I recently heard a friend say she was in her era of play.
And I thought, yes, I can totally relate!
This is where I am now.

For a long time, my DIYs were centered on problem solving decor issues.
Or making over thrifted items to decorate my home.
The goal was a functional solution or new accessory that matched my existing style.
However, lately, my focus has been on crafting, strictly because things look like fun. Regaining that feeling of pure joy, like when I was using pins, beads and sequins on styrofoam balls at Christmas.
Or making rainbow colored potholders on a loom under the umbrella at the beach. Or using a tiny stapler and fabric scraps to make new clothes for my Dawn dolls.
Remember them?
So with that goal in mind this month alone...

- I tattooed pumpkins
- I painted a gourd for Halloween
- I used transfers to create small framed fall art
- I whipped up a glitter ghost
Each one of those project completed solely for the enjoyment of it.
Today's mummy jars are no exception.
They're the cutest Halloween decorations, ones I've seen over and over for the last decade, but never had the time to make.
But I'm so glad I made time this year.
Here are the supplies.

I often craft with ceramic mason jars for the holidays, but I don't have any clear ones...and that was the key to this Halloween lantern craft.
While the new jars didn't require any prep, my old pickle jar had a label that needed to go.


However, the back label was paper and it needed a good soaking.
Once it was wet it also peeled straight off, so I didn't need to use my peanut butter trick...but it's a good one if you have a stubborn label.

Once my jars were ready to go, I opened the gauze boxes. I only needed two for my three jars.

For the smaller jars, I did cut the gauze into thinner strips, so it wouldn't cover their entire surface.

With my supplies ready to go, I plugged in my glue gun, started wrapping the jars with gauze and secured it in place.
If you try this at home, just be mindful that the glue is hot and the gauze is thin. Even with my finger protectors I could feel the heat.

As far as the application goes, in some places I left the gauze strips flat.
In others I twisted them and in a few spots, I frayed them for a worn, tattered look.

After all, mummies are supposed to be ancient, old and definitely not bright, white, neat and sterile.
I actually even thought about using tea bags to dye the strips, at least in spots, to really age them, but I got so wrapped up in the process, I decided against it.

Now, I had a ton of eyes, in all different sizes and I thought about matching the eye size to the jar, but in the end I used the same size on all three jars.
I just preferred that look.

When I was all done, I dropped one of my favorite votives into each mummy jar and voila.

Instant Halloween decor for my home, party table or front porch.
And a quick and easy craft created just for the fun of it.

Smiling the entire time, while humming a holiday tune.
And isn't that what crafting should be all about?
Especially at Halloween.
👻
Are you a just for fun creator?
Happy Crafting, Friends!

If you’re looking for a new and easy way to remove labels from jars, mix some Oxy Clean powder in hot water and soak jar for 10 to 15 minutes. Slides right off!
ReplyDeleteGreat tip! Thanks so much.
DeleteOh my gosh Kim these are adorable. You go with your crafty self lol! Hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Kris! I have a ball with these sweet jars.
DeleteThese are adorable. I've seen them before, too, but always thought of them as kid's crafts. I never pictured them as an adult craft or as grown up home decor, but you proved me wrong.
ReplyDeleteWhy thank you! I had a feeling that they'd fit right in with the rest of my "grown up decor" as you called it. So glad you think they do!!
DeleteCute, cute, cute. Happy Halloween!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much and Happy Halloween to you, too!!
DeleteThose made me giggle right out loud. What a fun project and an unexpected little touch to your fall decor. One of my most fun things (nothing with as much work as what you did) was the window ghosts I made out of tissue paper. The kids loved making them.
ReplyDeletehttps://thenanadiana.blogspot.com/2013/10/theres-ghost-in-my-house-or-two-or-three.html
Have a wonderful upcoming weekend. xo Diana
Diana, I just peeked at that post and it was so sweet! The ghosts, the girls and your hero all ready for Halloween. It's always fun to look back and reminisce. Thanks for sharing it with me!! I hope you have a lovely weekend, too and are feeling great!! xo
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