Let’s be real—my recovery is already extra, so it only made sense that my Big Book got a little extra too. I mean, if I’m going to keep this book by my bedside, in my bag, or on display for late-night spiritual crises (or early-morning step work panic), she might as well shimmer. Enter: the Bedazzled Big Book project—equal parts glitter therapy and higher power glam.
Want to give your big book, or any book really, a glow-up too? Friend, let me walk you through the rhinestone revolution.
✨ The Sparkle Steps (a.k.a. How I Blinged Out Bill W.)
1. Prep Your Canvas (aka the Book Cover)
Start with a clean slate—literally. Wipe down the cover with a damp cloth to remove any residue, dirt, or existential dread. Dry thoroughly.
2. Pick Your Poison (aka Embellishments)
Rhinestones. Sequins. Glitter. Fabric. Whatever your sparkly little heart desires. I treated the cover like a paint-by-number—matching rhinestone colors to the cover art. It’s giving “crafty Picasso,” with a dash of sparkle sorcery.
3. Glue, Baby, Glue
I used B-7000 glue because it dries fast and holds like a codependent situationship (but, you know, healthier). Work in small sections unless you enjoy chaos and stray gems stuck to your elbow.
4. Place Your Gems Like the Diamond Diva You Are
Use a wax pencil (trust me) or tweezers (meh, only if you must) to place each gem. Pro tip: Keep a sharpener handy because wax pencils wear down like patience in early sobriety.
5. Dry Time = Me Time
Let that glue dry, darling. You don’t want your gems slipping off like bad decisions at happy hour.
6. Seal the Deal
Once you’re fully dazzled and dried, apply a thin layer of diamond painting sealant. It’s like a topcoat for your sobriety masterpiece. Think: spiritual shellac.
Real Talk: What I Learned
- Don’t Bedazzle the Spine. I did. It looks gorgeous. It also doesn’t open like, at all. Learn from me: skip the spine or save it for books you don’t write in. DOH!
- Lighting is Everything. Not just in selfies. You’ll want bright lighting, unless you enjoy squinting like you’re deciphering step work at 3 a.m.
- This Craft Is Low-Key Meditative. A few weeks back, when The Sober Curator site crashed and I was spiraling… Bedazzling got me through it. There’s something soothing about repetitive sparkle-placement. I like to think of it as “glitter-based serenity.”
- Stay in Your Hula Hoop. I can’t control the internet, but I can control my rhinestone placement. And that’s enough.
Watch While You Work
This is the perfect project to do while bingeing a show or listening to a podcast. Might I suggest… The Sober Curator Podcast? Or even better—stream it on YouTube on your actual TV and pretend it’s a sober reality show. #ManifestingThatSpinoff Looking for other options? You should also check out our Sober Entertainment section for book, podcast, TV series, and movie reviews.
Wanna Try It Yourself?
All of the supplies I used are lovingly organized in my Curated Diamond Painting Diva’s Amazon List. You’re welcome, sober besties.
Follow my other sparkle escapades on IG at @alysseinthecity, where I’m currently bedazzling a giant glass gummy bear from Michael’s (yes, really) and prepping to glam up an abstract Mickey Mouse canvas from HomeGoods. (My name is Alysse and I am a HomeGoods-aholic. It’s been three days since my last drive by.) I’ll report back on my progress soon(ish). Or just stalk me. You do you.
Also—peep the Taylor Swift Funko Pop-inspired diamond art I recently posted about HERE.
Rhinestones look better in VIDEO! Check out my bedazzled Big Book IG REEL HERE.
Want to Craft With Me?
Thinking of launching a weekly virtual sober craft night. Just a chill Zoom room with glitter, gossip, and group therapy (minus the copay). ANY craft is welcome. Keep an eye on our Sober Events Calendar for upcoming dates. You in?
✨Final Thought:
Sobriety is the glow-up. Bedazzling is just the accessories.
Stay sparkly, stay sober,
Alysse
CURATED CRAFTS: You got sober; what will you do to keep your hands busy? And no, you don’t have to take up knitting. Although, if you enjoy it, get your knit on, homie!
Art therapy is a technique rooted in the idea that creative expression can foster healing and mental well-being. You may be the next Sober Picasso, or you may be the next big Pinterest Fail. Either way, you’re creatively creating something with your hands and expanding your mind. That’s a great way to relieve stress and express your feelings.
Are you addicted to pinning? Make sure to follow along with us on Pinterest. Crafting is not your jam, but you may love to read. Head to our #QUITLIT section and see what we’ve been reading.
CURATED CRAFTS: Taylor Swift Inspired Diamond Art Funko Pop-Ups: The Sparkliest Way to Spend a Sober Sunday
The Sober Curator Amazon Storefront is OPEN! Looking for the ultimate sober lifestyle hookup? We’ve got you. Shop our curated collections for:
✨ #QUITLIT that hits
✨ Alcohol-free bevs that don’t suck
✨ Glassware & bar tools to up your AF game
✨ Recovery gifts that actually mean something
✨ Fashion, shoes & pop culture finds
✨ Journals, coloring books & creative inspo
✨ Games, home decor & so much more
Everything we love. Everything you need. #ADDTOCART
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
