Glitter makes it a dazzling sight to behold, catching the eye with its shimmering surface that evokes memories of honey, a substance our ancestors were irresistibly drawn to forage 1. This fascinating material has captured the imagination of people across the globe, making it a staple in various creative endeavors and industries.
In this article, we will delve into the captivating world of glitter, exploring its history, its applications in fashion and design, and the art of crafting with this eye-catching substance. We will also discuss the environmental impact of glitter and provide insights on where to find the best glitter supplies to help you create your own flash of brilliance.
The History of Glitter
The origins of glitter can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where artisans would crush materials into tiny particles to create shimmering substances 2. Ancient Egyptians produced glitter-like substances from crushed beetles and finely ground green malachite crystal 9, while the Mayans were the first to use tiny mica flakes, adorning their temples with lustrous pigments 18. People of the Americas 8,000 years ago used powdered galena, a form of lead, to produce a bright greyish-white glittering paint 11.
The term ‘glitter’ itself originates from the Middle English word gliteren, possibly by way of the Old Norse word glitra 7. Before modern glitter, shimmering flakes of mica were used in cave paintings 30,000 years ago, and German glass glitter is still produced today 23. The use of glitter in fashion can be traced back to ancient civilizations where it was a symbol of status and power 3, with glitter fabric gaining prominence during the 1920s and 1930s, becoming a staple in Hollywood costumes 4 6.
The evolution of glitter from its humble beginnings to the modern glitter industry is a testament to humanity’s enduring fascination with capturing the fleeting beauty of light 2. Henry Ruschmann is credited with the invention of modern plastic glitter in the 1930s 12 24, founding Meadowbrook Inventions 24. The manufacturing process involves a core material (plastic, glass, or metal) ground into precise particles and coated with metallic or colored films 2. Over 20,000 varieties of glitter are manufactured in a vast number of different colors, sizes, and materials 14, with glitter becoming popular in the 1960s and 1970s as part of the glam rock movement [25].
Glitter in Fashion and Design
Glitter has been a constant in the world of fashion, demonstrating enduring appeal and versatile charm 3. It is often associated with opulence and festivity in modern fashion, and has been used as a tool for self-expression and rebellion, particularly in the glam rock movement 3. Glitter has seamlessly integrated into both high fashion and street style, with its transformative power lying in its ability to make the wearer stand out, celebrating individuality and boldness 3.
Glitter is commonly used in various aspects of fashion and design, including:
- Clothing and accessories: Glitter enhances the visual appeal of these items 5.
- Cosmetics: Glitter is often used in eyeshadows and nail polishes to create shimmering effects 5.
- Interior decoration: Glitter is used in wedding decor and party supplies 5.
There are various types of glitter available, each with its unique properties and applications 5:
- PVC glitter
- Polyester glitter
- Plant-based glitter
Glitter fabric has become a popular and versatile material in fashion design, arts and crafts, and interior décor. Today, glitter fabric comes in various forms, including holographic, iridescent, and glow-in-the-dark options 4. While glitter fabric dresses, gowns, and accessories have become a favorite choice for red carpet events, modern applications also include everyday wardrobes, extending its appeal beyond special occasions 4.
The Art of Crafting with Glitter
Glitter has captivated artists worldwide, who harness its transformative power to elevate their creations 2. It is celebrated for its ability to refract light and create dynamic, shifting perspectives 1. Artists employ glitter not just for its aesthetic appeal but also to address complex themes such as race, identity, gender, and craft 1. Glitter becomes a catalyst for deep emotional connections, drawing viewers into a dialogue about profound and transient aspects of human experience 2.
Glitter is used in various artistic expressions, including:
The Glitter Club provides recommendations for using glitter in various projects 7:
- Adding a focal point
- Embellishing certain aspects
- Decorating materials
When crafting with glitter, it is essential to:
- Cover your workspace with a plastic table cover and freezer paper 8
- Apply glitter paint or PVA glue in small sections and sprinkle glitter over the glue-covered areas 8 9
- Allow the glue to dry before applying additional layers or colors 9
- Use a strong double-sided tape or stencils for precise application 10
- Clean up excess glitter by gathering it to the center of the freezer paper and funneling it into a storage jar 8
Tips for crafting with glitter 11:
- Use a glue stick or clear-drying craft glue for a strong bond
- Dip a brush in glue, then into glitter for precise application
- Work over a tray or paper to catch excess glitter
- Use a funnel to pour leftover glitter back into its container
- Vacuum or sweep up excess glitter and wipe surfaces with a damp cloth to remove residue
- Opt for high-quality, fine glitter for crafts to minimize mess and ensure even distribution
Glitter and Its Environmental Impact
Glitter, primarily composed of PET or PVC with aluminum coatings, is a microplastic that poses significant environmental hazards due to its non-biodegradable nature 13. The presence of glitter in products prevents them from being recycled 13, and it can last for hundreds to thousands of years in the marine environment, breaking down into smaller pieces of microplastic 13. Glitter poses a significant threat to marine life, with small organisms mistaking it for food, leading to bioaccumulation of toxins in the food chain 13 22. Microplastics, including glitter, can carry additional toxins into the human body 15, and humans ingest about five grams of microplastics per week, equivalent to a credit card 14.
The environmental impact of glitter is a concern, as it can end up in waterways and other natural environments 18, contributing to microplastic pollution in oceans when it sheds from clothing, accessories, or cosmetics 19. Plastic glitter is made from fossil fuels, contributing to greenhouse gases and climate change 19 22. Removing glitter from the ocean can be challenging due to its small size and ability to disperse widely 21. Potential approaches to remove glitter from the ocean include:
- Skimming
- Beach cleanup initiatives
- Wastewater treatment
- Public awareness and regulation
- Biodegradable glitter alternatives 21
The best solution to minimize the environmental impact of glitter is to use less of it or stop using it altogether 16. Eco-friendly alternatives include:
- Biodegradable glitter made from plant cellulose 15 24
- Paints
- Sand
- Glass beads
- Recycled paper
- Synthetic glitter that is better for the environment, like those developed by Lush 21
However, it is important to note that even biodegradable glitters and alternatives made from cellulose or mica can still affect aquatic ecosystems 20. The most eco-friendly action is to minimize the use of all sorts of plastics, opt for reusable alternatives, turn down single-use plastics when possible, and avoid products with plastic packaging 20.
Where to Find the Best Glitter Supplies
When searching for the best glitter supplies, consider the following top-rated retailers:
- Crafty You: Offers a wide range of glitter supplies, including extra fine glitter, chunky glitter, and glitter glue. Prices range from $2.50 to $12.00 17.
- Sparkle Station: Known for their high-quality holographic glitter and glitter sets. Prices range from $3.00 to $20.00 17.
- The Glitter Club: Offers a wide variety of glitter supplies for crafting. They have a physical location and can be reached at 216-212-1107 23.
- Bulk Glitters: Provides various types of glitter, including Polyester, Cosmetic, Hybrid, and Craft. They also offer a subscription service 24.
The Glitter Club offers several convenient shopping options to help customers find the perfect glitter for their projects 23:
- Shop By Usage: Find the right glitter for specific projects.
- Shop By Color: Choose from a wide range of colors, including a Holiday Palette with Halloween and Christmas options.
- Shop By Flake Size: Select from various cut sizes, such as Ultra-Fine, Fine, Medium, Chunky, Irregular (Shattered), and Dots.
- Shop By Jar Size: Choose the ideal jar size for your needs.
- Shop By Sparkle Factor: Opt for glitter with different levels of sparkle.
In addition to loose glitter, The Glitter Club also offers the following products 23:
- Glitter Paper in Gold & Silver
- Glitter Acrylic Paint Set
- Fine Glitter Sets in various color preferences, such as Ocean Colors, Metallic, Neon & Bright, Jewel Tones, Red, Gold, Silver & Graphite 7
- Chunky Glitter Set in Jewel Tones 7
- Glitter Paper Sets in Gold & Silver, Black & White
With these trusted retailers and diverse product offerings, you can easily find the perfect glitter supplies to bring your creative projects to life.
Conclusion
Glitter has proven to be a timeless and captivating material, weaving its way through history, fashion, art, and crafts. Its allure lies in its ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, catching the eye and sparking the imagination. As we continue to explore the vast potential of glitter, it is crucial to be mindful of its environmental impact and strive for more sustainable alternatives.
Whether you are a fashion enthusiast, an artist, or a crafting aficionado, the world of glitter offers endless possibilities to express your creativity and add a touch of sparkle to your projects. As you embark on your glittering journey, remember to explore the wide range of glitter supplies available from trusted retailers to bring your vision to life. Embrace the magic of glitter and let your imagination shine.
FAQs
What does glitter represent in a symbolic sense? Glitter is often seen as a symbol of superficiality or falseness. It can also evoke thoughts of materialism, representing the human tendency to accumulate shiny and appealing but ultimately non-essential items. This can extend to symbolize greed, and even the conflicts and wars that arise over the possession of valuable resources.
Which industries are the primary consumers of glitter? The primary consumers of glitter are the arts and crafts industry, the cosmetics and personal care industry, and the textiles industry. These sectors incorporate glitter into their products for both decorative and functional purposes, enhancing the visual appeal of their items.
How does glitter achieve its sparkling effect? Glitter sparkles because it reflects light. Tiny particles in glitter function like miniature mirrors, each bouncing light off its surface. This sparkling effect is enhanced by a very thin layer of aluminium within the glitter, which is specifically designed to reflect light and is 2500 times thinner than a human hair.
Is glitter considered safe and non-toxic? Unfortunately, glitter is not entirely non-toxic. The chemicals used in its production can have harmful effects on human health, potentially damaging the immune and reproductive systems, and may contribute to developmental delays and cancers. Additionally, glitter poses environmental health risks by contaminating soil, air, water, and food.
