DIY Birthday Decor Balloon Photo Display

Birthday Party Decor PIN

Add a personal touch to your birthday party decor, with this simple, quick and inexpensive DIY balloon photo display! This project can be translated to fit any celebration or holiday. Use photos of the happy couple for a golden anniversary celebration, or for wedding reception decor. Here you will see adult female birthday party decor, but use your imagination. The possibilities are endless, especially if you have a Balloon Time Helium Tank, allowing you to bring whimsy anytime, anywhere! Let’s get this party started…

For this project, you will need the following supplies:

Balloon Time Helium Tank

Balloon Time Helium Tank

Balloons in your color choice

Ribbon to tie off balloons

Photos to display

Glue dots or adhesive of your choice

DIY Photo Display Using Balloons FB

To create your own balloon photo display, follow these instructions:

Begin by printing off your favorite photos to go with the occasion. I edited photos in Photoshop to give them a black and white, framed Instagram type feel. I created a file sized to 8.5 x 11 inches and pulled each edited photo to the new file. Then I took them to my local big box office supply store and had them print 2 copies of the file on white card stock. It was $1.40 total! Cut them out and set them aside. You have 2 prints of each photo.

Inflating Balloon

Next, turn the green valve four times, counter clockwise. Slide the balloon neck over the black nozzle.

Balloon Inflating

Simply push down on the nozzle to inflate the balloon! So simple to use and convenient to have on hand for whimsical decor, any time.

Photo Display Ideas

Tie a knot in the balloon and attach ribbon to each balloon. Now you can use glue dots to adhere photos to the ribbon. Sandwich the ribbon between the 2 copies of each photo so that when the ribbon twirls with balloon movement, there won’t be a blank side.

That is it! Go grab a Balloon Time Helium Tank and show us what unique balloon displays you can create!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Balloon Time. The opinions and text are all mine.

How to Make Jewelry From Flattened Pennies

pin-how-to-make-upcycled-jewelry-from-pennies

This post has been a long time coming. At this point, I can’t even recall what inspired me to smash pennies and turn them into jewelry, but something did and here we are. I will walk you through the interesting, not entirely legal process I used. Please note that in no way am I encouraging anyone to break the law, or to go anywhere near railroad tracks. The Midnight Rider controversy is no joke. While cute, this jewelry is not worth dying for, so be smart.

how-to-make-aa-jewelry

SUPPLIES:

Pennies or other coins

Clear masking tape

Jump rings

Jewelry Hole punch

jewelry rivets

Vintaj metal paints

Lisa Pavelka Resin Magic Glos

Magic Glos UV Resin, by Lisa Pavelka

Sizzix machine

Butterfly rings Sizzix Die

Media Mixage Triangle Dies

Media Mixage Circle Dies

Vintaj Vogue Stamping Blanks, Triangle 14mm

Your favorite embossing folders

eyelet setter

ear wire

Jewelry pliers (2 pair)

Paint brush or sponge dauber
1/4 cup white vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
Non-metal bowl
Paper towels

 

wm-aa-jewelry

TUTORIAL:

tape-pennies-to-track

This is the sketchy part. SBLC assumes no responsibility for any injuries that may occur. That said, this is also the super fun part. Tape the coins to the railroad track as shown in the photo. Not taping them just means searching needlessly after the train has passed, since they get thrown from their original location during the process. The tape keeps them in place.

pennies-after-flattening

This is what y0u will have when you retrieve your now flattened pennies. Flat, but yucky, right? No problem. To clean the little guys, pour the vinegar into the bowl and stir in salt. Put about 5 pennies into the solution and let them soak for about 10 seconds. Use a toothbrush and running water to remove debris and rinse clean.

how-to-flatten-pennies-for-free

They don’t have to be perfect.

how-to-flatten-pennies

Emboss your pennies and die cut into jewelry shapes. Here i cut the flattened and embossed pennies into circles and attached Vintaj Vogue Stamping Blanks Triangle 14mm using a rivet. Just hole punch the penny circles, insert rivet through triangle and circle, set with eyelet setter and attach jump ring and ear wires. Done!

aa-necklace-circle-triangle

For this pendant, I die cut a ring with the Sizzix butterfly rings die – a favorite die of mine. I cut a triangle with another embossed flattened penny and painted it using vintaj patina paints for metal. Once the paint was dry, I applied Magic Glos UV Resin, by Lisa Pavelka. I love the domed resin look. You can put this in direct sunlight to cure, or cure it in 10 minutes using Lisa Pavelka’s UV light. I went the 10 minute route! It’s been awhile since I used that stuff, and I forgot how fun it is.

upcycled-coin-pendant-jewelry-tutorial

This piece is comprised of a Vintaj metal blank (the background circle) and a flattened penny triangle that I painted with Vintaj Patina. I didn’t seal it. I enjoy the simplicity of the circle/triangle, and love the colors together. After applying the paint, go over the triangle lightly with medium grit sand paper to reveal the raised areas created by embossing previously.

Visit here for more RESIN JEWELRY TUTORIALS

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What do you think? Do you have a less illegal method for flattening pennies? Can your rope your husband into doing it for you, like I did?

You can use any coin, by the way. I just like copper.

I’d love to see what you can do with flattened coins. If you don’t have a die cut machine, you can cut shapes with metal shears or tin snips for your own custom creations! Happy crafting!

How to Build a Dog Feeding Station

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of DAP Products Inc. for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

How to Build a Dog Feeding Station

Today you get free woodworking plans and distressed painting instructions to build this custom dog feeding station. All of the wood in this project was scored in the Craigslist free section. I literally stalk this section daily, which has paid off in spades over the years!

Saint Bernarnd Puppy

This project is for our friend’s irresistibly adorable Saint Bernard puppy, Willy (above). You can easily adjust the height to fit your animal just right. This was my first time using DAP® RapidFuse™ Wood Adhesive, which I am excited about for many reasons. You will be too! Let’s get started.

Tools and Materials list:

Identical food and water bowls (They don’t have to be the same size as ours, but need to fit in the space                               dictated by the width of the wood you are using for the top).

DAP® RapidFuse™ Wood Adhesive

¾ inch finished-one-side plywood – 10 feet

Kreg Jig and 1.5 inch Kreg screws

1.5 inch x 0.25 inch trim strips (Or desired wood for trim)

Glue, Pencil, paper, Scissors

Table saw and Jig Saw

Nail gun

Drill

Craigslist free section gave us a section of ¾ quarter inch finished plywood in perfect shape. The piece was dry, flat, hole-free, and large enough to cut out all the pieces.

  1. The first thing to do is to build the basic box using the ¾ plywood. Here are the dimension for each piece:

(2 Pieces) Front/Back – 12” x 23”

(2 Pieces) Sides – 12” x 12”

(1 Piece) Top – 12” x 21.5”

  1. Cut Bowl opening in Top.

Willy’s bowls were the stainless steel, slightly tapered ones with a little ¼ inch lip around the top edge. The trick is to cut the opening so that it is large enough that the bowl slips all the way down in but small enough that it catches the lip of the bowl. Seems simple but because of the slight taper it is a little tricky. Here’s the way I found easiest.

Woodworking project plansGet the bowl into position. For mine each bowl opening ended up being 3.25 inches apart in the center and 7.5 inches in diameter. You can set them however you want visually. Once in place, trace a line around the upside down bowls.

Drill hole for Jig Saw

Use your drill and drill a hole inside the circle large enough for your jig saw blade to pass through.

Insert Jigsaw blade

Using your jig saw cut out the circle you traced on to the top. The trick is to cut the opening so that it is large enough that the bowl slips all the way down in but small enough that it catches the lip of the bowl. If you prefer not to eyeball it, draw a circle inside the traced circle. If you’re like me, I had to do a little finishing touch with the saw and the sandpaper, in order to get the bowls to sit down nicely in the hole. BE CAREFUL don’t get happy with the cutting and make the hole too big. You don’t want the bowl to fall through!

  1. Drill Kreg holes into each piece as follows:

          TopKreg Hole Placement for Top Piece
                                                                                  SidesKreg Hole Placement for sides of holder

Use Kreg Jig to Join Wood

For more info on using this jig, see my previous post: How to Make a Pallet Sign Using a Kreg Jig

  1. Assembly – Time to put it all together and talk about wood glue!

Wood Glue Tips

I had the opportunity to try out DAP® RapidFuse™ Wood Adhesive, and I won’t go back to other wood glues! After just 30 minutes, you can plane, sand and stain wood. No more waiting 24 hours. No more not being able to stain. The stuff is also water resistant, so it’s great for indoor and outdoor projects. The joint is stronger than with yellow glue or polyurethane glue, and doesn’t swell, shrink or crack! There is no other glue like it. Seriously.

Wood Glue Application

Apply a line of glue on the side piece.

Attach with Kreg Jig

Attach the side pieces to the front piece first using the 1.5 inch Kreg screws.

Next, attach the TOP piece so that it sits inside the sides and flush with the top edge of the front piece. Also attach the top to the side pieces.

Lastly, attach the back piece in the same way you did the front piece.
Attach top last

Now you have a box that is extra sturdy, with a recessed top that has holes in it to sit the bowls.

Attach Mitered Trim

    1. Trim – We decided to cut mitered trim pieces around the perimeter of the Top to cover the little seam and just add a little “finished” look. It’s totally optional. We make our own trim board by using the table saw with the fence set to about ¼ inch and then we rip 1.5 wide boards. You can buy trim board already cut if you prefer. We also mitered the corners but you can butt them if you don’t have confidence in your mitering skill. Just do it like you’re cutting a picture frame and attach it to the box with glue and then small brads in the nail gun.

Sand edgesBefore painting, sand any uneven areas.How to Chalk Paint Distress Wood

    1. Paint – We wanted a distressed look, and decided to go with a stained top, painted bottom. This is a super easy paint distressing technique that you can apply to any project.

Stain top

I stained the top with Wood Finishing Cloths. These are super convenient as they aren’t as messy as using stain from a can, and they contain sealant!

Dry Brush for DIY Weathered Wood Finish
Tape off the top (pictured below). Apply your first base coat color randomly on all sides. This is fun because you paint in every which way, quickly and messily!

Dry Brush on Second Color

Once the first color is dry, apply the second color in the same fashion. I realized at this point I needed to tape off the top so I wouldn’t get paint on the stained area.

Apply Final Paint Color with Wooden Block

A block of wood is a great tool for creating a chippy paint look. You can use a piece of scrap wood, or this fancy distressing tool with a handle. Just get a glob of paint on the wood, and drag it across your surface, repeating until you are happy with the result.

Create Stencil with Cricut and Paint Name

Finally, I created a stencil with my cricut machine and cut it out of white contact paper. I used a dark gray/black chalk paint for this part, applying it with a paint dauber.

DIY Dog Feeding Station Tutorial

Seal as desired and you are finished!

How to Make a Dog Feeding Station FB

Thanks to DAP for the great new woodworking product. I will be keeping up with them here: DAP Facebook, and for sure using RapidFuse in my future builds!

Visit Sponsors Site

Upcycle Coffee Sleeves into Gorgeous Jewelry

How to Make Gorgeous Jewelry From Coffee Sleeves @savedbyloves

Today I am sharing with you this great coffee sleeve upcycle. With the amount of coffee I drink, the sleeves were starting to pile up. I saved them, knowing one day, inspiration would strike and I would repurpose them. The idea to create jewelry from them came to me over the weekend as I was sorting through my Sizzix dies. These are easily customizable to coordinate with any style. Follow along and make your very own!

SUPPLIES:

upcycled jewelry tutorial

Coffee Sleeves

Acrylic Paint (I used Distress Paint)

Asymmetric Rings Sizzix Die

Butterfly and Rings Sizzix Die

Mod Podge Antique

Non-Stick Craft Mat

Markers to coordinate with paint(I used Distress Marker – Vintage Photo)

Jump rings

Toggle clasp

Ear wires

2 pairs of jewelry pliers

INSTRUCTIONS:

2 Repurpose jewelry

Unfold coffee sleeve.

3 Upcycled Jewelry Tutorial

Randomly apply your favorite acrylic paint colors.

4 Jewelry Making Tutorial

I went for a warm and cool color range.

5 DIY Jewelry

Once paint is dry, cut out rings with sizzix as shown. If you don’t have a sizzix, you can cut by hand, or use paper punches.

6 How to Seal Paper Jewelry

Seal pieces for durability. I dipped them in Mod Podge antique finish.

7 Upcycled Jewelry Ideas

Brush away excess Mod Podge and let dry.

Distress Paper Edges

Mark around the inner and outer edges of the rings. On the left is before marking, the two on the right have been marked around the edges.

9 Attach rings with jump rings

Use various jump rings to attach rings for earrings and bracelets as shown.

Upcycled Earrings from Coffee Sleeves

How to Make Cardboard Jewelry

Jewelry from Coffee Sleeves

I am in love with these pieces! Super easy and cheap to make. You could also use the die cut coffee sleeve shapes in your mixed media art.

Easy DIY Graphic Christmas Ornaments

 

Make Gorgeous Holiday Ornaments with @plaidcrafts @savedbyloves

This post is brought to you by Plaid and Blueprint Social. All opinions are my own.

It is the most wonderful time of the year, and that means hands everywhere are covered in glitter and Mod Podge. Mine are no different. Yours shouldn’t be either. I am here to help you out with that by sharing how to make these beautiful graphic holiday ornaments in just a few simple steps. Personalize them as great gifts and keepsake ornaments for your friends and loved ones that will be cherished for years to come. But wait, there is more…other awesome things about this project are the fact that it is super inexpensive to create, and features Plaid’s new Mod Podge Pearl formula!

DIY Vintage Christmas Ornament

SUPPLIES

Plaid Holiday Ornament Challenge Supplies

Mod Podge Pearl

Folk Art Multi-Surface Paint in your favorite holiday colors

Foam Brushes

White Christmas Ball Ornaments to decorate

White Tissue Paper

Alphabet or word stamps of your choice &/0r rub-on transfer letters

Empty bottle with small mouth to hold ball while drying

Masking Tape

Staz-On Black Ink Pad

TUTORIAL

Dip ornament in paintClean ornament with rubbing alcohol and lint free cloth and let dry. Tape off ornament top third or so and dip in multi-surface paint.

Color Block OrnamentsShake and tape ornament to move paint around to cover entire surface of untaped portion of ball.

Is it just me, or does this look like dijon mustard?

Dry Ornament on Bottle

Place ball as shown in empty bottle and let dry overnight or for several hours.

How to Apply Rub on Transfer

Apply rub-on transfer with craft stick. It is helpful to cut out the letter or word before applying so you aren’t trying to maneuver a bulky sheet.

Easy DIY Christmas Decor

That is that for the color block ornaments. Now for the pearlized monogram ball…

Stamp on White Tissue Paper

Stamp desired letter onto white tissue with StazOn ink or other solvent based ink.

Stamped image transferTear letter out by hand to leave feathered borders (as opposed to cutting with scissors).

How to Image TransferPaint entire ornament with a layer of pearl Mod Podge, place letter, then paint a layer of Mod Podge over the top of the tissue paper. Take care not to rip the monogram.Mod Podge Pearl Christmas Ornament TutorialHang ornament to air dry. Add another coat of pearl finish Mod Podge and let dry.
DIY handmade Christmas Ornaments

That’s it! Do you love the pearl finish? Of course you do. It is elegant with an aged feel. It looks great with the glittery gold and silver metallic finishes too.

DIY Christmas Ornaments

 Find more ideas and inspiration by visiting Plaid:

Pinterest

Facebook

Instagram

Plaid Website

Make Easy Earrings From Upcycled Fabric

How to make earrings

Not only are these earrings easy to make and cute, they are upcycled from some super meaningful fabric.  I created them from one of my beloved grandpa’s many handkerchiefs, soon after his passing. Whipping the cloth out of his pocket, he gently wiped away the tears from his loved ones eyes, and eliminated runny noses with joy. A single hanky is big enough to fashion several pairs, so the women in our family all have a wearable reminder of the best man to ever live (yes, I am biased, but also, he was the best)! Today I am going to show you how to make your own version in just a few simple steps. They would be cute fashioned from old jeans, your favorite shirt, your grandpa’s hanky, or just about any fabric you want. Let’s do this!!

How to Make Easy Upcycled Hanky Earrings @savedbyloves

SUPPLIES:

How to Make Memory Earrings

White handkerchief or fabric of your choice

Organza or Tulle

Metal Eyelets

Crop-a-Dile

Metal chain small enough to fit through eyelet

Metal washer from hardware store that eyelet will fit in and not slide through when set

Ear Wire from Vintaj

Tonic Scissors

Jewelry pliers (2 pairs)

-side note: I gave my grandpa the book Between Me and You GRANDPA, he filled it out completely, and it is a blessing beyond words. My most valued possession, for sure.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Use Spray Inks to Color Hanky

Spray fabric if desired. I went with a fall color palate using the spray inks shown. Let air dry for a couple of hours, then set by drying in machine on high heat for 5 minutes.

Make a Square Template From Cardstock

Make a square template from card stock about 1.5 inches wide and long (yeah, a square).

Cut Squares from fabric and organza

Cut several squares from your fabric of choice using the template as a guide. I cut some from tulle in addition to the hanky.

Hole Punch Center of Template

Hole punch center of template with Crop-a-Dile

Hole Punch Center of Fabric

Hole punch center of fabric using template as a guide. You can hole punch several squares at the same time, depending on the thickness of your fabric.
Make a Sandwich from Fabric Squares with Washer in the MiddleMake a sandwich from fabric squares with washer in the middle. I used 3-4 squares on each side of the washer. The purpose of the washer is stability and weight.
Use Crop a Dile to Set EyeletUse Crop-a-Dile to set eyelet.

https://savedbylovecreations.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Insert-Metal-Chain-Through-Eyelet.png

Insert chain about 3 inches long through eyelet.

Use Jewelry Pliers to Add Ear Wire

Make a loop from the chain, using ear wire to join both the chain loops on each end. You are finished!

DIY Upcycled Fabric Earrings

DIY Upcycled Fabric Earrings from Hanky @savedbyloves

I love having something so reminiscient of my grandfather to wear, not that I need it to remember him. He is everywhere and I am blessed! I love you, Pa. And now the flood gates are open.

Here is to grandfathers everywhere! May you cherish every moment with yours.

 

Easily Make Gorgeous Epoxy Clay Crystal Jewelry

How to Make Gorgeous Epoxy Clay Crystal Jewelry Square @savedbyloves

I went to CHA 2014 in Anaheim California, where epoxy clay jewelry was all the rage. I didn’t see what was so great about it, or why I would use it instead of polymer clay. It took me almost two years to get on board. Now I am a full fledge fanatic. The stuff is wonderful for embedding crystals and other small embellishments, since it is a strong adhesive. No glue is necessary, nor does it need to go in the oven. Once you mix the two parts, it starts to set and cures on its own without heat. Today I am sharing these gorgeous, blingy earring and pendant sets! My friend created hers and has zero experience with jewelry making or clay of any kind.  They came out beautifully, proving no prior knowledge is necessary!

DIY Easy Epoxy Clay Crystal Jewelry

SUPPLIES:

Supplies for Epoxy Clay Earrings

Epoxy Jewelry Clay (we used Silver Crystal Clay)

Beeswax coated toothpick (comes with Crystal Clay Kit) or my favorite tool for picking up small beads and embellishments, Crystal Katana

Crystal Chatons or flat backed Swarovski

Round Pendant Bezels

Ear wire or 20-22 gauge jewelry wire to create your own ear wire

Two pair flat nose jewelry pliers

Jump rings

Rattan cord or other necklace chain

Vinyl or latex protective gloves

INSTRUCTIONS:

Supplies for Epoxy Clay Jewelry

Mix clay according to instructions, equal parts of the two components and wearing gloves.

Embed Crystal Chatons into Epoxy Clay copy

Fill bezel flush with top.

Embed Crystals into Epoxy Clay

Add crystals in desired design with tool.

DIY Copper Crystal Epoxy Clay Earrings

Once cured (overnight) add ear wires with jewelry pliers and add chain or cord to pendant.

DIY Epoxy Clay Crystal Jewelry

Don’t they look so complicated, fancy and expensive?! Well, they aren’t. Your dog could probably make them.

DIY Easy Epoxy Clay Crystal Jewelry

I have gotten so many compliments already!

How to Make Gorgeous Epoxy Clay Crystal Jewelry @savedbyloves

Check out our other jewelry projects here:

Saved By Love Creations Jewelry Tutorials

Epoxy Clay DIY Patriotic Filigree Earrings

DIY Epoxy Resin Filigree Patriotic Earrings

DIY patriotic jewelry is a tradition here at Saved By Love Creations! For this pair I combined my newest obsession – epoxy clay – with metal filigree, to create these lovely, star spangled pieces. This project is super easy, so lets get started.

DIY Patriotic Earrings @savedbyloves

Supplies:

Epoxy Resin Mold

Martha Stewart Silicone Star Mold

Epoxy Clay (Martha Stewart shown here)

Metal Filigree

Ear wires

Metal Chain

Jump rings

Charms

Tim Holtz Distress Embossing Powder

White Embossing Powder

Heat tool or Melting Pot

Red Acrylic Paint (I used Vintaj Patina)

Antiquing Glaze

Small Paint Brush

Paper Towel

Latex gloves

Two pairs of jewelry pliers (flat or needle nose)

Instructions:

Silicone Resin Mold

Make the Stars

Mix equal parts of the epoxy clay per instructions, with gloved hands. Here I used Martha Stewart’s clay. I also like Crystal Clay and Envirotex Epoxy Clay.

Press Clay into silicone mold, making sure to push it down into the corners of the stars. Smooth out back of star with wet fingertip to avoid fingerprints.

Let the stars cure overnight, and paint as desired with acrylic paint. I left the blue stars as is, and for the red, I used the Vintaj Patina in red. I antiqued all of the stars with antiquing medium, applying it with a paintbrush and wiping it away with a paper towel while still wet.

Color the Filigree

Use red and white embossing powder to coat the filigree as shown in this Vintaj video:

Epoxy Resin Jewelry Tutorial

Adhere stars to colored filigree with a small amount of epoxy clay or strong jewelry glue.

Easy Epoxy Clay Jewelry DIY Patriotic Earrings @savedbyloves

Attach ear wires and charms and you are set!

Easy Epoxy Clay Jewelry DIY Patriotic Earrings @savedbyloves Pin

Remember Patriotic Earrings from prior years:

Pottery Barn Knock Off $3 Sea Glass Votives

Pottery Barn Knock Off With Dollar Store Supplies @savedbylovesI have been out of the creative groove, dealing with some life stuff, and I can’t tell you how happy I am to be sharing with you again! Punctuating the blog break is a super cheap, easy sea glass hanging votive holder tutorial. Why do you care? I will give you three reasons. First, they are awesome… duh. Second, they are a full blown dollar store craft, yay! Finally, I knocked them off from Pottery Barn’s Sea Glass Hanging Votives for a fraction of their cost. Mine… $3 plus stuff I had on hand. Theirs… $60 and no bragging rights. You can put that $57 you saved towards a backyard soiree, complete with stylish ambiance handmade by you!

Supplies:

Dollar Store Glasses

Grab glass holders like these. I got them at Dollar Tree.

Martha Stewart Glass Paint Frost:in sea glass colors (blues, aquas, white)

Rubbing Alcohol

Vinyl or latex gloves

Lint Free Towel

Cosmetics sponges

Votives

Mason Jar Hanging Lantern Wire

Jar Wire Hangers (I got mine at Joann’s, but here are some on Amazon)

*If your containers are spherical without a neck like one of mine pictured, you will need to drill holes in the glass, which I showed you here: How to Drill Holes in Glass

*In this case, or if your glass holders are too large for the wire hangers you can purchase, or if you want to save $, you will need to make your own wire hangers (I cover that below). For that you will need:

DIY Hanging Lanterns

Pliers

Wire Cutters or Metal Snips if your hanger is to hard to cut with wire cutters

Wire clothes hanger or craft wire 16 gauge

Instructions:

PAINTING THE GLASS

How to Make Hanging Votive Lanterns9

Clean the surface of the glass with rubbing alcohol and a lint free towel or paper towel. Make sure to wear gloves. You want to get rid of fingerprints and refrain from touching the glass with your bear hands after cleaning it. The glass paint needs a clean, oil free surface for maximum adherence.

How to Make Hanging Votive Lanterns11

For this lantern, I mixed frosty white and glossy aqua. Apply several thin layers with a soft brush or cosmetic sponge, allowing 30 minutes of dry time between layers. I did two coats with the above mixture, then I used frosty “Surf” on the bottom third for layer three. I went over the entire piece with frosty white to blend and create the ombre effect.

*With glass paint, the key is patience and faith. It will look like crap until it dries…

martha stewart glass paint

I told you. Here I used a soft brush, then remembered why I prefer cosmetic sponges with glass paint. I switched to the sponge for the rest of the layers. It looks awful regardless of what you use, until it dries and evens.

*For more tips and details on glass paint technique:

 Recycled Wine Bottle Address Lantern DIY

Once you have painted your glass holders, let them dry overnight before moving on to the next step:

ADDING THE WIRE HANGER

How to Make Hanging Votive Lanterns8

For all of my hanging votive holders except for the spherical one and the white one, I used these purchased wire jar hangers. They are super handy and I had them in my stash.

As I said in the supplies section, you can make your own version to save cash, if your holder is too big for the mason jar version, or if you have a container with no “lip” to rest on the wire.

DIY Hanging Lanterns

This holder was to large in diameter for the mason jar sized wire hanger. To start, I cut the top off the hanger with metal snips. You can use craft wire and wire cutters just as well. The hanger wire was super hard and difficult to cut and shape, but I couldn’t resist the repurpose. Next time I will go with a thicker gauge craft wire.

How to Make Hanging Votive Lanterns

Begin at one of the two “V” angles.

How to Make Hanging Votive Lanterns2

Form a loop by pulling the right wire under the left wire as pictured.

How to Make Hanging Votive Lanterns3

Bend the left wire just under the loop, and pull the under and back over it above the bend you made (see photo).

How to Make Hanging Votive Lanterns4

Use your glass to shape the wire. When you get to the side opposite your loop, trim the tails of your wire leaving 1.5 inches extra on one tail and about 0.5 inches on the other.

In retrospect, I should have made the wire for this before painting it, as I nicked it in a couple of places. Don’t make my same mistake. It’s easily avoidable.

How to Make Hanging Votive Lanterns5

One the longer tail, bend the wire and wrap the end around a pen or dowel to create a loop as shown.

Bend the other tail so that it sticks up, perpendicular to the wire as shown.

How to Make Hanging Votive Lanterns8

This diagram may help. The perpendicular tail you just made slides over the wire just under the loop from the previous step to secure the hanger around the neck of the container.

How to Make Hanging Votive Lanterns6
Make a handle with a piece of wire by forming a “U” shape with a loop at each end. Leave the handle loops open enough to slide into the neck piece loops.

How to Make Hanging Votive Lanterns7
Assemble as pictured and hang!

Make Dollar Store Sea Glass Votives

I love them! These are perfect for wedding receptions and festivities of all kinds. Best of all, they are charming and cheap.

Pottery Barn Knock Off Sea Glass Votives DIY

This is the Pottery Barn version. I went a little frostier because I like that look. You could use transparent gloss to achieve the look of the blue PB version pictured.

DIY Dollar Tree Sea Glass Votives

You may want to check out our 50+ DIY Lanterns for more fun lighting ideas:

 

 

30 Plus Free Spring Crochet Patterns

30 Plus Free Spring Crochet Patterns from @savedbylovesThe fact that winter is coming to an end doesn’t mean it’s time to put away the yarn. Today’s round-up is full of beautiful free spring crochet patterns. You’ll find everything from Easter decor to spring scarves and more. Enjoy!


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