DIY Beach Glass Jars & Bottles

It’s summertime, one of my favorite times to decorate.  I love the casual beach cottage look.  One thing that gives you that relaxed coastal feel is beach glass. You can find these bottles and jars in flea markets, thrift shops, online, etc. Or you can make your own. 



I have been hoarding collecting my old salsa and pasta sauce jars and glass bottles lately and this was the perfect project to get them out of the cabinet.  I have seen several blog posts about how to do this.  There were various methods shown from painting inside the bottle or jar, oven-baked paint, and using actual glass paint.  Some of them were absolutely amazing.  Some of them were not.  One thing I noticed is that they either looked totally transparent (like a blue Ball jar, which I do love) or were not translucent.  True “sea glass” is colored and catches the light but has a certain frostiness about it.



That’s what I wanted.  This is how I did it:

DIY Beach Glass

 

 

Supplies:

• Blue & Green Food Coloring ( I used the Neon colors from McCormick just because I like how intense the color is)
• School Glue
• Dish Liquid
• Water
• Paint Brush
• Glass Jars, Bottles, etc.

 

 

 

Directions:

• Start with clean, dry glass bottles and jars and prepare your workspace (put down some old newspaper or something!).

• Mix the school glue and water as if you were making homemade mod podge.  WHAT?  You don’t know how to make your own mod podge?  So easy!  Just mix 2-3 parts glue to 1 part water.  That’s it!

 

• Add a few drops of blue and green food coloring.  Add more blue or green depending on your preference.
• Add just a little dish liquid.  How much is just a little…well, not too much!

• Blend well. I just like to say that.  It makes me feel like I’m making some special recipe.

• Now, carefully paint the mixture onto the outside of the glass and let it dry.  Watch out for being too streaky or leaving drips.  Don’t worry, if you mess up – just wash  and start over.
• Enjoy!

One thing I should mention is you can put water inside for fresh flowers.  You just have to be VERY careful not to get it wet on the outside. 

Also, this is a great technique because there is no commitment.  Maybe during the summer you want pretty beach glass but during the fall you want jars to fill with Halloween candy or whatever.  Just wash and the jars are as good as new. 

They look great in a grouping or alone, in a windowsill, as a centerpiece, on a shelf, pretty much anywhere.

  







See, wasn't that easy (not to mention free if you have everything on hand)?  Go grab your bottles and jars and give them a new beachy look!

 

Tiered Dessert Tray

I have been meaning to show this to you for a while but you know how it is when you get busy! A few months ago, my microwave died.  It just quit.  It was for the best though because I love my new microwave,  a pretty stainless steel GE model and it led me to come up with this. 


When I tossed out the old microwave, I didn’t want to throw out the glass plate inside.  It seemed such a waste.  So, what I did was get two of these glass candleholders (you can find these for $1 at the dollar store or even cheaper at thrift stores) and glued (with amazing Goop) one to the bottom of the microwave plate. 


Then I turned the other one upside down and glued it to the top of the microwave plate.  I had another smaller glass tray used for candles but I no longer use it. I glued it to the second candleholder.

Voila- a pretty tiered dessert tray!  It’s perfect for displaying cupcakes, cookies,and other yummy treats.

On display here are the cupcakes I made for the kids on Friday for their afterschool snack.

I just used white cake mix and egg whites (no yolks) for a fluffy white cake, vanilla frosting, and sprinkles (for those who like sprinkles). The cupcake liners came from the dollar store.  They were devoured shortly after these photos were taken.

Please see my link party list for all of the other great parties I will be linking this post to!

Basket of Flowers Spring Door Decor

While thrifting, I came across this wall pocket basket. It was a thin metal basket with chipped paint filled with Christmasy floral stuff but I figured I could yank it out and add some spring stuff.  After all, it was only $2. 



When I got it home and tried to remove the old greenery, I had quite a time.  Instead of regular floral foam inside, there was this thick, white styrofoam that had obviously been glued in with super strong cement. 


I had to get out a screwdriver and dig this stuff out.  There was white styrofoam snow flying everywhere.  I finally got most of it out. I saved the little Christmas time picks and pieces.  (I can probably use them for something when that time of year rolls around again.)  I added some dollar store flowers and arranged them as best as I could and hung it on the door.  I didn’t even bother to repaint the thing.  I hung it with a 3M command hook (love those things).  

It definitely looks like spring with all of the bright colors.  I LOVE that it covers up this ugly little diamond shaped window.  That makes me happy. 

I can also change out the floral pieces inside the basket to suit whatever season or holiday.  Easy as Pie!  It is a nice change from the usual wreath.  I may still make a wreath and hang it at the back door but I like having something a little different! 

What do you think?  How are you welcoming spring to your door?