What Is a Rhinestone Flip Tray and Do You Need One?
If you've spent any time rhinestoning whether you're blinging out tumblers, embellishing hats, or decorating shoes you've probably experienced the chaos of loose flatback stones going everywhere. You tip the container and suddenly your SS6’s are on the table, the floor, and somehow in your hair.
That's exactly the problem a rhinestone flip tray is designed to solve. If you haven't tried one yet, here's everything you need to know.
So, what is a rhinestone flip tray?
A rhinestone flip tray (sometimes called a rhinestone sorting tray or bling tray) is a specially designed tool that automatically orients your flatback rhinestones face-up, ready to be picked up and placed.
The tray has a ridged or grooved surface. When you pour your stones in and give it a gentle shake, the stones settle into the grooves flat-side down, face-side up exactly the orientation you need to pick them up with a wax stylus or applicator tool.
No more squinting at stones trying to figure out which side is up. No more flipping individual stones by hand. You pour, shake, and pick. That's it.
How is a 3D printed flip tray different from a plastic sorting tray?
Basic plastic sorting trays have been around for years they're inexpensive, work reasonably well for small SS12 & under sizes, and get the job done for hobbyists. But they come with real limitations:
• Most only work well for SS10 and under
• They're small, limiting how many stones you can work with at once
• They're not designed for travel open a basic tray wrong and your stones are gone
• They're not customizable
• Lightweight so much so they blow away easily
3D printed rhinestone flip trays are a completely different category. Because they're designed and printed by makers who actually use them, every detail is intentional:
• Larger capacity: you can sort more stones at once without constantly refilling
• Multiple groove sizes in one tray: handle SS2 through SS30 in a single session
• Magnetized lids: your stones stay secure whether you're working or traveling
• Custom colors: choose a filament color that fits your workspace aesthetic
• Customizable lid options
• Removable stoppers and pour spouts: empty the tray cleanly without spilling
• Won’t blow over
Who needs a rhinestone flip tray?
Honestly? Anyone who works with flatback rhinestones regularly. But it's especially worth the upgrade if you:
• Work with multiple stone sizes in one session
• Do large-scale projects (full rhinestone tumblers, clothing, shoes)
• Craft on the go or away from a dedicated workspace
• Find yourself spending more time sorting stones than actually placing them
• Are tired of spills, lost stones, and the general chaos of loose rhinestones
What rhinestone sizes work in a flip tray?
This depends on the specific tray design. Our trays are built to handle a wide range:
• Fine grooves: SS2 through SS12 small detail stones and pen work
• Wide grooves: SS16 through SS30 tumbler work, statement pieces
Some of our tray designs, like the Dorothy, feature a dual-zone groove system specifically so you can work with mixed stone sizes in a single session without switching trays.
Can I travel with a rhinestone flip tray?
If the tray is designed for it, absolutely. Our traveling rhinestone tray collection is built specifically for crafters on the move. They feature magnetized or locking lids that keep stones contained in transit and compact footprints that fit in a craft bag.
If you've ever tried to travel with an open sorting tray and lost a full container of SS10s in your bag, you already know why a travel-specific tray is worth it.
Ready to upgrade your setup?
At Seery-Us Visionz, every rhinestone tray is designed & 3D printed in-house by Shemelle an actual creative who use these tools herself. That means every groove depth, lid mechanism, and pour spout is designed based on real experience, not guesswork.
Shop our full collection of rhinestone flip trays, traveling trays, and tray accessories at seery-us.com/pages/3d-printing.