DIY Confetti Canvas

I'm always in search of ways to freshen up my living room. As the focal point of our home, it's both a center of relaxation and entertainment. So when I came across Mint Love Social Club's Kate Spade-inspired post on DIY confetti art, I was on board right away.

The finished product reminds me equally of champagne bubbles and shiny confetti that's just been thrown in the air. Either way, it's a party!

There's hardly an accompanying tutorial, since gluing dots onto a canvas is pretty self-explanatory -- but for the record, I followed the Mint Love Social Club method almost exactly. The only notable changes were the size of the canvases and the addition of silver dots. I also chose not to use a hole punch because of the device's $12 price tag -- a steep price for something I'd probably never use again. Instead, I relied on tracing circles and cutting them out with scissors (talk about hand cramps!). Here's what the canvases look like on my wall, though it's hard to capture their shine:

What the latest DIY project you've worked on?

DIY Glitter Bobbie Pins

In early high school my best friend and I used to draw each other pictures using nail polish. Neither of us were artists, so we stuck to elementary-level paintings: stick figures, sunsets, flowers, a still life of fruit in a bowl. You know, the basics. So imagine my déjà vu when I made these the other day:

A gift for yourself or for the girl who has everything, these DIY glitter bobbie pins are easy to make with supplies you probably already have.  

Here's what you'll need:

• Bobbie pins
• Nail polish (glitters or bright colors work best)
• Clear top coat 
• Piece of paper

Directions:
Slide each bobbie pin onto the paper to keep the polish from sticking to the opposite side. Pick your polish and start painting. Let the pins dry completely between coats. Top off with the clear polish. I opted not to paint the bottom of the pins, as that part is covered when it's in your hair.

While I was painting, it occurred to me that this probably isn't the most original idea. After all, most women I know have bobbie pins. And nail polish. And the need to cure boredom from time to time. As suspected, I found similar concepts on the She's a Betty blog and on Pinterest. Oh well. Glad I'm in good company. =)

What's the latest DIY project you worked on?

Seven Links

The "seven links" tag floated throughout the blogosphere last year, and I always appreciated reading what other bloggers valued about their own stories. It's a great way to read posts people may have missed otherwise. Since I haven't seen the tag surface in a while, I brought it back for your reading pleasure. =)

Most Beautiful Post

Marriage Advice from a Newbie - Tidbits of wisdom I picked up after two years of marriage. Some are silly, all are true.

Most Popular Post

Everything is Sweeter with Sprinkles, Better with Glitter - After one of my photos was featured on The Glitter Guide tumblr, the blog's traffic spiked.

Most Controversial Post

You Smart, Gorgeous Thing You! - My thoughts on whether a woman's confidence may be connected to how she was addressed as a little girl.

Most Helpful Post

Work it Out - A brief post about my journey with self-discipline, plus some tips to stay out of a health and fitness rut.

A Post Whose Success Surprised You

DIY Glitter Shoes - While there aren't many comments, this post has received the most page views in Swift as Shadows history so far. Guess people really like to bedazzle things.

A Post You Feel Didn't Get the Attention it Deserved

Book Sugar - A look into how my love for books and sweets are connected, as well as my book-selection antics.

The Post You're Most Proud Of

Let it Shine: Boudoir Decor (Part One, Part Two) - I put a lot of time and effort into this post, and it's a good example of working/decorating with what you have.

Now it's time to tag all of you -- yes, YOU. Or, if you've already completed the tag, link to it in the comments below and I'll check it out.

Are Beets the New Blush?

Some food for thought (pun intended):

Last week, I posted about my desire to omit unnecessary chemicals from my makeup and skincare products, but this video certainly steps it up a notch.

As extreme as it seems, I must admit it's pretty cool to see Megan's "makeover" unfold. I never would have thought to use beet slices as a cheek stain, but  If your skin is super sensitive and you're willing to give this a shot, I'd be interested to see the results. In fact, maybe I'll try this and report back, though I have a feeling this may feel a little sticky.

Would you try raw organic makeup for a day?

Let it Shine: Boudoir Decor (part 2)

(read part one)

Fashion is my favorite. Whether it's shopping, putting together outfits, helping friends with their personal style, organizing my closet or watching fashion-related TV/YouTube videos, I live for this stuff. I was never intuitively stylish. In fact, I went through much of seventh grade wearing baggy corduroy pants and grey tshirts. But I always appreciated good clothes. As a kid, I distinctly remember shopping trips with my aunt to Neiman Marcus or Bloomingdale's and admiring the quality of silk blouses, cashmere dress socks and tweed blazers. Not that I can afford to shop at high-end stores. I'm happy frequenting places like TJ Maxx, Forever 21 or thrift shops to do a bit of treasure hunting.

It wasn't until college that I really tried to understand the essence of fashion and style vs. trends.  I certainly don't know it all, but boy does it make me happy to try.

I love having a rainbow of clothes to display, especially because they also vary in texture and fabric. The sharp red dress bought for me by my sister is so different from the ruffled blush pink frock just a few hangers away -- yet they are both so lovely. And the sequin-sleeved shirt is world's apart from the floaty tie-neck blouse right next to it -- but I admire them equally. Is every piece my favorite? Yes. Do I completely romanticize my clothes? Shamelessly. ;)

And now for the shoes. Oh, the shoes. I lined up my four best and brightest -- including the sparkling champagne hued flats I wore during my wedding, a pair of black platform stilettos, smart tweed pumps with bows and my beloved DIY glitter flats.

Creating this little space has helped me segment my wardrobe into only the most necessary (obviously a subjective word in this case) items. While my main closet is still occupied with more basic pieces, I have a pile of clothes ready for Goodwill, and a few more waiting for the next garage sale. Onward and upward folks!


Which clothes/shoes in your closet do you consider a favorite? Do you have any closet organizational tips to share?

Let it Shine: Boudoir Decor (part 1)

You were able to sneak a peek of my boudoir on The Glitter Guide tumblr recently, and I've been eager to show you the rest of it. As I mentioned in a previous post, I converted a small corner of our room into an area where I can display all of my prettiest, most prized pieces -- from my favorite perfume to the Chanel-esque coat I adore so much. I wanted to let them shine, so to speak. Inspired by Alex of HRH Collection, I set out to put a little "fancy" back in our very humdrum room.

 

I started with the small IKEA dresser that was collecting dust on the other side of the room. I may stain the dresser eventually, but for now I kind of like the earthy feel the wood's natural swirls give in contrast to the decor. I chose to display my lipgloss in a jar because the bright colors remind me of candy sticks on display in an old-fashioned sweet shoppe. A decorative shell holds some of my favorite bracelets, while a buttercream-scented candle makes the whole room smell as if it was covered in vanilla frosting.

While I'd love to take credit for the nail polish display, it's all Alex. The key is a cheap Christmas ornament from WalMart that I placed in a thrift-store candle holder because I didn't know what to do with it. But I like the way it turned out. Love when that happens. =) I added the mirror (another thrift store find) to reflect light and add dimension. My favorite perfume, Miss Dior Cherie, was the final touch to the dresser. While I don't have a mirrored vanity, I certainly don't let that stop me from embracing my little corner of the room. Who says putting on makeup in front of a compact mirror while sitting on the floor isn't glamorous? ;) 

The rest of my makeup hides in this turquoise mosaic box and the top dresser drawer -- along with the rest of my jewelry. And I always keep a few of my go-to magazines around (Glamour and Fitness). If you've read this blog for a while, you probably spy my inspiration board in the background too. Still trying to find a place for it, -- preferably a spot that I'll notice every day. I don't want to just tack it into the wall, so maybe I'll get a nice frame for it. Let me know if you have any other ideas. =)

Part two (about how I display the clothes) will be up tomorrow!

If you had a makeshift boudoir, what beauty items would you display? Or if you do have one, how did you decorate it?

DIY: Glitter Shoes

I've had my eye on the Steve Madden glitter flats for a while, but was turned off by the price tag (about $55) and the chunky glitter. Exhibit A:

I appreciate glitter in all shapes and sizes, but for this shoe, I preferred a rainbow microglitter (yes, I know...a petty problem to have). Think a grown woman can't rock sparkly shoes? I beg to differ (as long as the rest of your ensemble is toned down), but I'm not here to argue. Back to my dilemma: no affordable alternatives to the Steve Madden flats were to be found. Then, by the grace of Google, I found this post. I think the final product is so pretty -- especially for the $20 price tag. Here are some pictures of the progress. Detailed instructions can be found on the We Are Not Martha post. 

 Supplies: Glitter pack from Michael's, Mod Podge, clear acrylic sealer spray, foam brushes, etc.

My work station wasn't as messy as I thought, but you'll still need to whip out the vacuum afterward.

Here's the finished product:

I love them! Perfect for my birthday weekend. =) What do you think -- would you wear glitter shoes?