How to Make a Bling Bling Nail File in 15 Minutes

15-Minute Fun and Funky Nail File

I'm always on the lookout for fast and fun crafts that are useful, too. I've made lots of these nail files to put into gift baskets for new moms or as shower gifts, and they're always a hit. You can use up little bits of lace, trim, beads and other embellishments and turn out a creative little work of art in about 15 minutes.

Things You'll Need

• 1 standard size nail file from drug store
• Glue gun
• 12 to 15 inches of fabric trim, yarn or lace scraps
• Beads, rhinestones or charms for embellishment

Instructions

1. Lay nail file on work surface. Plug in glue gun.

2. Go through fabric scraps and embellishments and choose a few to work with. Remember the nail file is so small you don't want to use 4 or 5 different items. For the nail file in the picture, I used a length of novelty yarn and a couple of contrasting beads from a bracelet that I took apart.

3. Cut the fabric trim, ribbon or lace into a 10-inch to 12-inch narrow strip (about 1/4-inch) if that's what you're using, or snip a piece of yarn the same length. Starting at the bottom of the plastic end of the nail file, carefully place a dot of the hot glue, and begin wrapping the yarn or fabric around, adding tiny dots of glue as needed to hold securely. Wrap fabric tightly so there is no space between seams.

4. Add embellishments, seed pearls, charms or buttons, using the glue gun and tiny dots of glue, once the plastic handle of the nail file is covered with yarn, trim or fabric. Press gently with your thumb and forefinger after adding each embellishement to secure firmly to nail file.

5. Test for adhesiveness by pulling gently on the embellishments you've added, and secure with another tiny dot of glue, if needed. Trim any stray threads from fabric or yarn, and you're ready to go! Bling, bling!

Tips & Warnings

• While yarn works well, I also like to use novelty lace and seed pearls for a romantic look, or try gingham-check ribbon and tiny buttons for a country charm effect.

• These nail files are not toys--please don't make them for tots!