Sweet Treats Deco Tips: Getting started

Good day!

I recently finished my last batch of cases

What do you think?

If you're wanting to start deco too, here are some tips!

D: Define your comfort zone

Figure out what type of Deco you like. Do you like it to be more jewels? Alot of charms? Whip cream? When you do that, look up some specific tutorials for those types. Here's a small guide that might help you

Easily Frustrated
I'll point this out because this is why I hate whipped cream. It would get all over my hand, I would end up clumsily bumping into drying cream, and I would really get irritated. Whipped cream may not be for you, but instead a case with alot of big charms.

Patient
If you're patient and like things like puzzles, doing designed/planned out and a more jewel oriented case may be calling for you. You could make something like this, for example!

Why is this important? You don't want to waste your money on items that you end up not wanting to work with. I probably would have smashed my head into a wall if I paid for 20 dollar fake whipped cream to realize in one squeeze I was not a happy camper!

E: Economically savvy

You don't need to spend alot to make the case of your dreams. Ebay is great for cheaper cases for you phone (by the way DON'T DIRECTLY APPLY TO YOUR OWN ELECTRONIC, using a case is way safer and better if you want a different theme along the way!). Full moon prices charms and gems greatly, and you may already have an old accessory laying around that you want to reinvent on your case.

C: Customize 

There will be plenty of people buying the same charms you may be getting online, think outside the box and play with them!

 You could take apart an old button to make a new accent!

O: Organize!

From little jars, to pill cases, and to mini drawers- organizing everything is key!

 Set out everything you want to use BEFORE and pull out jewels you need to use in small amounts at a time. This way you won't be left with mixed up leftovers
-------

So I hoped that helped! Any questions, you can ask on my Facebook page

Out of my batch, this one was my favorite!

Until text time
Rei

Sweet Treats Deco Tips: Review on glues

Review of Different Glues & Brands

Permanent Adhesives - Super Glue - Hot Glue

 

All three of these different types of glue can be easily used to deco, but these glues can also ruin a case if not used correctly! So I am here to share with you some quick reviews of glues I have used throughout the couples years spent decoing and the many trials and errors I have had.

Permanent Adhesives

 

 From left to right, these are what I have used in order of time. All worked rather nicely, but I felt like E-600 was the most strongest in odor, the packaging cracked to where it was taped up from the holes that would gush out the glue, and in the end it couldn't be finished because it all dried up. Quick-Grip worked nicely, I think I've have the least problem with gems being eaten up from quick grip, but I've used it so long ago I can't give a decent review of it! Not to what I am current using, Goop works nicely, adheres great but I have no fantastic comments on it.

Best used on: most to all parts; gems, charms, ETC.

Best used: in small ammounts and lightly coated. (Example of what not to do below from first deco)

 

When generously applied, the backing of gems will become damaged.

Super Glue

 Super glue was probably manufactured in the pits of hell. It's ridiculous and messy. Jewelry + Metal glue is alot more pastey than the other two, which is great. I would never use it directly on a case, given that if you don't apply gems in time you will be left with a bumpy surface; as compared to Permanent Adhesive where you can easy peel off excess. Brush on nail glue and liquid nail tip glue in better for smaller parts, where you have the liquid substance applied on a old plate or something, then transfer it with a toothpick and add the gem, as you would do on nails.

Best used on: small rhinestones, charms.

Best used: Indirectly and carefully. It can and will fog up gems.

 

 

Best used when making a case such as this

Hot glue

 A low 10 watt glue gun works the best, and it's a great price, as most of the glue I have reviewed in around 8 dollars and makes close to 3 phone cases, this gun plus a large bag of glue sticks can be around 10 dollars and make several more cases. Any higher temp glue guns with probably melt or be dangerous! The only probably is, used hot glue is hit or miss. You cannot move gems around as compared to Permanent Adhesive, and it cools down much quicker.

Best used on: mostly anything, great for large charms

Best used: lightly and carefully!

Glues I would like to try

My friend gave me a silicone based glue once, but when it came to me it was totally dried out. I hope to try it in the near future! I used white silicone before to adhere a charm, but I do know silicone when used as whip cream peels off, as said by a customer. Though she said it was easily repaired with some glue. If you would like to reccomend some glue for me to try, please comment below!

Much Thanks! 

The Optimist Creed

Hello!

Last week I took a break and went to a carnival with a friend

The rides were overpriced so I bought new stuffed animals and a few clothes from the thrift section

We had a fun time, but when I got home, aha I don't know I felt pretty down

Just so busy, so many people you find yourself tangled with, so many priorities, and when you miss everything that left so quickly. It's just been stressful.

So I wanted to look back on a paper my aunt had given me the last time I went over.

It's called, "The Optimist Creed" and I want to share it with anyone who may find themselves stressed out!

Promise yourself..... 

 To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

 To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.

 To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. 

To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

 To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

 To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

 To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

 To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

I hope that this may help!

Enjoy your time and keep your head up

-Rei

Sweet Treats Deco Tips: Old to New

Hello hello! Today is less deco but more crafts!

Have something old? No need to get rid of it if you can fix it up~

So take something from the old you and bring up to the new you.

Old: Flower decorations from my sweet 16 cake

plus- Jewel chains/Broken necklace pearls and gems/left over lace trim

New: Flower phone/bag charm.
- - - - - - - - - - - 

 With a glue gun I made flower petals out of pieces of lace, and melted holes into the stem backing to hang strands of jewels.

Comment if you're interested in this becoming an upcoming tutorial!

Old: A center piece I received from a party

plus- pearl stickers/ Sugar Bunny memo pad/ scrapbook paper

New: A cute pastel sugar bunny jar
- - - - - - - - - - - 

I kept the glass stones (?) in the jar, being an easy way to keep the purple paper in place, and stuck the memo pad over it. Then I went ahead and glued on various sized pearls everywhere.

Old: Tissue paper form presents, a small flat box

plus- pearl stickers

New: a small wall decoration of flowers
- - - - - - - - - - - 

An easy way to put a piece of art by you in your room!

You may find a easy tutorial for these tissue flowers > here <

 Old: A flat-rate box and fleece blanket

New: A cute stand for my Korilakkuma
- - - - - - - - - - - 

I wasn't really wanting my bear sitting on the floor, and I wanted it to just be more elevated :>

So, there are some easy ideas of taking old things laying around and bringing them up to something new in your life! No extra charge~

-Rei

acrylic recovery: An easy how to

There's always a point in time where I decide if I want to get a fill or take my nails off

I decided that I have more Spring cleaning to do and I want to also start on some deco projects, so getting a fill wasn't the best choice.

I hope to save up alot of money for the summer!

 So with that, I took them off, haha.

One thing I really hate is once they're off, your nails are brittle, flaky, and uneven.

I'll share with you the methods I use to keep them bearable! <3

NOTE: I am no nail expert, these tips come from personal methods that work for me.

If you are in need of help, always read many tutorials/tips until you find the best one!

Helpful Things you may use

-Nail clippers- Do yourself a favor and don't bother trying to keep it a long length like mine were in the before. when you hit it against something, or hold anything the wrong way, it may hurt. It bends super easily and breaks like nothing. Don't bother with it and just cut your nails short.

-Nails file- file away top flakes and shape.

-Brush on nail glue/ nail strengthening coat/ clear coat nail polish- fill in acrylic imperfections and make nails stronger.Nail glue is fine, just be careful with drying!~

-Nail buff-smooth out nails, don't be too harsh, and only do it as much as needed.

-A nail technician-  cbghjsgh sorry I didn't know how put it any other way. If you have extra cash, Just go and get them taken off at a nail salon. It runs for about 5-10, and be very honest with if they are buffing your nail too much with their little drill. :C After acrylic your nails are very sensitive, no need in discomforting yourself!

Things to avoid

-Using your nails to remove flaked layers-Ahhhh when I see people doing this...Don't! you never know if you rip one off and it drags along for longer than you thought and now you have more dents that hurt :C

-Keeping them long until the arylic impression is fully grown out- No other way to put this other than "bend and snap!"

-Keeping your nails unfilled after they are lifting- BIG NO NO!! Make sure to get a fill once your nails begin to lift, water can get under them and bacteria grows.

Most of all, just take good care of your nails. I get nagged alot about having fake nails by family or people who think it's any of their business on what I do with my nails, just take care of your nails and it won't be an issue.

I get any questions on my nails, maybe I'll make a hefty Q&A for it including tips on getting cute nails at any salon !~

Until Next time,

Rei