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SIUC grad's hobby brightens almost anything

By Karen Binder, The Southern

Sunday, May 11, 2008 9:26 AM CDT

MAKANDA - Gillian Prepejchal sure knows how to add sparkle to the world.

This mother of two has crafted her hobby of Swarovksi designs into a custom service that embellishes just about anything that can hold a flat-back crystal with glue - flip flops, cell phones, pageant dresses, pens, sunglasses, champagne flutes, hats and more.

"There's definitely something for everyone. These are one-of-a-kind items because everything is customized," Prepejchal said. "I'll even work with men on special gifts for their girls."

A 2003 Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduate in marketing, Prepejchal took steps to create her cottage industry in March. She's promoting her service with business cards reflecting some bling of their own, fliers, eBay and word of mouth. Trunk shows or bling parties with hostess incentives can be scheduled. She also plans to exhibit at the January bridal shows as well as launch a Web site.

Swarovski crystals - offering an eye-popping choice of 70 colors - are the best available, she said, adding that projects can "get a little pricey" depending on what it is. Using industrial-strength glue, she tends to sit at her kitchen table under natural light and glues each crystal by tweezer to the item.

With her husband, Joel, and children, Auriel, 3, and Drake, 10 months, keeping her busy most of her time, she finds the designing as a way to de-stress. For example, her cell phone is brandished with 1,400 pink and clear crystals, a project that took her six hours to complete. A similar project would run about $300 for the crystals and her time.

She can work on items provided by the customer or procure items for them. While team logo highlights on provided baseball caps start at $10, Prepejchal also has "Crystallized" satin Cardinal or New York Yankee caps selling for $30. And her favorite, an Ed Hardy cap sporting a butterfly, would go for $60.

Likewise, she has bridal designs to make anyone's eyes water over the dazzle: invitations, votives, veils and stems or initials on champagne flutes to start. She just delivered six pairs of brown Havianas flip-flops sparkling with brown and clear crystals for a wedding on the beach in Mexico.

Starting her hobby with flip-flops for family and friends, Prepejchal quickly discovered the higher-quality Havianas flip-flops made in Brazil are much more durable. "Why would you spend $30 on crystals to have a $2 pair of flips flops last only one summer?" she commented. They start at $55.

Other items and starting prices include business card holders and cosmetic bags at $10, sunglasses at $10,

Each design receives replacement crystals or a replacement guarantee for normal wear and tear. Delivery can take two days to two weeks depending on the project. She also schedules a client meeting before starting any work.

karen.binder@thesouthern.com / 351-5080