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.

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
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Products and links - click on photos below :

Nuvo embossing powder - Crimson Gloss	Nuvo embossing powder - Cool Jade	Nuvo embossing powder - Gold	Nuvo embossing powder - Purple Haze	Nuvo Hybrid ink - Clear Marking
Nuvo Crystal Drops - Plum Pudding	Nuvo Crystal Drops - Moroccan Red	Nuvo Crystal Drops - Double Denim	Tonic Studios Delicate Detail stamps - Henna Flourish

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