The Better Reminder of Home: Glitter State DIY

Although this DIY project wound up being a gift for someone, my plan to make this adorable piece of art did not start off with such generous intentions. In fact, I struggled for a solid hour trying to think of a way I could get this from LA to NY in one piece, and thus keep it for myself. It's just that luggage--no matter how large --seems to fill up so quickly. Even I know that leaving your winter coat in California in order to have enough room to bring some art work is not the best of ideas. 

 

1. Picture frame with mat/ 2. Fine glitter/ 3. Outline of your state/ 4. Heart shaped brads/ 5. Mod Podge matte/ 6. Cardstock (to cut state out of and to mat the glitter state on)/ 7. Foam paint brush/ 8. Small scissors/ 9. Pen/ 10. Hairspray

Step 1: Find an outline of your state by image searching "x state outline" in Google

Step 2: Cut state out and trace it onto cardstock

Step 3: Cut the shape of your state out of the card stock

Step 4: Cover your state with a thin layer of Mod Podge

Step 5: Cover your state with a thick layer of glitter and allow to rest for 5 minutes

Step 6: Shake of excess glitter, then repeat step 4 & 5

I chose to paint my brads pink, but this is optional 

Step 7: Cut the back off the brad

Step 8: Spritz the glitter state with some hair spray so the glitter stays in place

Step 9: Hot glue the brad onto your home city

This DIY is a gift for someone who is from Massachusetts, but currently calls California her home. I thought I'd make two states (one on the front of blue paper and one on the back) to give her the option of which one to display.

In the end I'm glad that I gave it to her because she sent me this picture showing me just how well it went with her living room decor. Anyway, my good karma jar was starting to look a little empty, so maybe this gift will result in some good luck sent my way...or at least that's what I keep telling myself so I don't march to Taylor's house and take it back.

The Better DIY: Glitter iPhone Charger

It seems somehow, no matter how hard I try my iPhone charger is always getting taken or misplaced due to cases of mistaken identity. I am done running around my house looking for a charger like a lunatic the second my phone hits 5% battery. Here is a little DIY I came up with to make sure mine doesn't go missing again because someone stole mistook it for theirs.  

  

1. phone charger/ 2. glitter nail polish/ 3. tape/ 4. background color polish

  

The Better Sparkly Nails & College Prep

Today as I was pulling out all my gear to give myself a manicure, my friend Shana sent me a text informing me of how lucky I was that I didn't have to sit through the French final review (seniors don't take end of the year exams at my school). And like a not very good friend, I laughed! It made me giddy that I had already put in my four years of hard work, and  while others are toiling away prepping for finals, I was sitting home drinking iced tea, listening to music, and trimming my cuticles. 

Since summer is running our way, I thought I'd go for a bright white polish. It looked so fresh against my ruffle neck polo dress.

Then I saw the bottle of pink glitter Bestie brought me back from Korea, and decided to spice things up.

KAPOW! It's like 5th grade Valentine crafting all over again!

I also did some light reading as my nails dried. My beyond sweet English teacher saw U Chic in a book store, thought of me, and bought it as a just because gift. Isn't she the greatest? I must say from what I've read the book is clever, and the tips seem very practical.  

A Restoration Hardware catalogue for baby and child came, and I'm really loving some of their duvet covers for my dorm. I'm aware that it's a bit decadent for a college dorm room, and that their stuff is generally meant for the under 14 set, but hey, YOLO.