Faux Mercury Glass

Faux Mercury Glass...it's gorgeous, it's EVERYWHERE, and is not cheap.  But, alas...there is a way to have it and not spend the whole bank!  Here is how I achieved this look.
I used:

• Spray bottle (filled with water) with a fine mist
• Glass item of choice
• Looking Glass Spray by Krylon (I found mine at Michaels...with coupon)

I made sure the glass was clean and dried before starting.  First I lightly misted the inside of my glass piece (you paint the inside in order to achieve that shiny look on the outside of the glass):

Then I immediately begin to spray the inside of my piece with the Krylon spray.  There runs and drips, but this is a-okay because this is what gives it that Mercury Glass look.  Here is the what the inside of mine looked like right after I sprayed it with Krylon:

You can see where the water separates from the paint...so pretty.  I let it fully dry, there were puddles of paint in the bottom, but these dried nicely.  If tilted (while there are still puddles), letting the paint run up and down the sides, there will be noticeable streaks and it won't look natural.  


Here is my end result.  It was the first attempt and turned out pretty good.  I think with a little more practice I will perfect my technique.  I feel that the finer the mist the more you achieve the Mercury Glass look:

Enjoy!

*if you are making a Faux Mercury Glass vase you will need to place a smaller container inside with your water for your flowers.  
*Do not place candles with a flame inside a piece that you have painted

Tray Insert and Staging

So I decided to buy a cute, little, 2nd hand tray for my bathroom.  I wanted something fun and "girly" to put my pretties on in my bathroom :o).

When I went to purchase this tray the man at the counter said, "There is a watermark on the bottom.".  Well, that just blew everything I wanted to do to it. I wanted to paint and antique it, but if it has a watermark it could  be worth something.  So until I research the markings... I thought I'd just shine it up and make a cute insert for it. 

So here is what I started with:

• Cardboard (I used an old box)
• Scissors
• Mod Podge
• Sponge applicator
• Scrapbook paper of choice
• Tray

First you are going to trace your cardboard around the bottom of your tray and then cut it out:

It will be a little bigger than the inside of the tray.  To help cut the extra push it down inside the tray so it fits inside on bottom kind of snug.  Run a pen around the inside edges, take carboard out and trim where your pen marks are (sorry, I forgot to take a pic. of this).  This will make your cardboard fit the inside of your tray

Next you are going to apply a layer of modge podge to the cardboard with your sponge applicator:

 Now lay your scrapbook paper over the top of your cardboard with the Mod Podge on it, smooth out your paper, and cut around the cardboard.  I suggest using a stronger cardstock, you will won't have has many bubbles and the paper is less likely to seep into the creases of the cardboard (if there are creases).

 Now you are ready to place inside your tray:

I'm happy with the results.  And, I can change the look as often as I like with different scrapbook papers (it's like cheap wallpaper, lol), and staging items (shells, flowers, candles, etc.).

If it inspires you, go out and find your little treasure and give it a whirl.

Add Color to Glass Mason Jar

So, I saw a very cute and easy way to add color to mason jars and thought I'd give it a whirl.  The instructions were super easy and it seemed pretty "fool proof".  Here is what you'll need:

Supplies:

• clear jar
• paint brush
• Mod Podge or Elmers Glue
• food coloring (green & blue)
• small plastic cup (so you can throw it away when your finished)
• plastic spoon
• Paper bag for work surface

In your plastic cup measure 1tsp. of Mod Podge (or Elmers glue)

Then add 2 drops of blue food coloring and then 1 drop of green food coloring:

Add 1-1/2tsp. of water and mix it all together with your plastic spoon:

Turn your jar upside down onto your work surface (paper bag, paper towels, etc.) then paint thin, even strokes from top to bottom.  If you put it on too thick you will have spots where it is clumpy.  The streaks disappear when it dries (unless it is painted on too thick and then it will show...take it from me, I tried to do a larger piece and felt the need to add more, ugh, wasn't pretty):

Let it dry 2 to 3 hours:

Once it is fully dry it should look something like this:

Isn't it pretty?  If for some reason you aren't happy with the way it turns out you can wash it right off with dishsoap and a paper towel, and try again.  Which means you can change your look according to seasons or whatever strikes your fancy.

This was a super easy project that didn't take a lot of prep time and could be done in a variety of colors.  Don't be afraid to take a leap and experiment, you'll feel so proud of yourself.

*Note that this application can chip or wash off, so it is best to apply to the outside.  Do not apply this to a surface where it where it would touch food.

Cute and Cheap...DIY Envelopes for..$$, Receipts, Coupons, etc...

Here is a cheap "how to" for cute envelopes.  You can use them for saving your own personal monies, or make them when you are giving money as a gift, coupons, receipts, etc.  There are lots of easy ways to jazz it up, too...ribbons, stickers, fancy closures...just let the creativity flow.

First I started with cute folders (that were on sale because all the back to schoolers were, well, back to school).  You will get two envelopes out of one folder..woo-hoo, two for one!

Open up your folder:

Next you are going to fold the top of the folder over (creasing right at the pockets, you will have overlap):

Flip the folder over once you have made your crease, and trim off the extra (you don't need the extra, but can use it to decorate coordinating folders if you would like):

Your envelope will now look like this:

Now cut on the center crease in the center of the folder making 2 money envelopes out of one folder:

The inside edges of your envelopes are going to be open, you can leave them open or close them.  I chose to close them with grommets, but you could use a hole punch and tie cute ribbons, or staple the sides (saw on pintrest that you can use a paint pen to color staples, brilliant), or even use that fancy fun duct tape they sell now (so many cute prints and patterns).  Here is a pic. of how I started mine with grommets:

So when you seam up the sides you will have a pocket that looks something like this:

Here comes the creative fun part.  You can create your own cute labels to put on the front.  Be creative, add embellishments or whatever makes you happy...what speaks to you? :o)  And voila...

Aren't they cute?!  Use these for receipts, money, coupons, whatever you can think of!  Enjoy!

A New Chapter...

So this is it.  I've finally decided to start my own blog, mainly to archive things for myself.  I love finding ways to create things for my home without having to pay big bucks or hire someone else to do it for me.


My hope is to create an easy way to display my diy projects with easy instructions and pictures.  So...lets see how this goes.