DIY: Sparkly Glasses
It seems so long ago I begrudgingly went to get my eyesight tested. I had spent a solid amount of time squinting to read street signs and sitting my shy self at the very front of the classroom pretending this was an A-OK situation. To say I was resistant is an understatement. Thankfully someone broke me down and dragged me to see how blind I was. (not literally dragged but almost) You could say it was a vision quest. (Don’t laugh that was a terrible joke) Bare with me we will get to the sparkly glasses part soon! But first more stories about how I’m too awkward to complete basic tasks like getting my vision tested and shopping.
No one warns you that optometrist’s offices look like the secret basement of a psycho killer. There just isn’t a situation where someone can clamp your head in a huge apparatus and make you stare at a wall without it being weird and intimidating. Then I had air blown in my eyes which is just a terrible experience. I don’t know if anyone else had this particular problem but once they started to test out the different lens option and ask “which one is clearer?” I panicked and didn’t want to give the ‘wrong’ answer. Which doesn’t make any sense but I was all nervous and didn’t want to disappoint them. If anything they probably weren’t impressed that it took longer than was necessary because my answers were all over the map and I kept apologizing. The tech may have questioned their career choice having to help me out.
Brace yourselves because that awkwardness is NOTHING compared to afterwards when they force you to try on frames. At this point in my life, I was a broke student living that instant noodle life. I had no idea where I would buy glasses or if I would even be able to afford them. I did for sure know I wouldn’t be buying any from this fancy schmancy place. But they were pushy and I was too polite to refuse trying some on. Needless to say, I tried on a ton of frames that cost hundreds and hundreds of instant noodle packets. (None of them sparkly glasses) In my mind, it played out like an unspoken battle as to who would cave first in the ‘will she/won’t she buy frames’ debate. Finally, I pulled an “Oh I really like these I’ll come back for them.” and then ran away.
There is a small chance (big chance)I may have cried on my way home because I had just spent valuable instant noodle money on my eyes when I wouldn’t even be able to afford the glasses I needed. Just had to live with squinting and knowing I was blind. My tears were in vain because then I was told about this site called Zenni Optical. Cost-conscious and cute? Yes, please! I’ve got a lot of love for this company for allowing my introvert self to sit at the back of the class and never again have to have a politeness face off with a salesperson. Also since the glasses are so affordable they are a great choice if you want to DIY or if you lose things easily, which I do.
I’d wanted some sparkly glasses since FOREVER because who doesn’t! Unfortunately, Zenni didn’t have any ready-made sparkly glasses for me but not to worry making some for yourself is easy peasy.
There are quite a few clear plastic lens options on the website. I chose style number 270523 because it had a wider frame and thus room for more glitter and sparkles. My only little complaint was that I didn’t notice in the product picture that the sides were red instead of clear.
Once you have a pair of glasses the other supplies you need are:
- Painters Tape (Regular tape will smudge and damage your lenses)
- Glittery Nail Polish
- Makeup Sponges
Carefully cover the inside side of your lenses with painters tape. Should go without saying but try not to scratch them. To make the tape fit snugly around the curves rip or cut the tape into narrow pieces. It’ll make it easier to take the tape off if you use longer strips.
The issue with just painting the nail polish on is that the glitter and sparkle ratio is sad and pathetic. By the time you have enough glitter the layers of nail polish would be too thick and prone to chipping. Genius hack (Thanks to Instagram nail art profiles) paint a couple layers of nail polish onto a makeup sponge, wait a few seconds for the liquid of the polish to be absorbed into the sponge leaving behind the sparkles, dab onto the surface of your frames. BOOM optimal sparkle glasses with minimum chipping.
Let the nail polish dry between coats otherwise, the glitter just moves around all over the place. The polish on your sponge will also dry so just rotate sides or get a brand new sponge. Once you have the coverage you want, and everything is fully dry, peel off the painter’s tape. I did two full coats and then filled in some bare bits.
Go forth and Sparkle! Take ALL the selfies and feel like a magical neverland creature that will never grow up. Or just like wear them and see things clearly and live your life. You do you. But just try and not feel a little whimsical and magical in these. I dare you.
-Hannah
