I can’t remember when my obsession with everything Disney started, but I know exactly why I love it. It may have something to do with it being completely immersive, nostalgic and magical. I have always loved wearing unique and maybe, over the top outfits to the Disney theme parks, and because of this I am always trying to think of unique ways to add a bit of magic and sparkle to my outfits.
Vintage Disney lunchboxes are a big trend right now and what better way to utilise a vintage accessory than adding a DIY touch and blinging it up. I sourced this Mickey Mouse vintage lunchbox from Ebay (after months of searching and waiting). Crystal Parade was recommended to me and I now know why: they stock a huge range of craft rhinestones in different shapes, colours and sizes. I chose the Preciosa non hotfix crystals in Apricot (for Mickey’s skin), White Opal (for his eyes) and Jet black for his ears and head. I chose 5mm for his skin so it was quite consistent throughout, but for his black fur I chose to use different sizes (ranging from 2mm to 7mm) to create a texture-like appearance.
I started with his main features (eyes and nose) then moved onto the skin, before tackling the head and ears. I placed all the flatback crystals I was using in different groups of sizes onto a hard surface. I put glue on the area that I was about to embellish, then I used a rhinestone picker (dual-ended) to pick up and place the crystals, and move them around until I was happy with their position. You really can pick up speed when doing this once you’re in the zone. This is also coming from someone who has zero patience!
I was absolutely thrilled with him once he was finished. He was the perfect quirky vintage clutch bag for the parks and Disney adventures. Every time I use him, I get so many compliments. People even ask for photos with him, including Mickey and Minnie themselves!
It didn’t take long until I realised that I needed matching ears. I sourced some plain faux-leather Mickey ears from the Shop Disney website and repeated the process with the same sized non hotfix crystals I used for the ears on the lunchbox.
Decorating accessories with rhinestones became a bit of a hobby, especially during the pandemic lockdown. I was planning an outfit with a blue puffy dress to subtly mimic a Princess Cinderella style outfit for a Disney Cruise, and I wanted to bling up my old silver platforms to give a ‘glass slipper’ appearance. I used Preciosa non-hotfix Labrador (silver) crystals in a variety of sizes to crystallize the platform and heel. I felt like such a princess wearing these and they didn’t take too long to do!
My current project is a rhinestone decorated vintage Mickey hat to match the lunchbox using the same coloured crystals.
Every time I finish one rhinestone project, I think of something else I want to crystallize. There is so much you can make unique – from Nike trainers, sandals for the summer, words on a t-shirt, handbags etc. It’s easy and doesn’t require any specific skill, but you do end up with something unique and special! Everything I have made is extremely durable and hardy. I must have dropped the lunchbox over a dozen times and the crystals have lasted and not fallen off. They still sparkle despite the wear and tear!