MP4 | Vimeo | YouTube | Blip.tv | Subscribe in iTunes
(Music by Caroline, courtesy of Temporary Residence Limited)
Who isn’t dazzled and enchanted by that wondrous stuff called glitter? The sparkle dust has long fascinated humans and iterations of it go back to the Pleistocene. As you shimmer and shine through the holidays, revel in its brilliant backstory.
Items featured in the video by Creations620, RagBagArtistry, monjardindepapier, FuelToTheFire, purekatherine, and gxnelson. Video directed by the accomplished director (and my wonderful friend) Gilly Barnes.
141 comments
Sign in to add your ownhappygohandmade says:
Glitter- Its a magical thing! Very neat video, I love "how its made"
1 year ago
TwinkleStarCrafts says:
Interesting fact about WWII. I did not realize that.
1 year ago
pedazos says:
Me love shiny and glittery!!!!
1 year ago
FreeThoughtExpress says:
I'm addicted to glitter!
1 year ago
VintageEye says:
I am in glitter wonderland! Fabulous post!
1 year ago
bstudio says:
It does make me happy just to look at it, it seems like such a celebratory item!
1 year ago
joolrylane says:
Gotta love glitter
1 year ago
beadstylin says:
Every time I think of glitter, I am reminded of my assigned wedding coordinator who HATED glitter and banned it from my wedding. I can still hear her screaming, "NO glitter!" Poor woman...she was so unhappy! :-)
1 year ago
uniquefabricgifts says:
Glitter = Happy! I think must of us love shinny things ;-)
1 year ago
Armalique says:
I never even thought about this! Cool video : )
1 year ago
HoneyThistle says:
This series is so cool.
1 year ago
ArtByKristin says:
I am never going to think of neanderthals the same! Cool video! Thank you for including my vase here! <3
1 year ago
crankbunny says:
i love glitter - this is one of my favorite etsy videos so far.
1 year ago
Mclovebuddy says:
pretty stuff.
1 year ago
WhisperingOak says:
Shine and sparkle add beauty to crafts
1 year ago
MegansMenagerie says:
<-------- LOVES Glitter!!!!
1 year ago
lovesexton says:
what would the world be without GLITTER?!? LOVE it!!!!
1 year ago
HibouCards says:
A little glitter is all it takes to make you smile sometimes :) ... it's as if it was a bit magical! thanks for sharing this with us. Cheers Hibou
1 year ago
OuterKnits says:
I'm a glitter girl! Love the video.
1 year ago
driftforever says:
Love the video! :)
1 year ago
rosebudshome says:
Glitter makes me happy too!
1 year ago
KettleConfections says:
glitter makes me feel like a kid in art class all over again, we glittered a pair of flats, one of those things you always remember
1 year ago
isewcute says:
I cannot go to a craft store without bringing home more glitter! Loving this!
1 year ago
KnitWittery says:
Gotta love how glitter gets everywhere when you use it, then you find a few bits of it in the weirdest places even when you think you've cleaned it all up. It's just awesome like that :)
1 year ago
tbglitterballs says:
and might i add- GLITTER ISN'T just for the holidays! Watch for my non-holiday glitter ball mirrors & frames to debut this Spring!!
1 year ago
jojosvintagecupboard says:
Who doesn't love glitter? Great article!
1 year ago
FavoursBoutique says:
Glitter, glitter, glitter, glitter, glitter,glitter,glitter,glitter,............ love it.
1 year ago
junquegypsy says:
After embellishing a couple dozen vintage ice skates for more glitz, my kitchen looks like a glitter bomb exploded in it.
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
I had to use a ton of glitter on a project for a client in October and I'm still trying to get it all out of my house! It's everywhere. And now the Christmas cards with the glitter - yikes. It makes me smile and curse at the same time.
1 year ago
Natalie52688 says:
I LOVE this. Really fascinating to watch. Learned some cool new things too! I love how there is evidence that Pyrite and Hematite was potential used to add sparkle! Thanks for sharing! :)
1 year ago
VaVaVoomByNikkiDanby says:
All that glitters is not gold...but it sure is fun!
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
Glitter is a great way to make the ordinary special!
1 year ago
kiamichi7 says:
Wonderful!
1 year ago
BookCraft says:
When I saw this title I instantly assumed it had to do with AllThatGlitters21 on YouTube. Not sure why..
1 year ago
BlueRoseRetro says:
From litter to glitter.. who knew? I have always loved glitter. I believe it is quite magical.
1 year ago
JewelsbyJasmin says:
Loved it!
1 year ago
RetroRevivalBoutique says:
<<<<Glitter runs in mah veins! :D Awesome article!
1 year ago
theori says:
Ooooh shiny!
1 year ago
CopperheadCreations says:
Ahh! I need that hot pink elephant in my life. And I want all the necklaces at thestudio8!
1 year ago
cooksie says:
love pink elephants!
1 year ago
bagsbystacey says:
wow.....great clip! I love glitter so. It's one of the 3 things I tend to hoard! ;)
1 year ago
RivalryTime says:
Shiny objects?
1 year ago
Powerofflower says:
Love glitter! Sparkle is always fun!
1 year ago
leslieholz says:
I know ALL about glitter............I have teenage daughters. They would love all these goodies!!
1 year ago
BrownBooks says:
Ohhh... pretty shiny things! The comedian Demetri Martin says that glitter is the herpes of craft supplies. Because once you get it on you, you can never get rid of it.
1 year ago
wizardofcharms says:
Just watching your video gave me some great ideas for glitter.
1 year ago
QueenBeeVintiques says:
I heart glitter!
1 year ago
kassandragrossman says:
WOW! Fantastic! "The movements of the spirit." Glitter is my favorite. Thanks for this piece.
1 year ago
theroyal says:
:) glitter
1 year ago
mfgarnett says:
i wuv glitter <3
1 year ago
theroyal says:
wouldn't that be rad if someone made glitter now with that recipe of hematite and pyrite from the Paleolithic era
1 year ago
kiranofindaly says:
Glitter rules!!
1 year ago
CreativeCardsForYou says:
Wow... Glitter is amazing. :)
1 year ago
HandmadeIsAllAround says:
Love it! Soooo glittering!
1 year ago
FullCircleRetro says:
Sparkling story...! Enjoyed it =)
1 year ago
peshka says:
So much fun!
1 year ago
marsia says:
Glitter forever!
1 year ago
RoseofBlood says:
Wonderful! Everything is better with GLITTER!!
1 year ago
DivineSparkle says:
When I see glitter, it just brings out the magic in me :)
1 year ago
filamentostore says:
Definetly looove glitter !
1 year ago
DeniVibes says:
great video! "Glitter make people happy"!!!!
1 year ago
angelsora says:
Glitter is an awesome spectrum of light vs delight.
1 year ago
LostAtticTreasures says:
Shiny Happy Glitter!!!! Awesome video
1 year ago
dawnatthemarket says:
so freaking love this video. just featured it on my blog. http://www.thechronicutilitarian.blogspot.com/ thank you and happy holidays!
1 year ago
gkdecorate says:
I love glitter! I couldn't help but making sure all my artificial floral arrangements had glitter this Christmas!
1 year ago
velanch says:
Wonderful! Thank you! I love glitter and use shiny materials to make my earrings and other creations!)
1 year ago
bittersweetdesign says:
My daughter and I have already discussed - that when an autopsy has been done on either of us - we will probably have a pound of glitter in the bottom of our lungs...
1 year ago
SugarRaindrop says:
I love glitter :D
1 year ago
giorgiejewelry says:
Love glitter and pink elephants!
1 year ago
ArtDecoDame says:
cowbell and glitter,things that you always need MORE of
1 year ago
myvintagecrush says:
Hahaha, agreed ArtDecoDame!
1 year ago
SoliDeoGloriaSDG says:
This is by far my most favorite video on Etsy!! I LOVE glitter. I throw glitter in my bath water, and will do just about anything to be covered in glitter. It is so cheerful, happy and a delight to behold! I call glitter "fairy kisses" ... each glittery sparkle is a kiss from a fairy. ;)
1 year ago
jewelkingthai says:
Glittering Video Blog
1 year ago
bluemoose says:
bluemoose loves BLUE glitter..
1 year ago
minouette says:
What a neat little micro-documentary! Well done; it's fun, interesting, informative and short enough for anyone to watch no matter how busy. Very impressed.
1 year ago
HoundstoothDesign says:
LOVE glitter!
1 year ago
mazedasastoat says:
I'm always in two minds about glitter. I do love anything sparkly, but hubby & I run a taxi company & anyone who's ever tried to vacuum glitter out of car seats & carpets will understand why every year after the New Years Eve parties I want the wearing of glitter to be made a criminal offence! LOL I usually have it all cleaned up by about Easter though...
1 year ago
soberwear says:
I love all the sparkle and shine...thanks for the info
1 year ago
VintageChinchilla says:
Ooooooh sparkles!!!!!!!!!!!
1 year ago
tinygalaxies says:
glitter!!
1 year ago
LeavingTheClouds says:
all that shines may not be gold...but its probably glitter!
1 year ago
tresfancy says:
Sparkle & Shine makes everything a little more special!!!
1 year ago
QuirkMuseum says:
I like the idea that glitter was used thousands of years ago. They're still trying to clean it all up.
1 year ago
TrashThings says:
Love this been customising old ornaments with glitter for the last few months now, and they will be in my shop in the new year. So LOVE this feature.
1 year ago
TrashThings says:
LOVE THIS! I have been customising ornaments with glitter for the last 6 months or so and love the way they totally transform them. Hope to have these up in my shop trashthings in the new year. You can never have to much glitter!
1 year ago
kp257201 says:
What an interesting video!
1 year ago
BroccoliHouse says:
love glitters!
1 year ago
SweetSincerity says:
love it! great video. Glitter does make people happy! I am exhibit A! :) :) :) :) :) :)
1 year ago
myhideaway says:
This is fantastic! Everyone, deep down inside, has a childlike love of glitter and all things sparkly, whether they admit it or not. :)
1 year ago
BowlsForColorLovers says:
When I was about 10 y.o. and visiting NYC for the first time with my family, I became enchanted with the sequined purses I saw in store windows. I just loved the shine and fun of 'glitter'. Beg though I might, neither parent would spring for it (not surprisingly, given my age), but this love has followed me through the years and I use a LOT of it in my art (hey, like it or lump it) :-)
1 year ago
BlueRoomGems says:
Fabulous! Loving the glitter elephants!
1 year ago
DesertSolDesigns says:
I can get so sidetracked by glitter...LOL!
1 year ago
rkitzmiller says:
I love glitter so much I opened my shop rsparkles on etsy just to showcase it!!! Everything I do has some glitter. Because, hey, everyday could use a little glitter. Right?
1 year ago
valeleonor says:
wonderful!
1 year ago
FengShuiArt says:
love sparkleyness!
1 year ago
pinksnakejewelry says:
LOVE IT!!!! Glitter,Feathers,Rhinestones all of it!!!!
1 year ago
ZenBrush says:
All that glitters IS gold!
1 year ago
TheLightStore says:
hawt
1 year ago
shinesobeautifully says:
Glitter is a MAJOR part of my life!
1 year ago
viliware says:
I love glitter so much that my boyfriend calls me sparkles! I wear it on my eyes and in my hair! Some of my friends even say that glitter comes out of my pores! Love this :)
1 year ago
uglyyellow says:
Oh I love this! ♥
1 year ago
monjardindepapier says:
Glitter is my drug of choice...it takes me to my "happy place"!
1 year ago
colorblockshop says:
Many decades ago my glamorous Mom jazzed up her fancy party up-do with glitter- that is until the other girls started emulating her...
1 year ago
aRToFaBSTRACTION says:
Usually the ones who need a little glitter in their lives the most have no clue how much they could use some.
1 year ago
sarahndipities says:
Very fun! Thanks for the peek into glitter's interesting history! Sparkle on!
1 year ago
lizhutnick says:
I love shiny stuff. :)
1 year ago
snowfoxed says:
but it doesn't exist on the internet. vital--tragic--stage in it's history.
1 year ago
thenakedbird says:
ah! my day job is as a performer for one of the most wonderful sparkly companies in los angeles and the bay area, and as faeries and princesses and other magical beings, glitter runs through our veins. It's a necessity! This is so awesome to see a little history on it, i'm off to share with my faerie friends! **miss fern (faerie persona)
1 year ago
MagpieQuilts says:
Mmmmm, shiny things!
1 year ago
CannibalCrafts says:
I LOVE glitter and all things sparkly. Since 10th grade I have been perfecting a recipe for glitter gel that sticks, stays, and doesn't get all over your boo. It's been tough trying to get it just right - but I had a duty to the people. MORE GLITTER, LESS WAR!!!! And unicorns. . . lots of those.
1 year ago
cartelle says:
Wow, this was awesome!!!
1 year ago
TwoBackFlats says:
GLITTER!
1 year ago
dekoprojects says:
Very interesting video. But do we all love glitter?
1 year ago
opendoorstudio says:
tis the season of Glitter! seems everytime around this season, in the retail setting... we decorate for the holidays, and it is as if the glitter fairy has doused us with a dose every day! ... not until about mid June that it is finally all swept and vacuumed up! gotta love it. I am sure I have some on my face and nose right now!
1 year ago
GourmetHandbags says:
Love glitter and those pink elephants are too cute!
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
I agree glitter does just make you feel happy, its so shiny! I love the sparkles : )
1 year ago
jeweltrinkets says:
If it don't glitter, it don't shine! Bling!
1 year ago
cooljewelrydesign says:
life would be so boring w/o it.......an essential, just like H2O :-)
1 year ago
kr1green says:
I found PrettyandPolished on Etsy. Her handmade nail polishes with glitter have brought a smile to my holidays. Glitter does make you happy!
1 year ago
ZaraBySarah says:
From a person always drawn to shiny, sparkly things - with a wonderful mom who was known to put glitter on anything (spools, plastic fruit, old toys) and proudly hang them on our Christmas tree - BRAVO!
1 year ago
LittleMissDressUp says:
I have a HUGE weakness for the sparkle. I will plunk down cash for anything that has a shimmer and shine. When I was 11, I caught a glimpse of a sparkle in a parking lot- turned out to be a diamond tie tack. My very first diamond! I was thrilled! So being drawn to the shiny side of life can be very good!
1 year ago
Kimoutre says:
Interesting, but I'm surprised you didn't mention German glass glitter. I'm sure it's older than the aluminum and polymer kinds, but I can't seem to find a date of its invention online. It is still available as a craft material today, although of course it must be used with care since it is actually fragments of glass, but the sparkle is gorgeous!
1 year ago
lindasilverthorne says:
Glitter in my workroom, glitter all over my house, glitter in my car. Frequently when I go out in public, someone comments "Oh, you have some glitter on your face." What's life without a bit of glitter?
1 year ago
BigBadBuddha says:
Wow that very cool
1 year ago
Miyuka says:
Stopped watching as soon as she said that horrendous word "aluminum." I cringe every time. It's aluminium D: /crazy pet peeve
1 year ago
Marumadrid says:
I used to think sequins and glitter were VERY expensive when I was a child, so I was always shy about asking for a bottle of it. It was great to discover later that I could use them with no boundaries!! XD
1 year ago
CuteMonkeyFactory says:
GORGEOUS!"
1 year ago
Laughingdogstudio says:
Really very nice!
1 year ago
thedoginahat says:
This is so neat. Glitter is one of those things that I never really thought about how it was made or where it originated until now. I also love the guy who owns the glitter factory (that's a job?!), "I'm not an artistic person..." Great video! http://www.etsy.com/shop/pfsvintage
1 year ago
DelilahsAttic says:
It's interesting to see that the glitter trend goes back to the days way before Ke$ha, haha. Great video!
1 year ago
rozzymari says:
Oh my God, I LOVE glitter! <3 And it makes me happy ;) Amazing video :)
1 year ago
Kri77 says:
i love glitter!
1 year ago
hingedjewelry says:
This DELIGHTS my SOUL and heightens my senses...what a wonderful history lesson! THANK YOU!
1 year ago
samsstuff says:
Gotta love shiny stuff :)
1 year ago
grayrockcottage says:
If it shines, I want it!
1 year ago
HanHeld says:
Glitter always excites me...it can brighten everything...when I get glitter in my hand I find myself walking around looking for things to add glitter..it's a bit scary
1 year ago
CoolBeans2 says:
I do love sparkly blingy things. They make me smile. Glitter is happiness in a jar. or pen.
1 year ago
BANJOandBONE says:
this is great!
1 year ago
Vangloria says:
Wow, this was such an inspiration!!!
1 year ago
tableclothpad says:
I like this.
1 year ago
laurapaulinedesigns from laurapaulinedesigns says:
I love it!
1 year ago