DIY Glitter Vases
I’m
always on a lookout for interesting
objects that could be repurposed and transformed into something else. This time
I used some glass bottles I had and transformed them into cute glittering vases
for my balcony. I’m particularly excited about this DIY project because it’s so
quick and effective, and whatever you do
it really can't go wrong.
Materials and tools
Glass bottles
White spray paint
Glitter (light blue, light purple, and silver)
Mod Podge or decoupage glue
Cotton pads
Rubbing alcohol
Paintbrush
Step 1.
Before any crafting began, I prepared my bottles for painting. To remove paper stickers on the bottles I filled plastic washbowl with warm water, carefully placed the bottles inside and let them sit until water has cooled down. It took about 15 minutes. Then I thoroughly cleaned my glass bottles with warm soapy water, rinsed them well and allowed them to dry. Next, I moistened a cotton pad with rubbing alcohol and wiped over the entire glass surface. The rubbing alcohol assures me that any remaining dirt, grease or soap residue is washed away.
At last, I spray paint my bottles white. To learn how to properly spray paint different objects and materials please read my tutorial for faux metallic boxes. Anyway, I applied three coating of white spray paint to cover bottles completely and let them dry for about 30 minutes in between the layers.
Step 2.
I protected my working surface with a large piece of paper, so I can latter bent it and easily return the glitter into the package. You can use any type of glitter you want, but extra-fine glitter that can be found in the scrapbook section of an arts and crafts store will give you a more professional looking result.
Then I pour some glue into my crafting bowl. I took one bottle and cover the upper part of it with the glue. I applied glue with the brush and intentionally leave the streaks and strokes obvious in order to get the additional texture on pieces. But, if you do not want strokes to be visible use foam brush.
After the first coat was dry I applied a second coat and then generously sprinkle light purple glitter all over the glue. The first coat of glue is a primer of the surface, while the second coat will keep the glitter in place. Avoid using tacky glue, school glue, or basic white glue because they are water soluble and will not last very long. If you want for the second layer you can apply the glue to only a small patch first. This way, the glue won't dry by the time you get around to glittering it, especially if you work on the large surface. Also, you can mix glitter into the glue, but then it's not sparkly as I wanted. Depending on what brand and what type of glue you use, drying can take anywhere between 20 minutes and several hours. Read the label on your bottle of glue for more specific drying instructions. My glue was dry in 20 minutes.
From time to time I turned the bottle on its side and taped and shook it so an excess of glitter would fall off. After I covered with glitter the whole coating of glue I left bottle aside to dry. Now some bare spots become noticeable, so I'd take a thin paintbrush and carefully apply some more glue, shaken on some more glitter, then taped the excess off and again let to dry.
In the same manner, I decorated the rest of my bottles. I wanted my design uneven, but if you want to be more precise you can create a straight line(s) with masking tape. If you want to use more than one color, choose one color to start with. Apply the second coat of glue to the areas with that color first. You'll add the other color(s) after the first one dries. If you want to create a fading or ombre effect, apply the glue to the entire area you want glittering. This will help the colors blend together.
Step 3.
After everything was dry I dusted off the excess of glitter with a dry fluffy paintbrush and that way prevent the glitter from shedding during sealing. Since my bottles will stay outside I wanted them to be durable, so I used the clear acrylic spray to seal the glitter. You can seal the glitter with the Mod Podge or decoupage glue, but it wants to be durable as an acrylic spray-on sealer. Make sure that you are using a sealer with a glossy finish. If you use a matte, semi-gloss, or satin finish, your glitter will lose its sparkle. That's it! The glittery vases are done. All you have to do is to place them where you want and to add some flowers.
Sometimes crafting do not go as we planned, and that happened to me during this DIY project. I wanted to add blue glitter on my triangle bottle but I had run out of it, so, for now, it stayed bicolor. I would add the blue glitter latter when I get it. That's why I didn't seal that bottle yet. To decorate my balcony, whose walls are (as you can see on photos) painted in light blue, I added artificial flowers. I wanted to put purple flowers but I could not find any, so, until I do find them, I'll use some fuchsia ones that I already have. Oh, I almost forgot - you can insert some fairy lights into the bottles as well. Unfortunately, I could not manage to photograph my bottles during the night, but trust me - they look amazing with its subtle shine.
If you loved this DIY project, go ahead and share it with your friends on social media. Sharing will be much appreciated. And, if you make some glittery bottle vases by this tutorial show them to me on Instagram by using the hashtag #StudioArtesania.
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