Project Christmas: Crystal Luminaries

The other day I was cleaning out under my kitchen sink and found hundreds of tea lights.  One quick look in my garage on my workbench and I saw dozens of glass jars.  I needed to put these things to use, so I decided to make these pretty, crystal luminaries - or frosted luminaries.  Deciding on a name is too hard.  Heck, we didn't even have Baby B's name picked out until after she was born.

These are so pretty, right?  I just love the way they turned out.  The best part is, they can be used for other holidays or even as decor in a bedroom or bathroom.  Now, on to the tutorial.

 You will need:

glass jars - I found these square ones at Dollar Tree and also used some Mason jars I had lying around

Epsom salt

Mod Podge

Clear spray enamel

paper plate (we are big Dolphin's fans even though we are in California)

food coloring

bowls for mixing the food coloring and salt

spoons

sponge brush

wax paper

Gather your supplies!

Start by measuring out 1 cup of salt per color you want to make.  I did red, green, and white for Christmas.  Since I wasn't coloring the white, I poured that out on a plate and spread out to make even.  Then I poured 1 cup each into two separate bowls.  Once you do that you will put in 1-2 drops of food coloring into each bowl.  Mix it well.  At first it will look like there isn't enough coloring, but I promise you there is.

Now you want to start coating your glass jar in Mod Podge.  Don't do the bottom.  That would be just silly.  Be liberal with your glue, but don't leave it dripping.

Oh, my shoe is in the picture.  It was gym day!

Next, you will start pressing the glue-sides into the salt, making sure to coat all over.  If you notice spots with little salt, then dab a little Mod Podge and press the salt in with your fingers.

 Now it is time to let them dry.  Let them dry for 2-3 hours.

Ohhhh....watching paint dry.  Fun!

The color is a little hard to notice until you get them all next to each other.  Looking good!  Once they are dry, carefully carry them outside or to a well-ventilated area.  The last step is to spray them all over with the clear spray.  Make sure you turn the jars upside-down so the clear coating doesn't get inside the jars.  Do 2-3 coats of the spray, making sure to let dry between coats.

Once they are all done, you can place a tealight or candle inside and light them up!  Now you have a pretty decoration for a centerpiece or mantle eye-candy.

Project Christmas: Music frames

I love glitter.  I love the way it sparkles when the light hits it and during Christmastime with the glow from the tree, it makes it that much more magical.

A beautiful little craft that I created for the holidays is now here for you to enjoy.

Materials:
frames of any size - I used wallet-sized frames that I found at Goodwill for 49 cents.
vintage Christmas sheet music - I found a printable here from The Graphics Fairy
mod podge
foam brush
glitter
hairspray

Directions:
After removing the glass and backing and making sure they are clean, cover the frame in mod podge

Then be liberal with the glitter.  I love being liberal with glitter.  Doesn't glitter just make you so happy?

While the glitter is drying, I cut out the music sheet and start dinner.  After the glue and glitter have dried, spray the heck out of it with hairspray.  Let dry.  Once it is all set, replace glass and backing and you are all done.  

There you have it!  A pretty little item for your mantle or to give as a sweet teacher's gift for Christmas.  Happy Crafting!

Project Christmas: Easy decor idea

My brother passed away 10 years ago from Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare form of childhood cancer.  His favorite color was blue.  For many years after his passing, my tree was decorated in silver in blue in memory of him.

In 2008, we took our first family trip to Disneyland and starting that year we did a Disney-themed tree for several years.

Now, after the birth of Baby B, we are doing a pink and gold themed tree.  So what is a lady to do with all of those ornaments not being used?

I had this large hurricane candle holder sitting around (to which has never housed a candle) and I thought - let's put this to use!  In went the pretty blue and silver ornaments and a string of blue beads from the tree.  Now I have a pretty centerpiece on my table and my brother is still a part of my Christmas.

Project Christmas: Santa Tray

I am always picking up cool frames when I am out thrifting and this cute one struck my fancy, but has been sitting out on my workbench for far too long.  It was time for a makeover!

This project was pretty simple.

Materials:
an old frame
spray paint
glitter
scrapbook paper

Steps:

• Remove the glass and frame backing  - clean the glass
• Spray paint the frame.  While the pain is still wet, sprinkle glitter over the paint.  Allow to dry.
• Use the glass to trace out your scrapbook paper.
• Insert paper in frame, then replace glass and backing.

Viola!  You are done and now you have a super cute tray to put out cookies and milk for Santa Clause.  I am sure he will be impressed!