Do you like to package homemade gifts in unique ways? Perhaps you are just looking to surround yourself with decorative items. Either way, you may want to consider embellishing a handful of glass jars with rice paper and paper cut-outs. Based on my experience, the decorative jars look great and are uncomplicated to create. Here’s how:
Supplies Needed
In order to complete this craft project, you will need a roll of rice paper, a roll of waxed paper, paper cut-outs, foam paint brushes and a container of Mod Podge. Of course you’ll also need some empty glass jars and a plastic teaspoon. In most cases, you will be able to obtain all of the previously mentioned items through major craft stores.
Add the Rice Paper
Begin by measuring and cutting your rice paper. The rice paper should ideally be 1 inch taller and ½ inch wider than the glass container itself. Next, mix 1 cup of Mod Podge with 2 cups of tap water. If you are only planning on decorating a small jar, you can always adjust the amount of Mod Podge and water solution accordingly. Just make sure that if you do so, you use the 1:2 ratio.
Next, place a sheet of wax paper onto your work counter. The wax paper should be slightly larger than the rice paper. Keep going by placing the rice paper on top of the wax paper. Then coat the entire surface of the rice paper with the Mod Podge solution.
Immediately afterward, wrap the glass jar with the rice paper. You will want to make sure that you cover every inch of the jar, except for its threads, with the rice paper. Once that’s done, set the jar thread size down, in a warm area of your home. You’ll want to leave the jar like that until the rice paper has had a chance to dry completely.
Complete the Design
Continue by affixing the paper cut-outs to the rice paper as desired. If the cut-outs start to wrinkle, curl or develop air bubbles, gently manipulate them with the back of a plastic teaspoon until the problems are resolved. Then allow the cut-outs to dry thoroughly before attempting to proceed.
Afterward, cover the glass jar’s surface with a coat of Mod Podge. Once the first layer of Mod Podge has dried, add three to five additional layers. I have found that doing so helps to preserve the glass jar’s design. When the final layer of Mod Podge has dried, your glass jar will be ready for use.
Suggested Uses
At this point, you may be wondering what to do with your decorative glass jars. I have found that they make great containers for a wide array of gift items. Products to consider placing inside the jars are homemade dips, dried seasonings, homemade candies and homemade beauty products. The decorative jars also make super flower vases and window sill decorations.
I should also mention that the decorative containers are not designed to be submerged in water or run through a dish washer. Doing so could destroy the jar’s exterior design. If you have to clean the jars, do so by hand with a soft cloth and mild cleansers.
Source: Personal Experience
More from this contributor:
Decorating Ideas for a Child’s Room: How to Make Bottle Cap Door Pulls
Create a Wine Decanter for the Holidays with Paint
Create Winter Get-Well-Soon Gift Baskets
How to Make a Lucky Angler’s Gift Basket
