Bling it Up! debuted in May 2014 and is my sixth book. It covers how to get started doing decoden, a craft from Japan that literally translates to “phone decoration.” In it are a range of projects that go from rhinestone glamorous to over-the-top kawaii and are inspired by the indulgent creations you see on the streets of Harajuku.
The Lowdown:
Pages: 48
Projects: 16
Contents: Rainbow Cell Phone Case, Breakfast Special Jar (decorated with hand sculpted waffles and berries), Chocoholic Trinket Box, Present Frame, Jewelry Set, Deco Nails, Headband, Caffeinated Tablet Case, Toiletries Set, Alice in Wonderland Themed Trinket Box, Heart Sneakers, Galaxy Notebook, Union Jack Clutch, Hat & Sunglasses Set, Flash Drive & Earbuds Set, Rhinestone Belts
Project info: Projects are illustrated through numerous full-color photographs explaining every step. Also, the getting started section features loads of tips and techniques for sculpting fake food, painting charms, decorating with rhinestones, and decorating with whippy frosting adhesive.

This book is a handy little guide that introduces you to decoden! It’s a type of craft that originated in Japan and literally translates to “phone decoration” but can be applied to lots of other personal belongings, like trinket boxes, tablet cases, shoes, hats, glasses, journals, you name it! It involves covering items with rhinestones, trinkets, and cabochons, sometimes with the use of fluffy ‘whippy’ frosting adhesive. The whole goal is to go over-the-top and whimsical, though simple and classy rhinestone decoration is a great alternative too. By choosing charms and trinkets that showcase what you love, it’s a really fun way to instantly show people who you are and what you’re about. The actual assembly of decoden is really quite simple and fun, so the book mainly focuses on project ideas and inspiration that will help get your creativity flowing. There are 16 step-by-step projects and loads of other inspirational photos to check out.

The step-by-step projects offer classic decoden fare with a few unexpected twists, such as the Breakfast Special Jar, which will show you how to make polymer clay waffles and berries to stack higher and higher on a decorative jar. The Chocoholic Trinket box shows you how to make a huge chocolate bar that you can then adorn with more chocolate-themed trinkets. The Caffeinated Tablet Case shows you how to make coffee beans to add to your coffee shop-themed creation, and the Deco Nails project will give you tips and tricks on how to create the perfect set of decorated nails with little headache. If you’re new to decoden or just want some project ideas I hope you’ll give this book a look to see if it gets your mouth watering!