Learn to do simple glass painting by experimenting on recycled jars. These painted jars can be used as decorative organizing containers, candleholders, vases or candy jars. This is a great way to keep trash out of our landfills, and they make wonderful gifts. These instructions will explain do simple glass painting on a jar to use as a candleholder.
Instructions
1. Paint the outside of the jar using white flat house paint and a sponge brush. This is an important base coat and will need to cure for several hours or overnight. Base-coat the jar two more times with the white flat house paint, allowing it to dry thoroughly between each coat.
2. Wet a sea sponge and wring it out well so that it is damp but not dripping water. Dip the sponge in an acrylic paint color you would like for your background, and lightly sponge all over the surface of the jar. Allow the paint to dry.
3. Select a design pattern for your painting from painting design books, coloring books or cookie cutter shapes. It needs to be small enough to fit on the jar's surface. Lay the jar on its side and determine the placement for your design. Lay the graphite paper over you jar with the graphite side down and place your paper design pattern on top. Trace firmly over the design with a pencil. This will transfer your design to the jar. When all of your design has been traced, remove the graphite paper and the pattern.
4. Paint the design on the jar using acrylic paints and artist's paint brushes. Allow the paint to dry. Spray the surface of the jar with the clear acrylic spray sealer and allow to dry.
5. Cut several strands of raffia, each approximately 24-inches long. Tie the raffia in a bow around the neck of the painted glass jar. Trim the ends of the bow to the desired length. Set the 2-1/2 inch clear glass votive holder in the neck of the jar, and insert a votive candle to complete the painted glass candle holder.
