Upcycled glass coffee jar using Henna Flourish stamps, Nuvo embossing powders & the NEW nuvo crystal drops
Sadly my blog has been neglected of late but that's because I have
been a busy bee helping to make samples for Tonic Studio's 1st
Anniversary at Hochanda ... boy oh boy are you all in for a treat!
Anyways before I share the aforementioned projects, I was asked by a fellow crafter, (Karen), to explain how I made my upcycled coffee jar in to a decorative light. The project came about as I wanted to showcase the new Nuvo drops on a diverse media - glass in this instance - and their perfect partner for this project, Henna Flourish stamps from the Delicate Detail collection. They work seamlessly together don't you think?
After thoroughly cleaning the jar, came my next dilemma ... how to get clear images on to a curved surface. I tried quite a few different ways to stamp the images: rock-a-block, stamp platform, using my hand/fingers ... I finally found one that worked for me ... my fingers! I used sticky tape to create a loop for my fingers, inked the stamp and then could put the image where I wanted it. I found this way, for me, worked the best as I was applying even pressure when stamping.
Next dilemma - should the jar be upright when stamping, on it's side stationary or another way? For me, I found it easier to place the jar stationary on it's side, however I did nestle the jar in a cloth or small pillow to stop it rolling! It also allowed me to have a 'free hand' to steady the jar, (just in case). Another added bonus was that I could move the cloth/pillow to where I want it to be and still have the jar in a static position.
One of the brilliant things about stamping on to glass or acetate is you can wipe away any errors whilst the ink is still wet, so no panic if the image doesn't come out crystal clear. I found I had to use an anti-static bag but instead of wiping the glass with it, I discovered that I achieved a clearer stamped imaged, if I 'pounced', (tapped), the bag as more chalk dust appeared to stick to the glass. I stamped each image, embossed and then repeated the process. It was a little time consuming but I quickly realised it helped me see where there were gaps that needed filling.
Side note: I stamped with Nuvo Hybrid clear ink.
I deliberately over stamped the design - as to hide any mistakes because it then makes them harder to spot 😏 When I was happy with the design, I drilled a hole in the bottom of the glass to feed the lights through.
Finally it was adding all the Nuvo drops and as a final finishing touch, adding a sequin to the centers of each mandala design. To keep the lights from overflowing, I also decorated the lid too. As it was also an area that the light could flood out, it was great to have it match with the jar.
... lights on ... lights off ....
It was great fun making the light and although the stamping at times could be a little frustrating, it was incredibly rewarding too. Remember there are no mistakes in creating, just another unique design opportunity.
One jar down, several dozen to go ...! What's been your favourite piece of upcycling? Do share by leaving a link in the comments below ,
Lou
x x x
Products and links - click on photos below :
Challenges:
Alphabet challenge - anything but a card
Crafting with friends - anything goes
Creative Artiste - anything mixed media goes
Creative Fingers - anything goes
QKR Stampede - anything goes
Simply Papercrafts - anything goes
More Mixed Media - anything goes
Try it on a Tuesday - upcycle something
Crafter's Castle - anything goes
Anyways before I share the aforementioned projects, I was asked by a fellow crafter, (Karen), to explain how I made my upcycled coffee jar in to a decorative light. The project came about as I wanted to showcase the new Nuvo drops on a diverse media - glass in this instance - and their perfect partner for this project, Henna Flourish stamps from the Delicate Detail collection. They work seamlessly together don't you think?
After thoroughly cleaning the jar, came my next dilemma ... how to get clear images on to a curved surface. I tried quite a few different ways to stamp the images: rock-a-block, stamp platform, using my hand/fingers ... I finally found one that worked for me ... my fingers! I used sticky tape to create a loop for my fingers, inked the stamp and then could put the image where I wanted it. I found this way, for me, worked the best as I was applying even pressure when stamping.
Next dilemma - should the jar be upright when stamping, on it's side stationary or another way? For me, I found it easier to place the jar stationary on it's side, however I did nestle the jar in a cloth or small pillow to stop it rolling! It also allowed me to have a 'free hand' to steady the jar, (just in case). Another added bonus was that I could move the cloth/pillow to where I want it to be and still have the jar in a static position.
One of the brilliant things about stamping on to glass or acetate is you can wipe away any errors whilst the ink is still wet, so no panic if the image doesn't come out crystal clear. I found I had to use an anti-static bag but instead of wiping the glass with it, I discovered that I achieved a clearer stamped imaged, if I 'pounced', (tapped), the bag as more chalk dust appeared to stick to the glass. I stamped each image, embossed and then repeated the process. It was a little time consuming but I quickly realised it helped me see where there were gaps that needed filling.
Side note: I stamped with Nuvo Hybrid clear ink.
I deliberately over stamped the design - as to hide any mistakes because it then makes them harder to spot 😏 When I was happy with the design, I drilled a hole in the bottom of the glass to feed the lights through.
Finally it was adding all the Nuvo drops and as a final finishing touch, adding a sequin to the centers of each mandala design. To keep the lights from overflowing, I also decorated the lid too. As it was also an area that the light could flood out, it was great to have it match with the jar.
... lights on ... lights off ....
It was great fun making the light and although the stamping at times could be a little frustrating, it was incredibly rewarding too. Remember there are no mistakes in creating, just another unique design opportunity.
Upcycled coffee jar using Nuvo embossing powders & Crystal drops. |
One jar down, several dozen to go ...! What's been your favourite piece of upcycling? Do share by leaving a link in the comments below ,
Lou
x x x
Products and links - click on photos below :
Challenges:
Alphabet challenge - anything but a card
Crafting with friends - anything goes
Creative Artiste - anything mixed media goes
Creative Fingers - anything goes
QKR Stampede - anything goes
Simply Papercrafts - anything goes
More Mixed Media - anything goes
Try it on a Tuesday - upcycle something
Crafter's Castle - anything goes
Comments
gr karin
Crafty Hugs
Linda xxx
Yvonne
Thanks a lot for joining Try It On Tuesday!
Happy new week!
oxo Susi
Thanks for the step by step guide on how to make this beautiful creation, I would love to have a go. BUT, I would be afraid of drilling the glass after the time spent stamping and embossing the beautiful patterns on it, for fear of shattering the jar. Did you use any special technique when drilling the glass??
Kate xx
Kate, I did use a diamond tip drill bit especially for glass and made sure it was lubricated during the whole process. In hindsight, should have probably drilled the hole first, under running water, as would have been much easier. I also ensured that the jar was cradled in a soft microfibre cloth to stop it moving around.
Lou
x
Hugs... Janie
DT
Crafter's Castle
crafterscastle.blogspot.com