The decoration of glass jars is now a very widespread manual project. These vessels are given many uses: they can contain objects or simply have a decorative purpose. Furthermore, it is preferable to recycle them rather than throw them away. In this article, you will discover several ways to turn them into decorative items that will enrich your home decor.
Steps
Method 1 of 6: Dye them from the inside
This method is preferable for those who want to dye the jar in one color only. Since the process will take place from the inside, it can be difficult to add more. Dyeing it this way is a good idea for the following reason: not touching it too much, the paint won't wear out that fast.
Step 1. Find a suitable glass jar
Clean it and dry it well before continuing.
Step 2. Choose the paint
The spray one is the easiest to use, as you don't have to try to get the brush to the farthest corners. Choose the color you prefer. Metallic ones are particularly good for glass jars, but any other variant you want will do, even black.
Cover your work surface with thick cardboard or a cardboard box and perform the process in a well-ventilated place to avoid harmful fumes
Step 3. Cover the top outer edge of the jar with masking tape to avoid staining it with paint
Step 4. Spray the paint on the inside of the can
Proceed carefully and evenly. Move the bowl as you spray the product to get full coverage.
Step 5. Choose decorative elements for the outside of the jar
You can use tiny shells, fake flowers, sand and beads.
Try to choose a design before adding decorative elements. You may find it helpful to draw the pattern on a sheet of paper as a reminder of where they should be placed
Step 6. Fix the decorative elements with hot glue, which offers greater adhesion
For example, you can arrange more decorations at the base of the jar and thin them out as you get closer to the top edge.
Step 7. Put some fake flowers in the jar
Real ones need to be watered, so you risk damaging the paint. You can also put a handful of twigs, incense sticks or other items in it, depending on your preference.
Step 8. Place the jar in an open and bright place to keep it on display or give it to someone
Method 2 of 6: Dye them from the outside
Step 1. Find a suitable jar
Wash it and dry it well before proceeding.
Step 2. Choose the color you want
You can select one or two depending on your preference (for example, you can use one from the top edge to the center of the jar and another from the center to the base). Alternatively, you can dye the entire jar, and then draw additional elements, such as dots or hearts, following a precise or random pattern.
The paint must be suitable for glass surfaces. The spray one is recommended, as it is easy to apply and allows you to obtain a homogeneous result. Spray paint was used for this tutorial
Step 3. Cover your work surface with thick cardstock or a cardboard box
Dye the jars in a well-ventilated place to avoid toxic fumes.
Step 4. After cleaning the jar, turn it upside down on the cardboard
If you are going to dye more than one, distribute all the containers on the work surface evenly, so as to dye them at the same time.
If you want to create strips, wrap the parts that you will not be dyeing or that you have already dyed with masking tape. Make sure one strip has dried completely before making the next
Step 5. Apply the product to the jars
Do not get too close, or you run the risk of the paint dripping, leaving marks on the surface of the container. Spray it evenly.
Step 6. Let it dry
Follow the instructions on the spray, so you know how long to wait, and check the jars regularly. Once dry, you can paint other decorative elements if you wish.
Step 7. If you want, add decorative elements
Unleash your imagination. For example, you could wrap a ribbon around the top edge of the jar, insert fake flowers into the bow, and hang a bell on it. Rummage in the basket where you keep the items you use for manual projects: if you find items that have no other uses, use them to decorate the container.
Method 3 of 6: Decorate a Jar with Glitter
Step 1. Look for a suitable jar
Wash it and dry it well before proceeding.
Step 2. Match the paint color to the glitter color
For example, you can make a pink jar with gold glitter or a silver jar with red glitter. Try to avoid that the color of the paint and the glitter are identical, otherwise the glitter will go out. If you prefer a solid color scheme, use several shades of the same color, making the paint a lighter tone and the glitter brighter or darker. However, there is an exception: choosing a metallic paint and glitter of the same color allows you to obtain a fabulous result.
- Choose good quality glitter for a great result.
- The paint must be suitable for glass surfaces. The spray one is recommended, which is easy to apply and allows you to obtain a homogeneous result.
Step 3. Cover your work surface with thick cardstock or a cardboard box
Be sure to dye the jars in a well-ventilated place to avoid toxic fumes.
Step 4. Turn the jar upside down on the cardboard
If you have more than one, spread them evenly over the surface to dye them at the same time.
Step 5. Dye the jars
Don't get too close or the paint will drip and leave marks on the surface of the container. Spray it evenly.
Step 6. Let it dry
Follow the instructions on the spray for drying times and check the cans regularly. Once dry, you can proceed.
Step 7. Determine where you want to apply the glitter by creating a line
It will indicate the parts of the jar that will be sprinkled with glitter. You can apply them from the middle to the bottom of the bowl or from the middle to the top edge of the bowl. It is recommended to start halfway or quarter of the way from the base. Tape some masking tape around where the line begins to mark it.
Step 8. Start applying Mod Podge to a section below the line, then sprinkle the glitter on this part
Step 9. Repeat the application on the rest of the jar in sections
You can apply glitter by following a line or creating circles. You can't apply the Mod Podge in one go as it dries too quickly, so it won't allow the glitter to adhere well. Proceed methodically and you will get a good result.
Step 10. Do not touch the glitter for an hour to ensure a good fixation
Step 11. Finish with a wipe of Mod Podge to protect and secure the glitter so you don't get dirty when you pick up the jar or move it around
Let it dry for another hour.
Step 12. Done
The jar is ready to use. You can put flowers, pens and pencils, lollipops, trinkets and whatever else you want in it.
Method 4 of 6: Decorate the Jar with a Doily
Step 1. Find a suitable jar
Wash it and dry it well before proceeding.
Step 2. Find a suitable doily for the jar
It should be large enough to completely cover the bowl, so neither too small nor too large. If it's small, you could join two doilies.
If you have to cut the doilies, do it very carefully. Apply Mod Podge or clear polish to the edges you cut to keep them from fraying as you work
Step 3. Apply the Mod Podge to the jar
Step 4. Quickly but accurately, wrap the doily onto the Mod Podge
Try to smooth out any creases and bumps as you go. Let it dry.
Step 5. Apply Mod Podge to the doily to secure and keep it clean during use
Let it dry.
Step 6. Decorate the neck of the jar by tying a ribbon or jute string to it
You could also add another decorative element, such as a bell, a star, a bead or a heart (made of metal, wood, plastic, glass, etc.) to enrich it.
Step 7. Use the jar to store items (such as pens and pencils) or as a lamp
Place a candle at the base of the container, light it with a long match and enjoy the play of light that will be created thanks to the flame and the doily.
Method 5 of 6: Decorate a Jar with Jute
Step 1. Find a suitable jar
Wash it and dry it well before proceeding.
You can use a clear or painted jar for this project - the choice is up to you
Step 2. Decide how you want to attach the jute to the jar
There are several options, including:
- Wrap the jute around the entire jar, using a single piece or creating strips.
- Wrap the center of the jar with a chunky piece of jute, then layer it with lace, ribbon, and a decorative object.
- Create a pattern using jute pieces.
Step 3. Apply glue to the place on the jar where you want to attach the jute
Some examples:
- Cut a large piece of jute for the center of the jar. Glue it on making sure the ends meet on the back of the bowl. Connect them precisely and cut away the excesses.
- Attach a lace ribbon to the center of the jute. Again, make sure the ends come together neatly on the back of the jar and trim away any excess.
- Attach a thin satin ribbon in the center of the lace. Again, neatly rejoin the ends at the back of the jar and trim away any excess.
- If you want, attach a small decorative element in the center, such as dried flowers, a bead, a bow, a key, a heart, etc. using glue or string.
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If you are wrapping the entire jar in jute, apply the glue in sections and remove the creases as you go. If you are using jute strips, apply glue to each strip as you go.
Decorated in Mason Jar Step 38
Step 4. Let it dry
At this point the jar decorated with jute will be ready for use.
Method 6 of 6: Decorate a Jar with Animals
Step 1. Look for a suitable jar with a lid
Wash it and dry it well before proceeding.
Step 2. Choose your favorite animal or one you want to display
Also get some spray paint, the color you want. The metallic ones are very nice, but any variation will do.
Step 3. Prepare the work surface
It is easier to carry out the procedure outdoors, also because this ensures good ventilation. Alternatively, place cardboard on a counter, garage floor, or other place that has good ventilation.
Step 4. Apply the spray paint to the plastic animal
Let it dry thoroughly before proceeding.
Spray it all over the animal's surface, even the underside, as it will be seen in its entirety when you expose it
Step 5. Apply the same paint on the lid:
the result must be homogeneous.
Step 6. Glue the animal to the lid
Let it dry well.
Step 7. Close the lid
At this point it will be ready for use. You can make several jars to create a safari, jungle or zoo.
Step 8. Put them all on display
Advice
- As for the methods described in the first two sections of the article, dye the outside of the lid if you decide to use it.
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To dye the outside of a jar, you can also cut out a stencil, attach it to the surface, and dye it.
You can fill it with candy, which will show through the non-colored parts (you can create shapes such as hearts, circles, ovals, etc.)
