From the page: The glass jar still has plenty of stories left in it
Idea 9
Tinted and frosted glass
Turning clear glass into a frosted, colored piece is an old decorator's technique — they discovered that glass takes well to coatings made of glue and dye. The magic is in the film that forms as it dries: it diffuses the light passing through the glass, creating that milky sandblasted-glass look, without needing any equipment.
What you need
- Clean, dry glass jars
- White glue (school glue) or glue for glass
- Food coloring or dye dissolved in very little water
- Soft brush or sponge
- A container for mixing
How to make it
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1
Wash the jar with hot soapy water and remove any label or grease residue, because any film of oil keeps the mixture from adhering well to the glass.
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2
In a container, mix about three parts glue to one part dissolved dye; the glue is what forms the frosted film as it dries, and the dye just lends the color.
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3
With the brush, apply thin, even coats to the outside of the jar, turning it as you go; thin coats prevent drips and ensure a smooth finish.
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4
Let it dry for a few hours between coats if you want a more intense color — each new layer adds opacity and depth.
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5
For a fully frosted effect, make the final coat with pure glue alone, which dries milky and diffuses the light even more.
Finishing touches
With a sponge, apply only to the edges to create an ombré effect, or use painter's tape to draw stripes before painting. It looks gorgeous as a lantern, with an LED candle inside.
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