Here's a clever, inexpensive fall project for anyone who wants something autumnal for the mantle or table---faux 'stained glass' Mason jars. Here's a picture of the finished project.
To work your 'stained glass' magic you need the following: a Mason jar (or other glass jar), Mod Podge (available at Michael's Craft store), a small paint brush, colorful fall napkins and spray gloss polyurethane.
For the gloss spray I like the Ultra Clear 2X from Rustoleum.
Here are the napkins I used. The leaf napkins came from the Dollar Tree. The 'Give Thanks' ones were purchased at Michael's.
First you'll need to separate the backing layer from the front of the napkin. Don't worry if you make some small tears on the edge of the napkin while doing this. You'll be forgiven.
Using the small brush, smear Mod Podge all over the jar leaving the rim of the jar Mod Podge-less. I used wax paper to protect my tabletop from three blobs of Mod Podge.
Carefully lay your sticky jar on the napkin that's been placed face down on a table, taking care to center the words (or not....whatever). If there are no words on your napkins, so much the easier.
Wrap the napkin around the jar. Don't worry about any small creases that may be appearing---they are part of 'The Effect'.
Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge over the top of the napkin, making sure that the napkin is stuck good and tight to the jar. You can tear off small pieces of any left over napkin and layer them over the jar using more Mod Podge. This adds to the 'aged' effect. Let dry. (Wash out your brush--do not let it dry. Speaking as an artist, this step is very important.) Don't worry about the extra napkin that's hanging around the rim of the jar. That will be torn off once the jar is dry.
Go have some coffee, do the laundry, vacuum and then check on your jar. If it's not dry yet, have another cup of coffee.
Take your now dry jar into the back yard, garage or driveway. Give it a nice spray of gloss polyurethane. Leave it to dry. Check your email, pet the dog, check the chickens for eggs.
When the jar is dry, gently tear off the extra paper, tie on a cinnamon stick with a piece of raffia and screw on a jar ring, if desired. I sprayed my jar rings with Rustoleum brown primer to give them a vintage, rusted look. Fill jar with an inch or two of popcorn (unpopped) and set in a votive candle or tea light. Viola! C'est Fini!
Here are some more pics of my jars.
You can just make out the "Kerr Self Sealing" impression on the jar.
Of course this project can be adapted to suit any holiday, baby shower, wedding reception, birthday, etc., etc........................
Send me a picture of your finished jar and I'll share it here on the blog!
