Turn an ordinary glass jar into a work of art with glass paint.
Basements and attics across America are littered with old, empty glass jars. Instead of throwing these jars away, they can be used as a child-friendly craft project. The glass jars can be turned into works of art, complete with a design that can be traced or freehand-drawn onto the surface. Decorated glass jars can then be used to hold flowers or given away as Christmas or birthday gifts.
Instructions
1. Clean the jar with hot, soapy water. Use a plastic scrub brush to rub off any labels left behind on the jar.
2. Dry the jar with a soft towel. Any glue residue left behind on the jar can be removed by rubbing it off with a cotton ball that has been soaked in nail polish remover.
3. Apply a coat of glass paint to the surface of the jar. This paint can be purchased at craft stores and be applied with a paint or sponge brush. Any color can be used to paint the outside of the jar. Allow the jar to dry completely, which can take several hours, before continuing.
4. Tape a paper template design to the outside of the jar. The paper pattern can be purchased at a craft store or designed and cut out from a piece of white paper.
5. Paint the area over the pattern with a sponge brush. Dab the area over the pattern continuously with the sponge brush to transfer the design onto the glass jar. Avoid overloading the sponge brush with paint to help prevent any mistakes.
6. Allow the paint to dry for 24 hours before removing the paper pattern. Lift off the pattern carefully, and remove any mistakes with a cotton swab that has been soaked in mineral spirits.
