I have to use prescription sunglasses, which is one of the downfalls of being a glasses gal. It sucks because I love those cheapy pairs that are big and cute, and I want like 500 pairs of them. Shannon from Madigan Made is a sunglasses collector, and she’s figured out away to DIY sunglasses – on the cheap! Here’s her tutorial so that you can customize your sunglasses, too.
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I’m a big fan of cheap-o sunglasses! I own lots of them. Why do I have so many? Well, it is partly because I like choices… but primarily it is because I have a reputation for breaking or losing my sunglasses.
For that reason, I often check out the sunglasses rack when I’m at the dollar store. The selection is OK and I occasionally find a pair or two that fit me. I have to admit that the styles there are usually pretty basic. But for a dollar, I can’t complain!
But recently I thought, “Why not jazz up the glasses with something to make them look a little more customized?” The side temples of the sunglasses seemed to be begging for embellishment. Mod Podge comes to the rescue, again!
So, I want to show you how I crafted two pairs of decorated sunglasses in two ways.
One pair is made with fun striped scrapbook paper. The other was given a heavy dose of glitter! Let me show you how I made them . . .
To make the striped pair of decoupaged sunglasses:
Step one: Gather a few supplies. You will need: a piece of scrapbook paper, a pencil, a pair of scissors (or craft knife), a foam brush and some Mod Podge (Satin formula and Dimensional Magic).
Step two: Cut out paper to cover the temples. Trace the shape of the temples and then carefully cut out the paper with scissors. You may need to go back and trim and shape the paper a little so each one fits neatly on each side.
Step three: Adhere the paper to the sides. Brush a coat of Mod Podge onto the outside of each temple. Press and smooth the paper down on top. Allow the glue to dry thoroughly.
Step four: Cover with Dimensional Magic (DM). Bend one of the temples horizontally so it rests as level as possible. Place a piece of scrap paper underneath it to catch any drips. Starting at one end, slowly and carefully cover the paper with Dimensional Magic and avoid bubbles. Use a rag to wipe up any glue that spills over the edges. Allow the DM to dry completely (typically overnight) and repeat on the other side.
TIP: If you haven’t worked with DM – you should know that it is a cloudy glue that dries crystal clear. It is VERY thick and can be applied on surfaces to add dimension and a resin-like finish. I do suggest practicing on a test surface so you can get the feel for how the material spreads and coats things before attempting a project like this one.
To craft the glittered sunglasses
Step one: Gather supplies. You will need: Mod Podge (i.e. Satin formula), a foam brush and fine brown glitter. (I received this glitter as a part of a recent sponsored crafty challenge and had it left over . . . I love Martha Stewart glitter!)
Step two: Glue down the glitter. Spread a coat of Mod Podge onto just the temples of the sunglasses. Liberally sprinkle your glitter to cover the sides. Allow the glue to dry and shake off any excess sparkle.
Step three: Add a couple protective coats of decoupage. Brush at least 1-2 more coats of Mod Podge over top of the glitter (allowing each coat to dry in-between). This will protect the glitter and keep it from spreading all over you. (I like sparkle… but not in my make-up!)
And there you have it… two dollar store sunglasses customized with a little decoupage magic! I think the decorated side panels add ‘just enough’ cute detail to the sunglasses. The creative options with colored paper or glitter are endless!
It’s been fun wearing the sunglasses this spring. People don’t believe I only paid a dollar for each pair!
So, if you are like me and often break stuff and can appreciate the need for lots of fun sunglasses . . . be sure to pick up inexpensive ones and craft your own custom pair of sunnies!
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Blogger who loves the color blue and sock monkeys. You can find me in public easily— I'm wearing glasses and lots of stripes.
Very cute!!
This is very cool. Sunglasses for a dollar sounds even better.
this looks like a fun idea. so next time I find glasses at a yard sale I am so doing this. I like the glitter one. Simply painting on it could be fun too. Maybe splatter effect!
awesome
This is ingenious, Shannon! I’m in love with this idea. No sunglasses will be safe from me know!
I LOVE this tutorial–so fun!
This is one of my favorite things ever! I have to wear prescription sunglasses too or else I’d be all over this!
I think that was the intent… to update the prescription sunglasses with the technique on the ‘dollar store’ sunglasses… in order to make the RX sunglasses look a bit more snazzy! I did the glitter technique to my RX sunglasses and it came out super!
Fun! Gotta give it a try. I’m a Modpodge virgin & think this might be the project I cut my teeth on!
I have lots of Dollar Store sunglasses that I wear to the beach. I am definitely doing this.
Great idea! These are really cute!
Love this idea! I have a pair of sunglasses that I LOVE but the temples are all scratched. Perfect way to give them new life!
so clever and cute!
thanks for linking up! I featured you post on my wrap up http://tidymom.net/2012/12-cool-ideas-for-summer/
Have a great weekend!
Pretty clever and cute!
very nice and creative!
I made a glitter pair just like that
http://www.thekurtzcorner.com/2012/03/glitter-sunglasses.html
I recently lost my good sunglasses. I’m on the lookout for some good cheapo glasses. Now I can make them cute!
I’m stopping by from Somewhat Simple!
How important is the DM, do you think? Would the project suffer to just top coat with my normal MP?
Hi Sara! The DM doesn’t have to be used, it’s just a different effect – more of a resin look.
I love sunglasses can’t wait to try this crafty idea.
Love these! We’ll feature these on Dollar Store crafts sometime in the next week.