What happens when a Nike superfan with 20+ pairs of sneakers, a rhinestone obsession, and a history of bedazzling her AA Big Book takes on a shoebox? Chaos, comedy, and craft therapy collide. From binge-watching The Gilded Age with my mom to finding gems on my dog, this project proves that in sobriety, the real swoosh is forward momentum. Sobriety: Just Do It.
When I sat down with a plain Nike shoebox, 20,000 orange and white gemstones, and a whole lot of glue, I wasn’t just making a craft project—I was making a statement piece. Days later, multiple Gilded Age episodes binged with my mom, countless snack breaks, and a few glue-related crises—I had transformed something ordinary into something extraordinary.
This wasn’t just any shoebox, either. With more than 20 pairs of Nike sneakers in my collection and at least 40% of my athleisure closet branded with a swoosh, let’s just say Nike isn’t a brand in my life—it’s practically a lifestyle. In fact, in a fun 40 Women Over 40 photo shoot from two years back, I’m rockin’ a Nike satin flight suit that I am still obsessed with.
And honestly? This isn’t my first rhinestone rodeo. Earlier this year, I bedazzled my Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. You can read about that glitter-filled adventure here. So, I guess you could say I’ve made a habit of turning sobriety staples into sparkling works of art. Bedazzling might not sound like therapy at first glance, but trust me—this was recovery in action.
Bedazzle the Box, Bedazzle Your Sobriety
Placing 20,000 gemstones is no small feat. It requires patience, focus, and determination—the same things that recovery asks of us. Every stone was a choice, just like every day in sobriety is a choice. Step by step, stone by stone, we build something beautiful. And, much like real life, it’s not perfect. I haven’t mastered creating a honeycomb pattern and sometimes I use too much glue.
“One Stone at a Time. One Day at a Time.”
Of course, no one tells you the hazards of rhinestone warfare. I’ve found gems on my dog Bella, scattered through the house like sobriety confetti, and yes—even in my bed. Apparently, my shoebox has gone viral and wants spin-offs.
And then there’s the glue. On the bright side, I low-key enjoy the smell (weird flex, I know). On the not-so-bright side, I’ve had glue under my nails, streaks down my arms, mysterious clumps in my hair, and a thin layer on my favorite hoodie. Who needs battle scars when you can have craft scars?
Who needs battle scars when you can have craft scars?
Air Sobriety: Training for Life
Nike has always been about athletes training for greatness. In sobriety, we train too. Not for medals, but for peace, clarity, and resilience. Hey Nike, if you want to do a mental health fitness collab – call me! I have ideas!
- The Swoosh = Momentum. Just keep moving, one day at a time—even if you’re stuck to your project with industrial-strength glue.
- No Finish Line. Recovery isn’t a race. It’s more like an eternal art project—messy, imperfect, but worth it.
- Find Your Greatness. Even if that greatness is bedazzling a shoebox while yelling at rhinestones that won’t stay straight.
Just Glue It
Forget Just Do It. Around here, it’s Just Glue It.
Art therapy doesn’t require fancy supplies. It’s about taking what you have, showing up, and creating. And if that means turning a Nike box into the world’s most impractical disco ball, so be it.
“Creativity: The Real Victory Lap.”
When I look at my glittering shoebox, I don’t just see gemstones. I see time well spent, feelings processed, sobriety strengthened—and a whole new respect for people who work with tweezers professionally.
Your Turn: Just Do It
Here’s my challenge: Pick one small creative project this week. Bedazzle a box, doodle on a napkin, paint a rock, hot-glue googly eyes on literally anything. The point isn’t what you make—it’s that you make something using your hands and your imagination. Start before you’re ready and just play.
“Don’t Think. Don’t Judge. Just Do It.”
Put on a playlist that makes you feel unstoppable, let the glue fly, and give yourself permission to be messy, ridiculous, and free.
Recovery doesn’t come with a manual, but it does come with art supplies—and occasionally glitter in places you didn’t know glitter could go. Whether you’re on Day 10 or Year 20, creativity is your reminder that the ordinary can become extraordinary. And with the right attitude, you can find the sparkle in anything. (Check out my IG Reel to see the sparkle)
So grab the glue. Grab the gemstones. Grab your life. Just Do It.
CURATED CRAFTS: Bedazzling My Big Book: Because Recovery Deserves Rhinestones
CURATED CRAFTS: Razzle! Dazzle! Bedazzle! Your Home’s New Sparkly Obsession. (Yes, I’m in my rhinestone era.)
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.
THE MINDFUL BINGE at The Sober Curator is where we binge-watch and chill—mindfully. In this TV series review section, we don’t just consume shows; we explore their stories, themes, and cultural impact through a sober lens. Using our signature Sobees Scoring System, we rate each pick to help you choose your next watch with intention.
Our digital shelves are neatly organized into Drama, Dramedy, and Reality, making it easy to find your perfect series for a night in.
SOBER POP CULTURE at The Sober Curator is where mainstream trends meet the vibrant world of sobriety. We serve up a mix of movie, podcast, fashion, and book recommendations alongside alcohol-free cocktails, celebrity features, and pop culture buzz—all with a sober twist.
We’re here to shatter the “sobriety is boring” myth with a mash-up of 80s neon, 90s hip-hop edge, early 2000s bling, and today’s hottest trends. From celebrity shoutouts to red-carpet style inspo, this is where sober is as chic as it is fun. To the celebs using their platform for good—our Sober Pop Trucker hats are off to you!
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.
