Lately, I've been working on a few projects, that I've always wanted to try, but were never at the top of the list.
I love crafting, but decorating has always been my true passion.
So naturally, I was focused on the product. The DIYs were just a means to an end.
I would make things, but only if I had a place for them in my home.
It was a lot of fun, but it was also quite limiting.
Now I have a new focus. Oh sure, I'll still be decorating, but I've also decided to create things simply because I want to try the process.
Of course, not all of my new endeavors have been successful. For example, those expensive paint inlays I tried last fall.
They were expensive, quite labor intensive and the results weren't exactly stellar. It wasn't a great start, but the product was still presentable.
Unlike my latest project...which began as a complete and utter failure.
I find that funny, because this was supposed to be a super easy craft. A total no-brainer for today's Do It Over Designers blog hop.
You see, we were asked to pull something out of the recycle bin and make it over. No problem. I would grab a jar and tint with food coloring and Mod Podge and turn it into a another decorative votive holder.
I've seen it done like a million times and it looked foolproof.
That should've been my first clue, because nothing is truly foolproof - especially for this crafting fool.
But like any good hopper, I looked for a jar, to get started. Unfortunately, I went looking a few hours after the recycling was picked up.
This should've been clue number two that I should've chosen another craft.
The Failed First Craft
Instead, I forged on and grabbed one from the fridge...
...dumped its pickled contents into another container and proceeded as if this would be a successful DIY.
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| Pickles anyone? I have plenty. 🥒 |
It peeled right off so no need to use my peanut butter trick.
Then I washed it and dried it, inside and out, until it was squeaky clean and odor free.
Next, I gathered my Mod Podge and food coloring, mixed them together in a paper cup and poured them into the jar.
I swirled the jar around for a few minutes, until every bit of glass on the inside was covered.
Then I set it upside down to dry.
Well, after several days, it still had not dried fully and on the parts that were dry, there was no color whatsoever. The jar was basically filled with a goopy, uneven, awful mess. Bummer.
That's when I went to Plan B.
Tattooed Glass Jars
Thankfully, this was also on the I want to try that craft from the master list.
You may remember that last fall I used temporary tattoos to decorate pumpkins.
I'd always wanted to decorate with temporary tattoos on glass and I figured this was my chance.
Again, I washed and dried that pink covered pickle jar.
I positioned it on the outside of my jar.
Then I laid a damp paper towel over the back of the design until it had fully released from the backing.
The paper fell away easily, revealing the tattooed glass.
Since the jar was larger than my tattoo, one sheet didn't make it all the way around. I added another on the backside to make sure the entire jar was covered with flowers.
The patterns overlapped a teeny bit, but that was ok, since it hid the seam.
Literally 30 seconds later I had a gorgeous new glass candle holder, ready to be decorated with ribbon to cover the rim.
And stuffed with some white paper shreds to make the pattern stand out more.
Ok...technically it was three days and 30 seconds later, but who's really counting?
Once I dropped one of my favorite battery operated votives inside, the memory of that first failure simply melted away.
It was just so beautiful.
I can use it for candles for sure, but since the tattoos are on the outside of the glass, this jar could also be used to store dry food or candy.
It'd also make a very pretty vase, able to hold water without damaging the food coloring tint.
So I guess my design pickle has a silver lining after all.
Although, I will be revisiting that Mod Podge craft again.
Maybe this time, I'll try a olive jar.
😉
And now my friends, we hop!
Like I said, this month Ann, our fearless leader, has challenged us all to get crafty with something from the recycle bin.
Just click on the links to see all the pretty projects!
Pandora's Box
Purple Hues & Me
Sum Of Their Stories
Vintage Style Gal
The Apple Street Cottage
Birdz Of A Feather
Little Vintage Cottage
Happy Crafting, Friends!
Despite what you thought was a rough beginning Kim, I love the way your tattooed glass jar turned out, so that beginning should stay in the rearview mirror where it belongs! So cute, and I agree, I would use it for storage again, and again, and again. Imagine the possibilities! Upcycling trash into treasures is one of my all time favorite pastimes. You rocked this idea, I love the way it lights up too.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Cara! Both projects were fun to try, but definitely the one that worked out made me so much happier! Haha! I do see more tattooed jars in my future for sure. I'd love to use some larger ones in my pantry.
DeleteI just love that you share the fail as well as the success. Sometimes a craft idea just doesn't go to plan and it's nice to know you're not alone when that happens.
ReplyDeleteI'm now thinking about a very boring plain vase I have at the back of the cupboard and wondering when I can get out to the shops to find a pretty tattoo to embellish it with. What a beautiful idea.
Thanks Julie! Yes, there are plenty of fails around here and I do try to share them, because that's real life. Sometimes you have to pivot or try again...which I will, as soon as I do a little more investigating to figure out what went wrong! Happy Weekend!
DeleteWell, there's nothing like a craft fail to lead us into a fabulous Plan B! Your jar is beautiful, Kim but I wonder what happened with the Mod Podge? Let me know how things work out with that olive jar!
ReplyDeleteWhat do they say, it’s not how many times you fall, but…something about getting back up? Apparently, it’s true for crafting, too! I wonder if it had anything to do with the temps here. It’s SOOO cold, even with the heat on, and I did move the jar to the boiler room when it wasn’t drying, so who knows. Lots of variables, including the (very remote, of course 😉) possibility of user error! I do love the tattooed version though. I have big ideas for bigger tattoo projects now! Thanks for hosting the hop!
DeleteQuick and clever idea….would be sweet filled with valentine chocolates!
ReplyDeleteYes! I agree...as a matter of fact, I already bought the candy!! And thank you!
DeleteThat anonymous comment was me….new iPad here!
ReplyDelete❤️ Oh, how fun!! Enjoy it!!
DeleteKim, your candle jar turned out really pretty! Mod podge can be tricky at times. I love that in the end, it was a quick and easy project! The temporary tattoo design you chose is absolutely gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gail! I’m glad the tattoos worked out so well, especially after my abysmal Mod Podge fail. Oh, well, you know what they say, if at first you don’t succeed…😉 Of course, I need to do more research first! Enjoy the weekend!
DeleteYour perseverence paid off; I love the look of this Kim! I would just be careful with the votive on the paper - the other day we noticed some batteries that leaked battery acid after sitting for so long, so I'd be tempted to remove the votive when it's not in use (or try it without the paper when it's on).
ReplyDeleteI love your idea of trying new crafts you haven't tried before; I'd like to try a little of that too this year.
Thanks Sara...and thanks for the word of caution! That's a good tip. These votives use button batteries, but they can leak. It's never happened to me, but I use my candles every day, so I change the batteries very frequently.
DeleteThat is a beautiful tattoo and dresses that jar up so nicely! I love that you shared the fail too - makes this all the better!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! That fail was truly unexpected, since it looked like such a simple craft. Oh well, try, try again!
DeleteSorry the paint did not work but love that you went to plan B. Mod lodge was a great idea this looks so pretty. You go with your crafty self!!! Hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteHi Kris! Thanks so much my friend. Yes, it was a total fail, but I guess that happens! I do like the tattoos though, so at least that was a win. I hope you are staying warm this weekend and doing something cozy!
DeleteWow! That is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Amy! I really like this one, too.
DeleteThis is Mari from My Little Corner - I posted the anonymous comment above because Google isn't letting me sign in. :(
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Mari! I've heard that a lot of people are having issues with comments lately. They either can't sign in, or they can't reply to comments. I hope Blogger gets it sorted out soon!!
DeleteThat looks beautiful with the tattoos on it!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joanne! It really is lovely in person, too.
DeleteThat turned out super cute! I have so many jars laying around...maybe I should do this with some of my transfers! What a great idea!
ReplyDeleteYou should, Stephanie!! I know you could make some lovely jars for your tasty treats!
DeleteIt sucks that a project that we put time and effort into doesn't work out, but your plan B project is beautiful Julie!
ReplyDeleteWell, it happens, but I'm glad the tattoos worked out. I really, really like this craft. So simple.
DeleteIt is so cute. :-)
ReplyDeleteI have painted jars, I used spray paint, it did work out. You will have to wait for summer to try that. ;-)
We are at NEGATIVE 31 below this morning.
Carla
Thanks Carla!! I haven’t tried spray paint on jars, but I have used it on other glass pieces with success. You’re right though, that’s a summer project. We’re in the negatives today as well and we are expected almost 2 feet of snow. Brrr!!!
DeleteOk, well I love the idea of recycling a glass jar because they can be used for literally anything! I need to start collecting and decorating a few to use on my new art cart. Those tattoos you used are so very beautiful (:
ReplyDeleteThese are so easy to do, Gina! You should try them…and this has made me want to collect more jars, too. Now I’m in the market for some much larger ones.
DeleteKim, the jar looks so cute with the floral tattoo and the candle. Even though you had trouble with the modge podge this craft is easier to do on the glass. Maybe the second time is the charm. Stay cozy and warm this weekend Kim.
ReplyDeleteSecond time for sure, Julie!! I’m just glad I had a backup plan. Thanks for the visit and, yes, you stay warm, too!
DeleteWow Kim, I really love your talent! This is absolutely gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeleteLinda, you are truly the sweetest!
DeleteKim that is such a pretty project for Valentines day. I don't decorate much for this. holiday but its nice to add something simple like this glass jar. I hope you are safe after this huge storm.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary! We did light this candle up for Valentine's Day...and we did get hit with another storm. The snow just keeps on coming!!
DeleteSo amaizing! I love it!
ReplyDeleteBjxxx,
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Thanks so much! Quick and easy...love that.
DeleteThanks for sharing your fail, I'm glad to know I'm not the only one that happens to! I've never used temporary tattoos, but this makes me want to try them out! It turned out so cute and would make a great Valentine's gift too!
ReplyDeleteNope, you're definitely not alone. Trust me! I would definitely try the tattoos, Donna, you will love them...and yes, we lit this candle up on Valentine's Day. It was lovely.
DeleteI agree, Plan B turned out so well it is easy to forget about the first one. Temporary tattoos as art is a wonderful idea. I pinned this idea to remember that little tip. Enjoy all the ways you can now use this upcycled jar.
ReplyDeleteThanks Donna! I'm kind of addicted to these tattoos now. They can decorate almost anything...including me! Haha
DeleteWell your failed attempt turned into a lovely tattooed result! I’m thinking it would make a darling baking soda jar for my fridge!! I’ve been looking at some cute ones on Amazon, but this jar would look adorable and functional. ❤️
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, Kitty! I might have to copy you and do the same, since now I want to tattoo every jar I can find. Haha!! Thanks for the inspiration!
DeleteI had to laugh when you spoke about some of your failures. People always ask me how I manage to come up with so many different ideas for such good food. That’s because a lot of it has gone down the drain. I’ve had some real stinkers over the years. This tattooed jar is phenomenal! I love the tattoo that you chose, it looks so spring like, and the results are amazing! Who would’ve thought?
ReplyDeleteI've had a lot of stinkers, too, Pattie, trust me. It's just easier to salvage a craft project than a recipe. You can't unmix or unbake something...but you can wash the Mod Podge out of an old jar!! Haha
DeleteOh, this is so cute! I will be honest, I am not really a crafter. Well, I diamond paint but that isn't really crafting to me. I would have never thought of using Tattoos on a jar. This is so cool!!!
ReplyDeleteOh...diamond paint! I've seen it, but haven't tried it. Now I need to go google and see if I can find a kit to try in 2026!
Delete