When I grow up..
…I want to have an all white living room. A luxurious white couch, a plush white rug, whitewashed reclaimed wood. I’ve decided to make a one-of-a kind piece of art that I can display on a shelf or table in my white living room; a cottage chic mod podge jar. I think it could even be used as a centerpiece in a wedding.
To make things more interesting, I went with an ombre-inspired look; with the white at the top fading to gray at the bottom.
Looking for a Mother’s Day craft?
If you can’t get out to the store, you can find a plain jar or bottle and transform it into something beautiful. Use your mother’s favorite colors or hobbies (such as music) to make it more personal.
Want to do something with your kids?
If your kids can use scissors, they can go through magazines and cut out their favorite images in your theme (eg. all purple). If you don’t have magazines, construction paper will do; this is where an ombre effect would be perfect. Just use different shades, just cut out shapes or rip the paper into small (1 inch or so) pieces.
Even younger children can paint on the mod podge – you literally cannot mess it up – it dries clear, and is non-toxic. Parents should do the finishing touches to make sure the jar is covered with paper, smooth down edges, and make sure there is a final coating of mod podge.
Mod podge is so versatile.
It has infinite uses. I have used it on a mason jar to make a candle holder, on journal covers, on oversized cardboard letters, on a custom hat box.
But I think my mod podged bottles are some of my favorites. They can add a touch of whimsy to any room, and a pop of color. Plus, you can upcycle old bottles (wine and liquor bottles are great for this) and elevate them to ‘vase’ status. I’m always looking for an interesting shape or size to add to my mod podge decorative bottle collection.
This project is super easy.
The most time-consuming part of the project is cutting out all the pieces you’ll need to cover the bottle. Once that is done, the rest is a breeze. It can get a little messy, so be sure to cover your work surface (instructions in the video below).
What you need:
- a glass bottle (or a box, jar, etc)
- mod podge; and if you don’t have any at home, you can make it with glue (1c elmer’s glue to 1/3c water)
- magazine cut-outs and some tissue paper in your theme (I usually pick a color or color range for each bottle. )
- thick paintbrush
Instructions:
- Paint the mod podge generously over the bottle and place on your tissue paper to cover it. Smooth it down; I usually add extra mod podge on the edges to make sure they stay down.
- Apply mod podge to the back of each magazine cut out (or to the jar; or even to both places) and stick it to the jar. Smooth down any lumps or edges for each piece with your finger or an old credit card. Repeat until you have covered the jar or have a design you like.
- When your design is done, check for any lumps or raised edges and smooth them down as much as possible. Paint 2 thick coats of mod podge over the final design.
- Allow it to dry overnight.
You’re done!
Want more craft ideas? Check some out here. Be sure to drop us a line or share a pic of your creations!
Pro Tips
- There are other types of paper you can use for mod podge. I have even printed words on regular printer paper, cut that out and mod podged it to the bottle. Just stay away from cardstock; thinner paper is easier to smooth down.