things to do before summer starts🌤️

Hey everyone! So, with summer just around the corner, my besties and I have been busy getting everything ready for the ultimate sunny season. You know how it is – you want to make every moment count, and for us, that starts with some super fun DIY projects. One of our absolute favorites this year was decorating matching water guns! It sounds simple, but trust me, it elevated our whole summer prep vibe. We got these plain pink water guns, but they just felt a bit, well, *boring*. So, we decided to give them a major glow-up. If you're looking for a super creative and personal way to kick off your summer, you HAVE to try this with your friends. It’s not just about having a cool water gun; it’s about the memories you make while crafting them together. What You'll Need: Plain water guns (any color works, but pastels are super cute for decorating!) Craft paints (acrylics work great, make sure they're non-toxic) Small paintbrushes Rhinestones (we used a lot of these for that extra sparkle!) Glitter (biodegradable if you can find it, for eco-friendly fun!) Waterproof glue or a strong craft adhesive (E6000 is a favorite) Clear sealant spray (super important to protect your designs from water!) Stickers, charms, letter beads – anything to personalize! Old newspaper or a drop cloth to protect your workspace. Our Decorating Process: Clean & Prep: We started by giving our water guns a good wipe down to remove any dust or oils. This helps the paint and glue stick better. Base Coat (Optional): If you want a specific background color, you can paint a base coat. We loved the pink of ours, so we skipped this step and went straight to detailing. Design Time! This is where the magic happens. We spent ages sketching out ideas. Think about themes: tropical, galaxy, abstract, or even just your initials. One of my besties went all out with a floral design, while I opted for more geometric patterns and lots of rhinestones. Don't be afraid to get creative! Add the Bling: Once the paint was dry (or if you're not painting), it was rhinestone time! We used tweezers to carefully place rhinestones in intricate patterns around the barrel, handle, and even the trigger guard. The "rhinestone-decorated water gun" look is totally in! We also added some letter beads to spell out "SUMMER VIBES" and our names. Glitter Galore: A little glitter goes a long way! We applied glue to certain sections and then sprinkled glitter over it. Tapping off the excess is key. Seal the Deal: This is the most crucial step! After everything was completely dry (we waited about 24 hours), we took our water guns outside and sprayed them with a few coats of clear sealant. Make sure to do this in a well-ventilated area and follow the product instructions. This protects your artwork from water and ensures your decorations last through all those epic water fights. It was such a blast to see our plain water guns transform into these unique, personalized masterpieces. Honestly, it made our first summer water battle ten times more exciting knowing we designed our own gear! Besides the water guns, we also got crafty with other summer essentials. We decorated some super cute tote bags to bring to the beach – perfect for carrying our sunscreen and snacks. And, of course, no summer is complete without a stack of friendship bracelets! We made so many colorful ones with different beads and strings, symbolizing our summer adventures. We even started a "SUMMER 2K24 bucket list" together, full of ideas like planning fair visits and trying new beach activities. So, if you're looking for fun ways to gear up for summer, grab your besties and get creative! You'll not only end up with some amazing custom items but also with unforgettable memories. Let me know if you try decorating your own water guns – I'd love to see your creations! ☀️🌊👙