Glitter-covered wine goblets are perfect as a birthday gift, bachelorette party, wedding and other extravagant occasions. You can use masking tape to define precise lines and designs on the glasses and later adhere the glitter with some type of glue. The project takes a few hours to meet drying times, but it's pretty simple and fun.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Making Sparkling Wine Glasses
Step 1. Gather the materials
The project is quite simple, but you need special products and tools. Before starting, make sure you have:
- Glue for glass such as Mod Podge;
- Wine glasses;
- Cardboard;
- Paper plate;
- Masking tape of paper;
- Large brush;
- Glitter;
- Scissors;
- Isopropyl alcohol;
- Cotton balls;
- Tape.
Step 2. Consider sketching the decoration first
In this way, you can visualize the final appearance of the glasses and decide what you like and what you don't, avoiding making mistakes on the glass. Although it is possible to remove the "fresh" glitter and glue to change the design, it is best to get the job done right on the first try. Here are some very popular decorative patterns for wine glasses:
- Apply the glitter only to the base of the glass leaving the rest as it is; the covered area can extend on the stem for 1-3 cm;
- Cover only the stem leaving the rest of the glass transparent;
- Trace the initials or numbers with glitter;
- Draw stripes on the entire glass (or just on the stem) with glitter;
- Cover the whole glass up to 1-3 cm from the upper edge;
- Create designs using glitter of two different colors;
- Create shaded designs by blending two colors into each other.
Step 3. Prepare the work area
Find a flat table and cover it with newspaper; you have to work with glue and glitter, so it is very likely to soil the surfaces. You should also put a card or cardboard on the table to collect the glitters that do not adhere to the glass; this makes it easier to pour them back into their container and use them for other projects.
Step 4. Clean the outside of the glass with alcohol
To ensure maximum adherence between glass and glitter, you must clean the glass very well; use cotton balls dipped in isopropyl alcohol to scrub the surface you want to decorate.
Once the glasses are clean, set them aside for a few minutes and let the alcohol dry
Step 5. Cut a thin strip of masking tape and apply it to the stemware
To make it, cut the ribbon lengthwise. If you are only going to cover the stem of the glass, you can use a shorter segment; put the masking tape where you want the glitter coating to stop, otherwise you get a decoration with a warped perimeter.
- To apply glitter to the base of the glass (or foot), cover the stem with tape and leave the bottom exposed. You should also leave a portion of the stem about 1 to 3 cm long uncovered, so that the glitter can cover this segment as well.
- To line the stems of the glasses, protect the foot and bottom of the glass with masking tape.
- To make initials or a number, you need to use a glue stencil or apply the freehand adhesive directly.
- If you want to create strips, simply wrap a long segment of ribbon in a spiral, thus achieving the typical appearance of a candy cane. Between turns you should leave some space.
- If you are going to use two or more colors, protect the areas you don't want to cover with duct tape and then apply glue to the sections you want to cover with the first color. When the first glitters have settled and the glue has dried, you can spread the adhesive over the next section.
- To create a two-color shaded effect, tape the area above and below the surface to be decorated and work in the center section.
Step 6. Pour some glass glue onto the paper plate
You must be able to dip the brush in the adhesive, so use a generous amount; Make sure you have enough to cover the glass with a thick layer and thus allow the glitter to adhere.
Step 7. Smear the glue on the bottom of the wine glass
When the adhesive tape is well positioned, take the brush and dip it into the glue; afterwards, start applying a layer of adhesive on the lower half of the glass. Remember that you need to apply a thick, even coat.
If you are concerned about streaks on the bristles, you can use a foam brush which ensures even application
Step 8. Pour the glitter on the glue
After spreading the adhesive on the glass, put the brush aside, grab the glass in an area that is not covered with glue and keep it suspended above a piece of cardboard; then start pouring the glitter over the glued areas.
- Keep pouring in the glitter until all the areas you smeared the glue on are covered in an even layer of shimmering powder.
- When done, you can pour the excess glitter back into its container. Lift the piece of construction paper and fold it slightly to create a funnel, then pour the glitter into the bottle.
- If you want to use glitter of different colors, you have to apply the first layer, wait for it to dry and spread more glue on the sections to be decorated; next, you need to pour the second layer of glitter just like you did with the first.
Part 2 of 3: Refine the Glasses
Step 1. Wait for them to dry
Wine glasses need to dry for about an hour, but you can also wait overnight to make sure there are no traces of wet glue. The glasses must be perfectly dry before making the final touches.
Remember: if you are applying multiple layers of glitter, you must wait for the first coat to dry before applying the next
Step 2. Remove the tape
When the glasses are dry, remove the protective paper tape; at this point, there should be a sharp line separating the transparent area from the one covered in glitter. Throw away the tape after peeling it off.
Step 3. Seal the glitter
The next step is to seal the shimmer powder with more glue or a clear spray product; if you have opted for glue, spread a layer over the glitter using a large brush and wait at least an hour for the adhesive to dry.
If you have decided to use spray sealant, you need to go outside to apply it. Place the glass on a sheet of newspaper lying on the ground and spray the product on the area covered with glitter; let it dry for at least an hour
Step 4. Tie a ribbon around the stem
To add a pretty finishing touch, take a segment of ribbon and tie it around the top of the stem, create a bow and arrange it however you like; now the glass is ready to be given as a gift!
Part 3 of 3: Taking Care of Decorated Wine Glasses
Step 1. Use the glasses after they have dried completely
If used while the glue is still wet, glitter can smudge or peel off easily. To make sure there are no traces of humidity, leave the glasses undisturbed all night; put them in a dry place out of the reach of children and pets.
Step 2. Wash them by hand
The surface coated with glitter is quite fragile, so you must take extra precautions to avoid the risk of chipping the decorations during washing; wash the glasses by hand and try to avoid decorated surfaces as much as possible. Focus on the inner portion of the cup and the rim.
Don't rub them; instead use a soft sponge and try not to touch the areas with glitter. Do not put them in the dishwasher
Step 3. Dry the glasses properly
Don't let them soak. When you wash them by hand, dry them immediately with a soft cloth; otherwise, excess moisture can peel off or chip the glitter coating.
Advice
- Consider using alternative materials to glitter, such as colored sand.
- Use this technique to decorate other glass items, such as jars and canning jars.
Warnings
- When using spray paint or sealant, work in a well-ventilated area.
- Be gentle when cleaning wine glasses. Don't rub the glass, use a soft sponge instead, and if possible stay away from the glitter-covered area.
- Do not apply glitter on the inside walls or near the edge of the glass.
