How to be Crafty for the Non-Crafters

I was never good at art. Or crafts.  So it was immediately an issue when I joined a sorority and realized that I would eventually need to bring out my nonexistent ability of crafting when I took a Little.  I’d always said how I was not the typical sorority girl: I wasn’t preppy, I didn’t like bows, and I could not touch bedazzling jewels or a canvas without messing it up.  Yet, after the past few weeks of nonstop crafting and obsessing over making the best gifts for my Little, I’ve had a new rush of confidence—I can actually make things! People are complimenting my work! For all of you who have no hope like I did, read on for tips that will put you on the road to discovering your crafting abilities.

This craft is actually a lot easier than it seems.  I found it online, followed the instructions word for word, and had no issue.  You can do this to wine glasses, shot glasses, champagne flukes, or any other kind of glass that your heart desires.  They’re cute to make for a group of your friends or even family!  All you need is: glitter, Mod Podge (a type of crafting glue), a paintbrush (preferably the sponge-like ones), and if you feel like writing on the glass, puffy 3D paint! Here’s how to do this easy craft:

1)      Paint a layer of the Mod Podge glue onto the glass in whatever area you feel like glittering. 

2)      Once the area is finally covered, pour glitter onto the areas with glue (do this OVER A NEWSPAPER so glitter isn’t all over your floor!).

3)      Shake off the excess; taking the leftover glitter on the newspaper and pouring it back into your container of glitter so that you can re-use it!

4)      Next, paint a layer of Mod Podge over the glitter.  You only need to wait about five minutes in between pouring the glitter on and doing that coat of glue on top.  Painting glue over the glitter seals it in, so that glitter doesn’t come off of the glass when you touch it.

5)      Make sure not to put too much Mod Podge on top of the glitter.

Note: At first, it will look weird with the Mod Podge painted over the glitter.  You may get nervous that it is going to dry weird, but just give it about 1 hour or more to fully dry to judge it.

Once the glue is completely dry, you can repeat the whole process if you feel that it needs another layer of glitter to make the coloring thicker and cover all the spots.  I had to do two coats on my glasses to make it look better.  Just remember: Mod Podge, glitter, Mod Podge, repeat!  If you’re feeling bold, write your name or the name of whomever you’re giving it to!

This craft is even easier than the wine glasses.  Being the non-creative person I am, I had no clue what to do with this mason jar.  So, I raided my friend’s stash of ribbons and decided to just put them on!  All you need is a hot glue gun—this will make the ribbon stick better.  You can also paint the lid to add some flair.  I decided to use puffy paint again and write on it (you can also see I drew hearts).  This craft only took me about 10 minutes, plus the time waiting for the lid to dry.  It’s a great way to be creative, add some colorful ribbon, and personalize a simple mason jar!

Now, I know you still may have doubts on whether or not you can craft these things.  You’re probably thinking I’m lying— that if I made these, I have to be an amazing crafter, right?  Not true at all.  I was the kid who couldn’t even cut paper snowflakes in elementary school.  I just decided to be patient, and have fun.  Although time consuming, crafting was a great relaxing activity for me over the past few weeks; not to mention a good distraction from homework.  So give it a try!

If you’re feeling extra brave and have a lot of time on your hands—or even if you don’t have the time like me but just really want to give someone special something amazing…

…You can sit and bedazzle a tequila bottle for hours! I warn you: it’s not fun, and it may make you go stir crazy. But the result is worth it!

All photos credited to the author.