Rhinestones, Real Estate, and Ridiculous Obsession: My Bedazzled Monopoly Saga

It’s no secret that I love all things sparkly. I was basically born with glitter in my veins and a coupon for Michaels in my hand. It’s also no secret that I have a HomeGoods problem—and by “problem,” I mean the thrill of the hunt is my cardio.

For those following my crafting and upcycling escapades, buckle up. It’s rhinestone season, baby. Because if it stands still long enough, I’m gonna glue something shiny to it.

But you know what else I’ve been hopelessly obsessed with since childhood? Monopoly.

The OG paper-money version, the fancy credit-card one, and all the special editions I’ve collected over the years—Goonies, Star Wars, Boston Terrier, and Golden Girls (yes, I own them all and yes, they are fabulous).

And don’t even get me started on McDonald’s Monopoly. That’s my Super Bowl. It’s the only time of year I find myself in a drive-thru whispering, “Supersize my fries and give me Boardwalk.”

One year, my son and I were convinced we’d hit it big. We drove around to ten different McDonald’s locations like caffeinated treasure hunters. Spoiler alert: we did not win. Turns out, “Collect All Four” means all four, not “three and a dream.”

Fun(ish) Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Monopoly

• It’s sold in 103 countries and printed in 37 languages. Translation: capitalism speaks every dialect.
• There are over 3,500 official editions, from Hello Kitty to The Simpsons to Cheaters Edition (because irony is alive and well).
• The original version was created by a woman named Elizabeth Magie in 1904 as The Landlord’s Game, meant to warn people about the dangers of wealth inequality. (Joke’s on her—now we argue over fake rent.) 
• The longest Monopoly game ever lasted 70 straight days. That’s not a game; that’s a hostage situation.
• The total money supply in a classic set? $20,580—and zero actual financial literacy.
• And yes, “Free Parking” jackpots are not an official rule, which means your childhood was built on lies.

(Want more Monopoly trivia to impress no one but yourself? Scroll to the end, I’ve got a whole sparkly list. You’re welcome.)

The HomeGoods Heist That Almost Was

Cut to January 2025. I wandered into the HomeGoods in Bellevue, WA—because where else would I be? I like to think of it as the meeting before the meeting. #IKYKY And there they were: giant Monopoly wall art pieces.

Like, statement-wall-in-a-Vegas-penthouse big.

• 41 inches tall, 31 inches wide
• Brand: Fabric of History (found later at ikonick.com for $239 each)
• HomeGoods price: $50 each

My reaction: pure feral glee.

I wanted them. Bad. But there was one teensy issue—I have no wall space left. My home décor aesthetic is what I like to call dopamine maximalism. Every inch of wall already sparkles with personality, pop culture, or both.

So I did the unthinkable. I walked away.

I took photos and texted my friend Brian, who had just gotten new office space. Because when I can’t justify my own addiction, I enable others. “You need these,” I told him, like a rhinestone pusher.

The One That Got Away

Months went by. Every time I hit a HomeGoods (and trust me, I make my rounds like a Real Housewife at a sample sale), I looked for those Monopoly prints.

Nothing. Gone. Vanished like my self-control in the candle aisle.

Every time I saw Brian, I’d say, “Still thinking about those Monopoly pieces,” and he’d say, “You’re sick. Go to a meeting.” (Rude, but fair.)

Then one glorious afternoon, I popped into the Covington HomeGoods with a coupon burning a hole in my pocket, summer candles hopefully on clearance, and there he was:

THE MONOPOLY MAN.

Actually, three of them. Three different designs.

I may have short T-Rex arms, but I moved like an Olympic sprinter grabbing those canvases before someone else could. I even committed the cardinal HomeGoods sin: I got a cart.   

DIY or Die (of Joy)

I had spent months dreaming about turning these pieces into bedazzled Monopoly upcycle art, so naturally, I headed straight to Michaels and Hobby Lobby to load up on bling and glue.

Then, because I’m me, I also ordered a ridiculous amount of gems online because the size ratios had to be perfect.

Once my supplies arrived, it was time to Netflix and glue.
No chill. Just rhinestones, caffeine, and questionable ergonomics.

Two of the three are now complete and hanging proudly in my hallway. The photos don’t do them justice—they’re pure dopamine pop culture décor, radiating main-character energy.

The third one is next on my crafting docket, and I’m currently deciding what show to binge while I glue (suggestions welcome, but it must have drama, sequins, or both).

Sober Curator Fun Fact: Click HERE to see the artwork come to life on my IG.

Why I Craft Like It’s My Job

Projects like this keep me sane—or as close as I get. They calm my nerves, give me a false sense of control, and let me sparkle my anxiety into submission.

The world feels like it’s quaking lately, and honestly? It’s a bit much.

I’m not burying my head in the sand—
I’m bedazzling the sand.

So even if everything goes to hell in a handbasket, at least my corner of the world will be fabulous, glittery, and unapologetically extra.

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Shop My Sparkle

• Monopoly Idea List: amzn.to/48Klqer
• ✂️ Craft Supplies List: My Craft Supply Favorites

Other Sparkle Projects

• Sobriety – Just Do It or Just Glue It? | Curated Crafts: DIY Bedazzled Nike Shoe Box
• Razzle! Dazzle! Bedazzle! Your Home’s New Sparkly Obsession
• Bedazzling My Big Book: Because Recovery Deserves Rhinestones
• Taylor Swift Inspired Diamond Art Funko Pop-Ups: The Sparkliest Way to Spend a Sober Sunday

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20 Fun & Slightly Ridiculous Facts About Monopoly

Because what’s the point of hoarding themed board games and rhinestones if you can’t also hoard useless trivia? Let’s roll the dice, babes.

The Origin Story (aka How the Monopoly Man Got His Moneybags)

1. Monopoly wasn’t originally Monopoly. It started in 1904 as The Landlord’s Game — created by a woman named Elizabeth Magie to warn people about greedy landlords. (Irony called; it wants its board game back.)
2. The idea was kinda… stolen. A guy named Charles Darrow “borrowed” her concept, sold it to Parker Brothers in 1935, and became a millionaire. Elizabeth got $500. No royalties. No justice.
3. Those streets are real! The original properties are based on actual Atlantic City streets. So yes, you can literally visit Baltic Avenue if you’re into disappointment.

Money, Mayhem & Monopoly Math

4. There’s $20,580 in every standard box. Sadly, none of it counts toward rent or Starbucks.
5. The longest game ever lasted 70 days. That’s not game night — that’s a cry for help.
6. “Free Parking Jackpot” isn’t real. Sorry to ruin your childhood, but that house rule was never official. You’ve been living a lie.
7. The orange properties are statistically the best. St. James Place, Tennessee Ave, and New York Ave — apparently there was Taylor Swift Life of a Showgirl energy back in the 1900s when the board game was designed.
8. You can go bankrupt on your first turn. Land on Income Tax, then Luxury Tax, then draw “Pay Poor Tax.” Boom. Financial ruin in 30 seconds.
9. “GO” used to be “Collect $100.” Inflation hit the board game economy too.

World Domination, Literally

10. It’s sold in over 103 countries and printed in 37 languages. That’s more coverage than the Kardashians.
11. There are over 3,500 themed editions. From Star Wars to Golden Girls to Millennials Monopoly — where you can’t buy houses but you can collect student debt.
12. The most expensive Monopoly set costs $2 million. Made by jeweler Sidney Mobell with solid gold and diamond dice. Imagine losing a piece under the couch.
13. There’s a Braille edition. Monopoly got inclusive back in 1973 — accessibility with a side of capitalism.
14. It was used to help POWs escape during WWII. The Red Cross hid maps, compasses, and real cash inside special sets. That’s next-level Easter egg hunting.

Pop Culture, Scandals, & Sparkly Legacy

15. There’s a Monopoly World Championship. Yes, people travel across continents to fight over fake property.
16. His real name isn’t “Rich Uncle Pennybags.” It’s Milburn Pennybags. Sounds like someone who owns too many yachts and votes against public libraries.
17. McDonald’s turned Monopoly into a worldwide obsession. And also a major scandal when one guy rigged the contest for years. Somewhere out there, Ronald McDonald is still furious.
18. There’s a version for literally everything. Video games, NFTs, even one themed around cheating. (Which, honestly, feels on brand.)
19. The biggest Monopoly board ever was 9,687 square feet. That’s bigger than most apartments — and yes, they used human-sized tokens.
20. It’s estimated that over a billion people have played it. Which means statistically, someone right now is flipping a table because Grandma bought Boardwalk.
21. In Monopoly: Bitcoin Edition, Chance cards are just tweets from Elon Musk. Collect $200? Not anymore. You’ll just get a digital token worth $1.37 and good vibes. (Also, I just made this all up, but you can buy a Bitcoin Edition HERE.)

In Conclusion

Monopoly isn’t just a board game — it’s a lifestyle. A pop culture phenomenon. A multi-generational test of patience and power.

And for me, it’s also a fabulous reason to break out the rhinestones and make capitalism sparkle. ✨

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CURATED CRAFTS at The Sober Curator is all about keeping your hands busy and your mind inspired in sobriety. Whether you’re diving into art therapy, channeling your inner Sober Picasso, or laughing your way through a Pinterest fail, creative expression can be a powerful tool for stress relief and emotional healing. Crafting isn’t about perfection—it’s about expanding your mind, expressing your feelings, and having fun along the way.

Follow our latest DIY inspiration on Pinterest, or, if crafting isn’t your thing, check out our #QUITLIT section for book recommendations that feed the soul. You can also shop our curated list of supplies on our Amazon Storefront. 

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A Disco Ball is Hundreds of Pieces of Broken Glass, Put Together to Make a Magical Ball of Light. You are NOT Broken, Friend. You are a DISCO BALL!

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