A handful of rhinestones, a little patience, and a lot of creativity — bedazzling is turning ordinary phone cases, clothes and accessories into tiny, sparkly expressions of personality. At a time when the internet appears determined to put gems on everything from cups and skincare bottles to cakes and more, Hyderabad is seeing its own hands-on version of the trend take shape through bedazzling workshops.‘Our childhood hobby is coming back in a new form’For Ahal, an organiser of one such workshop, the appeal of bedazzling begins with familiarity. “I feel like this is something we have always enjoyed since childhood. We used to decorate our toys, pencil boxes, and other belongings with stones and sparkles. Now, that childhood hobby is coming back in a new form, and we are exploring it as adults. Even people who may not attend these workshops connect with it because it brings back those memories,” she says.
In our everyday lives, we spend so much time consuming content and products that the balance between being a consumer and a creator has become quite uneven. Bedazzling gives people a chance to slow down, explore a hobby, and create something with their own hands
– Vasantha Priya, tax specialist
‘You become immersed in what you are creating’ For BTech student Hansini Gaddam, attending a bedazzling workshop with a friend became as much about the process as the finished artwork. “We both worked on our own canvases, and it was interesting to see how differently our designs came together. It was a really fun experience to create something in our own way while being part of the same space. I think Gen Z enjoys activities like these because they are creative, hands-on, and therapeutic. Bedazzling requires a lot of patience because you have to carefully place each rhinestone, but that is exactly what makes it so calming,” she explains. “Once you get into the process, you become completely immersed in what you are creating. For those few hours, you forget about everything else and focus only on the colours, designs, and little details in front of you. It becomes a wonderful way to relax, unwind, and take a break from the everyday routine.”
Bedazzling requires a lot of patience because you have to carefully place each rhinestone, but that is exactly what makes it so calming. Once you get into the process, you become completely immersed in what you are creating
– Hansini Gaddam, BTech student
‘Instagram & Pinterest have definitely influenced this trend’Social media has also helped bring creative hobbies like bedazzling into the spotlight. “Instagram and Pinterest have definitely influenced this trend. They have helped people rediscover creative hobbies and inspired them to experience these activities for themselves rather than just watching them online,” says immigration professional and content creator Nikita Hotgi. City-based workshop organiser Suchi Jain believes the attraction goes beyond aesthetics. “I think people enjoy creating something with their own hands. Whether it is a phone case, a T-shirt, or an accessory, adding your own touch makes it feel more special. It is not just about the final product; it is about the experience of creating it yourself,” she says.
