The Tamagotchi Paradise is already really cute, but I love customizing it and making it really special. A cute chunky keychain or even swapping the shell can elevate your cute virtual pet. But this time I wanted to take it to the next level by decorating the shell with shiny rhinestones! Keep reading for a step-by-step tutorial on how to bedazzle the Tamagotchi Paradise.
Last month, my niece and I got our pre-orders of the White Glacier and Orange Tropics version of the Tamagotchi Paradise. These new releases are extra cool because you can expand the environments for more space, and there are now co-op and competitive games that you can play when you connect.
I have been loving my White Glacier just as it came with the shimmery white/pale blue and the purply blue accents. It’s a nice contrast to my fully custom rainbow Land. But I started thinking of ways I could decorate the White Glacier.
I saw someone online applied rhinestones to their Tamagotchi Paradise, and then my niece text me that she had put jewels on hers too. I decided that I wanted to add some wintery crystals to my Tamagotchi as well, so I ordered some supplies.
HOW TO RHINESTONE TAMAGOTCHI PARADISE
This is my first time trying to glue rhinestones on anything, but it seemed pretty straight forward. I was excited to get started and have a sparkly Tama.
What You Need to Rhinestone Your Tama
- tamagotchi paradise case
- a file / sheet of sandpaper
- alcohol wipes
- jewel glue
- rhinestone pickup tool
- AB rhinestones (multi size kit)*
- contrast rhinestones
*I ordered two types of the AB rhinestones because I wasn’t sure which one would look best with my White Glacier. Here’s a side by side look for you to compare. They both looked really similar from certain angles. Ultimately I chose these transparent AB because I thought they looked more frosty/winter when viewed straight on. But if you like the look of the crystal AB rhinestones, I’m linking them for your reference.
Note: Tamagotchi Paradise Case
I didn’t want to apply the jewels directly to the surface of my Tamagotchi Paradise just in case I changed my mind about them later. I bought this clear case. I like it because it’s fully clear (without any color or glitter), and it covers the lid/connection area as well.
This case also covers the screen which is nice if you don’t already have a screen protector. The original plastic screen on the Tamagotchi Paradise scratches very easily, so it’s nice to have the extra protection.
If you want to apply the rhinestones directly to your tamagotchi shell, I think this process would still work, but I am using a case on mine.
STEP 1: Rough up the surface
Use the sandpaper or a large nail file to gently rough up the surface of the tamagotchi case. The rough surface gives the glue something to grip. Since I’ll be handling the tamagotchi a lot, I want to ensure the rhinestones get the best grip.
I cut my sandpaper sheets down so that I could control it better. I made sure to be very careful around the display area. Seeing all the scratches made me glad I decided to use a case and not my actual Paradise.
STEP 2: Prep the surface
Clean up the tamagotchi case with an alcohol wipe. This will clean off all the sandpaper dust and oils, and prepare the surface for the glue. I used a small amount on a paper towel.
STEP 3: Make a plan
I put the case on my tamagotchi because I wanted to be able to see what things would look like while in use. Before using any glue, I wanted to get an idea of what size jewels I wanted to use.
I decided to use a mix of smaller and larger rhinestones to outline the center screen area first. Then I would work my way out. I also wanted to pay special attention to the hinge areas so that the connection port could still easily open.
The glue doesn’t dry instantly, so you’ll have time to make little adjustments. It’s good to go in with a plan and think about the small sections you’ll work.
STEP 4: Apply glue and bond the rhinestones
WARNING: While researching for this project, I learned that the popular B-7000 glue has a strong chemical smell and should only be used with protective equipment and in a well-ventilated room.
Since I wasn’t trying to wear a respirator mask or have a headache for this craft, I used Gem-Tac glue which is water-based and non-toxic.
Apply a thin line of glue along your starting area. You’ll want to use the tamagotchi case shape as a guide so it looks clean and nice. Work in sections so that you have time to place the gems before the glue dries.
Pick up rhinestones using a pick up tool. Place each rhinestone and gently press into the thin line of glue. If you want a fully packed rhinestone look, offset new rows so that the rhinestones fit into the gaps of the previous row. I liked the precision tip on this pick up tool because some of the gems I was using were super tiny.
Front
I used different sized rhinestones and tried to fill in any gaps so my tama was really sparkling. I worked in small sections, first outlining the viewing display, then working top-down. I alternated between sides to give the glue a chance to dry as I worked down.
The front half of the case took me 5 hours with breaks in between. I was really happy with how the front of the case turned out and let it dry overnight.
Top
The next day I worked on the top of the shell in the contrast rhinestones. I was happy to find this color matched really nicely. I wiped the area with alcohol to prep and then I started applying the rhinestones.
I traced the zig zag where it meets the front of the shell first, and then worked my way back. On the back side, I followed the zig zag and then created a zig zag to complete the pattern.
Back
I was looking forward to applying the jewels to the back case since there wasn’t a lot to outline. I could just lay down the rhinestones and move quickly.
The only areas of consideration were the top cover hinge because I wanted to make sure I could open the top easily, and the side spinner wheel because I didn’t want any jewels to get in the way. During these sections, I just left the tamagotchi inside the case to ensure the gems didn’t interfere with using my tama.
I didn’t want to accidentally glue the case closed, so once I was beyond those tricky areas, I removed the case and continued to apply the rhinestones. This section took most of the day, since I was working in small sections and I took a lot of breaks.
I was getting low on some of the smaller gem sizes but I was able to finish bedazzling the entire shell!
STEP 5: Let it dry + Enjoy
The glue says to let dry for 24 hours. So once my case was finished, I set it aside to completely dry. I was so excited to use it because it looks so pretty. Especially in low light, the rhinestones really sparkle!
I love how this project turned out, and it was actually so much fun to do. I think my White Glacier tamagotchi is looking amazing and I feel like it’s extra protected with this case.
I hope you enjoyed this post and that it inspires you to create something today! Share this post on Pinterest if you liked it, and check out my Amazon shop if you want to bedazzle your Tama!
