Yesterday (Black Friday) I hit up three thrift stores (got 6 pairs of shoes, $3.50/pair), bought 8 tubs of glitter at Jefferson Variety (went there on a tip from a friend that there are TONS of colors on the shelves right now, maybe in preparation for Carnival season?) and picked up two big cans of AquaNet to start sealing my shoes (another recent tip: hair-spraying shoes to prevent them from shedding glitter; I'm working through the backlog in batches of ~10 because after that the fumes start to get me dizzy).
Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and whatnot, and that everyone's enjoying their Small Business Saturday!
(I celebrated Small Business Saturday at the Palmer Art Market, treating myself to this shirt, which I'm counting on for extra shoe mojo)
I use Aqua Net for sealing as well. Previously I used a clear sealer from the spray paint department, but that seems to dull the glitter. The hair spray works so much better. Fabulous shoes as always!!
ReplyDeleteYes, I've only just started with the AquaNet, I've been scared to use anything for fear of dulling the sparkle, but that does seem to be working beautifully. Who knew?
ReplyDeleteThe AquaNet is a very handy trick... one of many things I picked up on my epic, life-changing visit to the Glitter-age. I love it that after 100+ shoes, I'm still learning new tricks!
I have a "glitter palace" which is a 10X12 building that my husband built for me in our backyard just because he finally had enough glitter in the house. It still doesn't stop it from getting in the house, but it's just not as thick. I've only visited one glitterage, wish I had that much space. Also wish my palace was attached to the house. I have everything I need out there, ac/heat, direcTV, fridge for my wine. Just not a potty! Keep up the good work. I'm getting a slow start, but every time I look at your blog it gives me motivation.
ReplyDeleteI'm so jealous! I would love to have a committed space like that, I have to completely clean up and put everything away each and every time I do any glitter work.
DeleteMy husband tolerates all the glitter with the patience of a saint, but it means I can never reasonably veto him bringing home broken electronics he wants to take apart (people who live in glittery houses can't throw stones, I guess).
I have been using Clear Acrylic Sealer and really haven't been happy with the dulling. I had read that the mod podge one is good but AquaNet sounds even better especially if it doesn't dull.
ReplyDeleteTara, I just took over the dining room. lol. Course that's only because the carpet in that room is due to be replaced soon so it doesn't matter too much. Boy those workers are in for a glitter shock!!!
Surely in NOLA houses workers must be used to finding glitter and sequins in every nook and cranny :)
DeleteNori, I have to ask... I know you glitter for your sister ( I seem to recall seeing that in one of the posts)... but if you are up to 70 and still going ... I gotta ask, how many are you glittering for?
ReplyDeleteHa! Excellent question! I'm not shooting for any particular number. My sister will pick her whole 30 out of my stash (she's not interested in glittering shoes). After that we'll keep some of our favs, and some will be gifted, donated, saved for 2015, etc...as far as I'm concerned, no such thing as too many, I need the stress relief!
ReplyDeleteNori - do you live in NOLA? I'd love to come see you work. I like glittering, but I'm not very good at it, and I want to learn how to be better.
ReplyDeleteI don't live in NOLA, no...I'm hoping to get back, but at the moment I live in Memphis. I'd love to help, we'll have to figure out how to meet up some time. My biggest "tip" would be to cover the entire shoe in glitter...I think that's what makes all the difference. If you look at the shoes I worked on in 2012 (the first year), they were all pretty simple, no "themes" and not a lot of embellishment, but totally covered in glitter and they all said "Muses 2012."
ReplyDeletehttp://glitteringshoes.blogspot.com/2013/03/2012-shoes.html
It also helps to use good quality glue and glitter - I like Mod Podge (bought with a coupon at Michael's or Joann's) and Jefferson Variety glitter is probably my favorite.
Do you get the Jefferson Variety online or just when you are there.
ReplyDeleteI had a couple ideas and thoughts... not sure how to message you. Can't figure out if I can pm through blog. Grrr. Maybe I should check pinterest
I don't think Jefferson Variety sells their glitter online, so I have to go in when I'm in town. The last time I was there they had an awesome selection, possibly because it was getting close to Carnival time. I also go to lunch at Crabby Jack's while I'm out there...
ReplyDeleteHit me up any time at drnoripants at gmail dot com
I've never tried sealing with Aquanet-does it work well? I used to use a clear Martha Stewart sealer and because of glitter contamination (which drives me insane) I switched to a spray Mod Podge. It works well for sealing but really makes the finish dull so I've been looking for other options. Love the shoes!! :)
ReplyDeleteYes, this is my first year using the AquaNet and I am a big fan. Definitely reduces shedding, and I don't see any dulling of the sparkle. Glitter contamination drives me nuts too...I shake the beejesus out of a shoe before moving on to a second coat or different color. I don't think the AquaNet reduces the glitter shedding to a perfect 0%, but I think a teeny tiny bit of shedding is just the price you pay for maximum shine. Anything that totally seals the shoe is going to dull it, I think.
ReplyDelete