a jean button in the garment will not allow the rhinestone to lay flat allowing for even pressure and for the heat and pressure to be concentrated directly on the stone.  Therefore, you should have a piece of felt pad handy (soft and mushy) to use as a base to allow the stone receive the optimal amount of heat from the top of the heat press.

Hot Fix Application with Uneven Element

In addition to even pressure, the correct temperature should be used.  Please refer to the hot fix selector which can be found on our website or by clicking here.  This will give you guidelines for temperature depending on the type of stones you are using and the type of fabric you are applying it to.

TROUBLESHOOTING

The biggest problem people have (if they have any) with hot fix application is that the rhinestones do not stay on the fabric.    If your rhinestones are not sticking there is a 99.9% chance that there is something wrong with your application method.  People very quickly jump to the conclusion that “the rhinestones must be defective”.  In our experience….not so!  Have we ever come across CRYSTALLIZED™ hot fix stones that are defective…..?  Yes.  But I can count on 1 hand (and I only have 5 fingers) how many times that stones have in fact had a problem with the glue.  In these very infrequent occasions, we have sent the stones back to Swarovski for replacement.

So, if you are having a problem with your hot fix application, go with the assumption that the stones are fine (because they probably are) and reanalyze, step by step what you are doing.

Below we have outlined some of the more frequent problems we’ve seen and what causes them:

Problem #1: The stones are not adhering to the fabric.

Potential Cause: Temperature is too low      How to Fix it: Raise the temperature

Potential Cause: Application time is too short     How to Fix it: Increase application time

Potential Cause: Pressure is too low      How to Fix it: Increase pressure settings

Potential Cause: The heat press does not close properly      How to Fix it: Make sure the stones are even with the heat press and nothing is preventing the heat press from closing

Problem #2: The glue is oozing out around the stones.

Potential Cause: Temperature is too high      How to Fix it: Lower the temperature

Potential Cause: Application time is too long    How to Fix it: Decrease application time

Potential Cause: Pressure is too high      How to Fix it: Decrease pressure settings

Problem #3: The carrier film is leaving marks on the fabric.

Potential Cause: Application time is too long    How to Fix it: Decrease application time

Potential Cause: Pressure is too high      How to Fix it: Decrease pressure settings

Potential Cause: The fabric is very sensitive      How to Fix it: Iron it with a steam iron

Potential Cause: Too much carrier film left on the transfer      How to Fix it: Cut more before applying

IT IS OK TO MACHINE WASH AND DRY CLEAN!

We swear!  You can wash or dry clean your garment 1,000 times and it will be fine GIVEN THAT THE STONES WERE APPLIED CORRECTLY.  This is an important caveat to note.  Make sure you do your testing and follow the specifications given by Swarovski and you will have a garment that will last a long, long time.

Please wait at least 24 hrs after applying the rhinestones to machine wash or dry clean you garments.

….AND IF YOU STILL HAVE QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS….

We are here to help you.  As a authorized wholesale distributor of CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements, we deal with rhinestones everyday (since 1948) and have helped many people through production problems or those just getting started.  And……If we don’t know the answers, we will find out for you! (We know people!)

Contact Us: 1-800-BEADS-NY; (631) 756-9800; sales@harmanbeads.com

*Please remember, this is the opinion of Har-Man Importing.  You must carry out your own tests.  We are not responsible for any damages.