Marilyn Monroe Gets Crystallized on 50th Anniversary year

R&B superstar Rihanna commissioned artist Claire Milner to create the largest head portrait of Marilyn Monroe made from 65,000 Swarovski crystals.

The sparkling work of art is 5-feet by 5-feet and has 65,000 hand set crystals attached to Acrylic. The piece took Milner four months to create and it weighs and impressive 80 kilograms. It was created for Rihanna’s new Los Angeles home.

Milner says the portrait was inspired by Marilyn’s own words and various images of the late star.



The crystals used in the portrait have mirror-like qualities and according to the artist, the image changes mood in different light conditions.

Milner will be exhibiting her artworks in 2012, including dancers, animals and landscapes in mixed media and Swarovski crystals.

Did you know that August 5, 2012 is the 50th anniversary of the death of Marilyn Monroe?  I LOVE anything Marilyn Monroe and you all know how much I love SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS.  What I would do to have this on my wall!!

CLICK HERE for Article

More Sparkling SWAROVSKI Costumes for Katy Perry on Tour

It seems that my blogs about Katy Perry are some of the most popular viewed…hmm I wonder why? =)

Lately Katy has had a love affair with SWAROVSKI crystals all over her outfits and costumes and I don’t think I could run out of photos to post of her!

Looks like that magic heart across her best feature, is made with thousands and thousands of Siam Crystals! I even love the crystal flat backs on her tights.  Thats a great idea! If you are interested in putting some hotfix Swarovski crystals on a pair of tights MAKE SURE you have a sheet of wax paper in the legs so you don’t hotfix one side to the other and you can still get your legs in!

Fun and Easy Do-It-Yourself Projects with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS and Apoxie Sculpt!

As you all know, I LOVE crystallizing with Swarovski crystals.  Unfortunately, I don’t really do it as much as I’d like to because gluing or hotfixing can be pretty time consuming. If you’re impatient like me, you like projects that look good and take the least amount of time!

 

When I came across Apoxie Sculpt and all of the possibilities with crystals, I was super excited and totally impressed! I basically took whatever I could find around my house to show you how its done (see below).

Basically, Apoxie Sculpt is a puddy that you can sculpt into shapes while it is soft, and it will eventually harden permanently.   What I did, was lay some Apoxie Sculpt on the item I was working on in the shape that I desired and then pressed my Swarovski Flat Backs right into it.  Not only do I get that Swarovski bling look, I was also able to get some dimension.

I didn’t have to be as precise or concentrate as hard as I do when gluing or hotfixing and it took MUCH LESS time.

I also LOVE the fact that Apoxie Sculpt is available in 12 difference colors, so you can match the “backgound” with the crystals for a totally creative look.  You can also mix colors to make your own shades!  On the items below I used Black Apoxie Sculpt because I felt like the crystal colors really popped on it.

Apoxie_^® Sculpt is available in 12 colors and offers economy as well as performance. This 2-part product has a putty-like, smooth consistency, and is easy to mix & use. It is safe and waterproof with 0% shrinkage/cracking! Working time is 2-3 hrs. Cures hard in 24 hrs., and has a semi-gloss finish. Adheres to plastic, resin kits, wood, metal, ceramic, glass, polymers, foam, fiberglass, & more! Can be seamlessly feathered before set-up, or sanded, tapped, drilled, carved, lathed, or otherwise tooled after set-up, without chipping, cracking or flaking!

What do you think??

Decorate Your Wedding Cake with SWAROVSKI Crystals

This Wedding Cake was Decorated With 500 Swarovski Crystals

An Extravagant Wedding can not be imagined without an extravagant Wedding Cake and the recent trend in Wedding Decor has been anything shiny and “blinged.”  This Swarovski Crystallized Wedding Cake is a luxurious record-breaker one that was created with 500 Swarovski Crystals.

Designed by well-known pastry chef Laura Aguglia, the Swarovski wedding cake is the result of 36 intensive hours of work. Aguglia worked laboriously to finish this magnificent masterpiece. This Swarovski Wedding Cake is comprised of four layers of confection, fine blue and green cloth ribbons, 500 Swarovski stones and two gorgeous ornamental crystal birds placed on top.

I really like the idea of using Swarovski Crystals and Swarovski Pearls to embellish a wedding cake.  If it was mine, I’d probably be doing it myself and that would mean applying the crystals onto the ribbons or other materials first instead of directly on the cake.  I just keep thinking how annoying it would be to pick all those crystals off in order to eat it! Oh wait, I guess that’s the wait staff’s job? What do you think?

Golden Globes New Stage Will Shine with 30,000 Swarovski Crystals

What’s an award show these days with  a SWAROVSKI crystallized stage?  It really is amazing how beautiful these crystals look not just on electronics, bath toys, toilets, etc.  They really can offer a unique decor experience for stages, restaurants, stores, and even your home. 

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — The Golden Globes ceremony will be even more glittery this year.
Apart from all the stars lighting up the room, the new set at the Beverly Hilton Hotel’s International Ballroom will shine with 30,000 Swarovski crystals.

Dick Clark Productions, which is producing the Globes, says some 3,000 pounds of crystals were flown in from Austria for Sunday’s ceremony.

Production designer Brian Stonestreet says the crystal-encrusted set design was inspired by the ballroom’s signature chandeliers, and the sparklers won’t be confined to the stage. His crystal creations will also hang overhead, making for “a 360-degree experience,” he says, adding, “the room is actually the set, which is perfect for this show.”

The 68th annual Golden Globe Awards will be presented Sunday and broadcast live on NBC.  Can’t Wait!

Swarovski Rubber Ducky Tub Time

If the traditional rubber duckie isn’t making your bath time that luxurious, then feast your soapy eyes on the Swarovski rubber duck. The duck is encrusted with 5,000 crystals, Pave’d with flat backs to make your bath that much more glamorous.

Not sure if the Swarovski rubber duck floats, but for that hefty price, the crystallized bath toy is sure to float your credit card to its maximum. So treat yourself next time you take a bath and enjoy some blinged-out company.

I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t recommend you do-it-yourself!  You can apply Swarovski Flat Backs (No Hot Fix) with glue to any kind of plastic or rubber.  You can also easily apply Swarovski Flat backs with Hot Fix to any kind of Textile with heat. 

Merchants Overseas has some great color guides containing all of the SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS colors that are available.  It looks like Mr. Ducky might need to be crystallized with “Citrine” for the body and “Light Siam” for those huge red lips!!

The Microsoft Kinect Gets Blinged Out With SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS

If its new and is electronic, it has to be covered in Swarovski crystals! Microsoft’s kinect, the new video game device that is like the WII but without the need for a controller, has made its official entrance into the marketplace.   If it’s cool then the company DS Styles will crystallize it and sell it. This Kinect will blind you as you move to the beat. 

Maybe the perfect Christmas gift for Justin Beiber? I can totally see it!  If you need to get this ASAP, it will cost you $632. Or you can just “do it yourself” of course picking out your own SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Flat backs No Hotfix and gluing them on 1 at a time, I think that just might be worst than wrapping! But it would be custom!

Serena Williams Bedazzles her Leg Cast with Swarovski Crystals

It looks like Serena Williams has taken some pointers from Katy Perry’s lips … and bedazzled her leg cast with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS of course! After undergoing surgery, the fashion-conscious tennis star wanted to add some personality to her plain black cast.

When I saw this article I thought to myself: I can’t believe the only reason I know that one of the best tennis players had surgery was because she Swarovski Crystallized her cast!! haha my blog is sooo relevant! 



She was quoted saying “I decorated it myself with crystals. I am trying to make the best out of a bad situation. I hope to be out of the cast and back on the court by spring.” Ironically, the surgery came as a result of her foot getting cut on broken glass — not from sustaining a tennis-related injury. How ironic!! ahha

Well I would do the same thing girl! It looks like she glued some Jet, Flat Back crystals in a circle around the top of the cast and also used Jet flat backs to sign her name at the pink top.

Katy Perry’s Red HOT SWAROVSKI LIPS

Katy Perry got two covers for Harper’s Bazaar for the month of December 2010. The limited edition shot is a bleached out Katy Perry with 150 red SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS crystals applied to her lips for a standout feature.

Hmm I’m really wondering how she got those crystals to stay on her lips.  They really are only made for heat application or gluing! Probably some kind of crazy face glue or something! I guess she really can make anything look sexy!

Katy Perry Wears A Swarovski Barbie-Inspired Outfit

Here’s Katy Perry AGAIN rocking the SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS – this time Barbie Style!!

The singer wore this gorgeous outfit in Vienna, Austria last week during a photocall.
Turns out the black and silver Swarvoski crystaled corset was really designed for Barbie by The Blonds.

The outfit made its debut at The Blonds Spring 2011 runway.

 

And as part of the special collection, three one-of-a-kind Barbies,  were created and designed by The Blonds.

 

But they aren’t cheap. The dolls will go on sale for $5,000 starting November 16th! 

Katy Perry Rocks Nothing but Swarovski Crystals

Here’s another shot of the very hot, Katy Perry, busting out her sexy curves in a nude colored figure skating-like Swarovski Crystal covered outfit on the German television show Wassen, Das.

All I can say is…WOW!

Diet Coke Gets a Crystal Makeover

AWW! How cute are these??

Diet Coke Great Britain is joining forces with cult celebrity jewellery designer Johnny Rocket, and the world’s best department store Selfridges, to bring the limited edition ‘Diet Coke Crystal Collection’ made with Swarovski Elements. In a fashion first, Diet Coke fans and fashionistas alike will be able to create their own bespoke crystal bottle in Johnny’s pop up workshop—‘the Diet Coke Crystal Customisation Boudoir’ at Selfridges’ London flagship store this October.




For two exciting weeks from October 14 Diet Coke girls are invited to Johnny’s dazzling workshop—‘the Diet Coke Crystal Customisation Boudoir’—housed in Selfridges’s Ground Floor, to create their very own bottles.  Inside, Johnny and his team will be on hand to help create individual bespoke designs, with shoppers choosing from a selection of striking Swarovski Elements to be embellished onto a limited edition pink Diet Coke glass bottle and topping it off with the name or initials and crowning it with yet more crystals.


And, for those fashionistas short on time but still desperate to get their hands on this iconic collection, pick up a limited edition pink Diet Coke bottle, lovingly pre-customised by Johnny.


Damn! Why doesn’t anything like this happen in the states?  Now that’s my idea of a good time!

Where To Get Swarovski Crystal Displays

Ever go to a show or store and see Swarovski Crystal displays and wonder where people get them?  Well I found them for you on Merchantsoverseas.com!  These SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Color Charts are perfect for use in your home, office, store, show room, exhibit booth, etc as a “touch, see, and feel” informational and inspirational piece.

This SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Crystal Chaton Color Chart features the array of colors available in the SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS collection. This sturdy color chart has actual chatons embedded into the board and is self-standing. Perfect for display!  $25.00

This SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Flatback Color Chart features the array of flatback colors, both hotfix and no-hotfix, available in the SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS collection.  This color chart features actual Flat Backs on a cardboard magnetic folder and comes with a protective plastic covering.  $25.00

This SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Bead Color Chart features huge variety of colors, effects and shapes available in SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Beads. This self-standing color guide features actual SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS 5301/5328 Bicone Beads in each color both with and without the AB coating as well as a selection of other beads in clear crystal. $25.00

The Create Your Style with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Color Wheel is a great tool for on-the-go designing! This strong cardboard wheel has a neat spin feature to help designers with color pairing and matching across the color wheel.  With options for finding contrasting colors, harmonious colors, and matching pearl colors, this color wheel will help you make that hard color decision.  $5.00

SHOP NOW!!

Swarovski Sparkle – The Most Important Clinton Wedding Day Accessory!

EVERYONE is talking about Chelsea Clinton’s wedding including her Vera Wang dress! Now I just think its rude to public comment on a woman’s wedding dress but you know how crazy the media is!
I personally LOVED her dress and I truly think that a wedding dress is the ultimate expression of a woman’s personality and fashion style.  Just like Chelsea, this dress was simple, elegant, with a sophisticated touch of bling! Not too showy, not too boring, just right. 

Right at the smallest part of her waist, her dress was adorned with a beautifully designed band of Swarovski crystals that really made the dress special. 

Clear Swarovski crystals + white dress = The Perfect Marriage!!

Add Some Swarovski Crystal Sparkle to Your Favorite Shoes!

A huge trend in blinged out things is Swarovski crystallizing shoes! While it is quite obvious to understand why someone would want Swarovski crystals on their shoes like my DIY creations below:





but baby shoes?  That’s just just taking it to the next level! Especially since your baby is going to be growing out of those bad boys very fast! But they are adorable =)



I’ve featured some very high-end luxury swarovski crystallized shoes on this blog in the past, however I found this keychain the other day and just had to have it.  I would LOVE to have a pair of heels just like this:



How cute! I love how it has both round and square flat backs on it.  Has anyone ever crystallized their own high heels?  Do share!  I am very tempted to try this on a plain pair of pumps!

Get Outrageous Swarovski Crystal Head Gear Like Lady Gaga

Ever wonder where Lady Gaga gets her crazy headgear? NYC jewelry line Erickson Beamon has been making pieces (you can order them too!) for the daring singer and her many red-carpet appearances.

For the annual ACE Awards, Erickson crafted a black Chantilly lace veil; for a more sober interview with CNN, Gaga chose this Swarovski crystal–encrusted helmet, complete with metal eyelashes. ericksonbeamon.com

Normally I would give advice on how to Swarovski crystallize this yourself for less $$, however I’ve never seen anything like it or know anyone who would wear something like it besides Lady Gaga haha.  However, do check out ericksonbeamon.com because the website is amazing!

Crystallizing with Swarovski Elements is Truly An Art Form!

Hey Everyone! 

It’s been a little while since I last posted because I was away at the Bead and Button Show in Milwaukee Wisconsin.  It is the largest bead show in the world and it was an awesome experience for me.  I was able to shop around for unique finds and meet a ton of people just like me! 

I actually met a girl who has truly turned her love for art into a crystallizing business.  She first started out designing mozaics with glass and other materials, and slowly started downsizing her art pieces by designing with Swarovski elements. 

Her business is named Crystal Ninja http://www.crystalninja.com and she crystallizes everything from cars to clothes, to cellphone cases and everything in between.  However, her artistic ability is really what makes her work unbelievable.  She actually showed me an IPAD case she was working on for a customer with Johnny Dep as The Joker, completely in crystals.  It was breathtaking!


These are a few of her designs:

Check Out Merchants Overseas’ NEW and IMPROVED Website!

Merchants Overseas launched a new and very improved website yesterday! It has been designed to allow for easy navigation and an enhanced shopping experience. The new web site architecture will allow you to find what you are looking for much easier and faster than ever before.

The site is perfect for shoppers looking for specific items for a certain project, or for someone  in need of inspiration to get started. Shoppers will also find more product options, information, specifications, visuals and Do-It-Yourself instruction guides.

Overall, it is a better representation of what Merchants Overseas has been doing for the last 60 years. This new site will ensure they can remain “Your #1 Source For All Things Crystal!”

Most importantly, the new site will offer more sales and promotions as well as Free Shipping on all orders of $250 or more, in celebration of the new site’s launch!

A Sparkling Crystallized Cap for Graduation Day

Every year as graduates get ready for that special day and to wear the funky graduation gown and cap, many decide to personalize their headgear.  I’m sure you all know what I’m going to say next!

Since my good friend Amelia was graduating from college this year, we decided to add some crystal love to her cap! We used 2 part epoxy glue to glue on some Crystal AB Flat Backs No HF just to be safe  (I didn’t want the heat from the bejeweler to melt anything on the cap).

It came out super cute and she’ll be sure to shine as she accepts her diploma!

Microsoft’s XBox 360 Gets Crystallized

I’m starting to see an interesting trend from the folks at CrystalRoc . First it was the Ipad now they are putting Swarovski crystals all over Microsoft’s Xbox 360.  According to their blog post, this shiny Xbox will be used for one of Microsoft’s PR campaign. It took over 70 hours to finish, and more than 11,520 individual Swarovski crystals, though it doesn’t seem like it’ll be put up for sale.  NOW THIS IS WHAT I CALL MAN CRYSTALS!

No but really, can we think of something new to jazz up electronics? Hey, I love crystals but it wouldn’t hurt to get a little more creative and maybe personalize it like those crazy crystallized cell phone cases that are out.