I hoard jars. There, I said it. I can't help it. They're way too useful and perfect to use in many of my DIY projects. When I got my cup turner last year, I decided that it wouldn't just be for making tumblers...I mean, how many darn tumblers to you need anyway? I started experimenting with all kinds of vessels and jars just made sense. Coupled with the Marabu Alcohol Inks and a little resin, these jars became the most beautiful containers for plants, pencils and battery operated tea lights. They even sparkle at night! Upcycle everything, sweet friends, and always Make Your Mark!
As much as I want to learn how to blow glass, I'll admit it, I'm afraid. There are classes here in Los Angeles, but I'm just too chicken to sign up. Instead, I'll squirrel away in my art studio figuring out how to make a version of it with the things I have. It dawned on me that I could take the tumbler trend and mix it with my bottle cutting obsession and create something blown-glass-ish! I'm in love, friends. I can't stop making these beautiful vases! The best part is that it's a perfect project to use with bottles that aren't cut perfectly. A little dip or crack is covered with resin and the imperfections make this project even better! Happy crafting, my sweet friends.
I love stained glass but the real thing is just too expensive and quite frankly, I'm just not talented enough to learn how to make it. Plus, I just don't have the patience. It has been my lifelong goal, since the first time I ironed colorful tissue paper in between wax paper, to make versions of stained glass that didn't require mad skills! Here is my latest piece using Unicorn SPiT and Elmer's Glue. When it's coated with resin it looks just like the real thing. There are always alternatives, my creative friends! Now get out there and Make Your Mark!
I enlarged an adult coloring book for the pattern!
My Unicorn SPiT mixed with Elmer's School Glue
Watch how to make it here!
Step 1: Jump in!
Step 2: Keep adding colors!
Step 3: Let it dry a bit between applications
Step 4: Make sure that colors aren't directly next to each other
Once you're done let it dry completely before you add the Glaze Coat resin
I've been obsessed with stained glass ever since I was a kid.....I'd sit in church, bored out of my mind, and stare at the colorful windows for the entire hour wondering how they were put together, how they cut the glass, whether or not Jesus was as cold as I was in that dank church and how long before I could go home?! As much as I would like to learn traditional stained glass techniques, I've always been more interested in faux stained glass projects like using Crystal Gloss Enamels or tissue paper decoupaged over glass. When I ran across versions of the technique I'm sharing today, well, I had to try it. The one thing I did change about it was that I added some resin to secure and coat the sharp edges of the glass pieces. It worked perfectly. Remember to recycle glass, grab old windows from construction sites and thrift stores and always Make Your Mark!
Resting on my patio until I figure out where to permanently place it
I have trays for EVERY occasion because, well, they just make everything look so much better! I have them on my walls for decoration, by my door for my keys and mail, above the fridge for when I entertain and in my studio holding pots filled with brushes and pencils. My (hands down) favorite tray is the one I use when I eat in bed like a big lazy-puss. That's what my mom used to call me when I didn't want to help clean the house. I made this tray from top to bottom and you can, too with a few simple cuts of wood from the hardware store. Use any image you want in place of the butterflies! Stop at the decoupage stage OR add resin for a beautiful glass-like bottom. It's all up to you. Just remember to have fun, get messy and Make Your Mark!
With a thick layer of Americana Decoupage in Gloss
Ready for afternoon tea
Filled with resin for a beautiful glass-like base
Watch how to make them here!
Stuff You'll Need
Wood for base (size is up to you)
1 1/2" wood trim for the edges (have them cut to size)
1" x 1" wood trim for handles (two pieces about 4" long)
