Gettin’ Crafty with Gild Collective

Sometimes I scroll through Pinterest and wonder, “Are these people for real?” I mean, I’ve done a DIY project or two, but I stick to the easy stuff. Everyone out there MacGyver-ing their way through high end Ikea hacks is operating on a level to which I’ll never even aspire.

So when Thread had the opportunity to partner with Gild Collective, a woman-owned startup that throws Pinterest worthy in-home craft parties, I was interested but cautious. Following instructions has never been my strong suit, and most things I try to make with my hands don’t quite turn out as planned.

Luckily, I had nothing to worry about! The Gild gals got us set up on the rooftop of The Reserve, complete with a fantastic view of downtown Cincinnati and plenty of wine and snacks. Each of us received a cute little box of craft materials (it took all of my willpower not to rip it open before we got started), an instruction sheet, and step-by-step guidance from Chief Creative Officer Rachel Bauer McCreary.

Since we’re a group of style bloggers, the Gild Collective team was thoughtful enough to give us a fashion-y project: sparkly, vintage-inspired earrings and enough materials to make up to six pairs. Once we got the rundown on what to do, we were all comically focused on perfecting our designs: there were ear cuffs, colorful flowers, statement sparklers, and everything else you’d expect to see from people who shop too much. I managed to put together three pairs before everything starting sticking to my E6000-covered fingers, and called it a wrap.

At the end of the night, I had two viable pairs of gemstone cluster earrings, one of which garnered a compliment from a random stranger when I wore them a few days later. I was unreasonably proud to point out that I’d made them myself, a totally new sensation for me.

A lady behind me at Walgreens complimented me on the earrings I made at the #threadcincy @gildcollective party, so clearly I am now a high-end #jewelry designer. #TalkToMyAgent #gildit

A photo posted by thestylesample (@thestylesample) on Sep 1, 2015 at 3:38pm PDT

If you want to join in the crafty fun, you can choose a project and host your own party (true to form, I’m kind of obsessed with this jewelry display set) or check them out at one of their upcoming events. Crafts in the Park sounds like the perfect way to jump-start fall decorating plans…

Visit www.gildcollective.com for more information. Thanks to the wonderful Tiernae Salley Photography for the pictures!