It's Not Just For Glass

I have really been enjoying the taping method of dressing up recycled glass but I thought I would go outside the box and try it on something different. I was in a Thrift store and ran across a plain white lamp shade and thought "why not"?

Then I added some beads and wala. I really love earthy colors and that is why I have not done anything but brown on the items I have made so far but I think next time I will do something more colorful.

Some more Trashy Treasures I have created

I just love the look of these votives. I found them at the Dollar Tree for, you guessed it, a dollar. They were plain glass votives and I brought them home and set them aside for awhile trying to figure out what to do with them and then it hit me, I had some old tissue paper from Christmas and decided to try and dye it in food color. I choose 3 drops of red in about a cup of water then dipped the tissue paper in it, soaking it completely. When I laid it out to dry I did not lay it totally flat. I kept some wrinkles in it. Then I did the same thing to more tissue paper only this time I put 3 drops of blue in about a cup of water. When they dried, they had a marble look to them because of the wrinkles I left in them. I then tore them up into pieces and glued them on with elmers glue. The next day when they were completely dry I mod podged (glossy) them and this is what the finished product looks like.

This idea came to me when I saw some daisies growing outside. I picked a couple of them and put them between two paper towels and then set a heavy item on them for about 4 days. While the daisies were doing their thing I took a couple of votives I had and painted them with a transparent green glass paint. I used Martha Stewart paints but I'm sure any brand will work. I painted them then when it came time to put the daisies on them I just mod podged them on and also covered the entire votive. The one on the right looks like the pedals started to wilt but I used it anyways. Nature is always perfect but it sure is pretty.

My Newest Creations

So, in the past 3 days I have made 3 items. I did pretty good at the hobby store but did walk out with more than I had intended. I have no doubts that none of it will go to waste. The first thing I made had nothing to do with glass but I had seen it online and wanted to try it. All you need to make this is a clean can, moss and string or twine.

You just wrap the moss around the can and add the twine as you go. It makes for a cute little planter. I even put holes in the bottom with the can opener.

That votive you see to the right I made also. I bought the motive from Dollar Tree. I placed different size rubber bands around it then sprayed it with frosted glass spray. Can't remember the technical term for it but it turns clear glass into frosted glass. Very simple. Here is a link to show you other ideas you can do with rubber bands and frosted glass spray.

Last but not least, today I finished my mosaic looking jar. All I used were items around the house such as masking tape, egg shells, glue, brown shoe polish and Mod Podge. Ok, so I didn't have Mod Podge laying around but there are so many uses for it that it was a good investment. To see step by step instructions how to do this click here.

So there you have it. My latest creations. I saw an old jar on the ground behind where I live. It's calling my name.

I Have Found My Niche

I have been wanting to craft for quite sometime now. I went to various craft sites and saw various craft ideas and often thought "I wish I could do that".  I couldn't figure out what it was I wanted to do. Did I want to craft with paper, wood,  metal, leather and then I saw it, GLASS! Painted glass, stained glass, etched glass, tall glass, short glass, well, you get the idea. I started researching all the different crafty ideas one could do with glass and knew, I had found my niche.

Now for the shopping. I need paint. Do I want flat finish paint or glossy? I need brushes. Do I want to paint my glass with brushes or do I want to spray paint? Do I want to use a jar or bowl? What colors should I use? I am so excited to get started but I must remain focused. I must make a list before going to the store. Why do I get a feeling that going into a hobby shop will be like going grocery shopping when I'm hungry.

Perhaps I will put rubber bands around a vase and then spray paint it will stain glass spray paint..

If you are thinking about crafting with glass the Dollar Tree has great prices. Like the name says, it's only a dollar. It's great if your a beginner like me and don't want to spend a lot of money on your first project.

 I can't wait to see what I do first. I will be sure to keep you posted and show you my first project with glass.