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Sunday, September 18, 2011

INSECT JAR - TRIAL RUN #1

  Before the girls arrive for a night of creepy creativity, I thought it would be a good idea to have a trial run.   So, first of all, here is another look at my model right out of the October issue of Country Living Magazine:



 I tried out a "Spider Jar" using a clear glass bottle with a clear glass stopper.  This is the perfect jar for this project and it came from Goodwill for only $1.99.   This jar is about 12" tall and 5" wide.
 I want to try doing this project two ways - painting the inside for one piece, and the outside of another. Tonight I'm working on one that is clear glass, so it will be painted on the inside.  It's a perfect jar for this because the stopper is partially hollow.  If it was solid glass you''d have nowhere to put the paint but on the outside.  Remember to check for that when you're out looking.  I've often thought that a certain cake plate or candy jar would be good, but the stem would never get any "inside" paint.
 So I put several tablespoons of white acrylic paint in the jar, added about the same amount of water, and blended it all with a long brush.  Then, I rolled the jar around in my hand to cover the whole inside.  You may need two coats depending on how much water you use.  I think one coat will do for mine.
Then, do the same thing with the stopper.  Any paint that gets on the outside of the stopper or jar can be washed off after it dries.

Then for the spider graphic!  I got this great taratula off the Graphics Fairy here




  I sent it to the printer after decreasing the size a bit.  As you can see above, 100% it was WAY too big - it filled the page and my jar isn't that big.



But, 60% was just right.


Then, cut it out as close to the hairy legs as possible, since you don't want too much of the white printer paper to be showing. 



Ideally, none would show, but good luck with that!   Then I attached the spider to the jar using an Elmers Glue Stick.

So, after spraying with gloss polyurethane, it goes under a cloche for now.  I'll wait until the inside is completely dry to put the lid on.

I can't wait to add more, but right now, I hear Norma calling!

Sharing this on the
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White Wednesday
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The Lettered Cottage




14 comments:

  1. I never would have thought to paint the inside of a glass bottle, how cool. But....I sure am not a fan of tarantula's!!!

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  2. I absolutely LOVE this! What a fabulous project to do! Even the kids could make this! Love the black and white image on the white bottle. My mind is spinning with ideas now! LOL!

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  3. That is so cool!! I love the painting of the jar!
    How did you attach the spider to the jar ?

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  4. Hi Lori,

    I should add that step to the tutorial! I just used an Elmers Glue Stick to attach the spider to the jar - then sealed it all in with spray polyurethane. Thanks for stopping! -Nan

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  5. That looks so cool! What a great way to make an inexpensive decoration. I tought you were going to transfer the image onto the glass but your way is so much easier!

    Thank you for coming over to comment! Always nice to get comments when you are new at this. Thank you again.

    I am by the way origionally from your neck of the woods and I visit Wisconsin often, I love it there!

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  6. I forgot to add, over at the blog, No Minamilaist she gives a recipe for making your own chalk paint for somewhere around $4.00. Thought you may find that interesting.

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  7. Wow...it´s just amazing these bottles.Thank´s for your inspiration...
    Hugs Kicki.

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  8. I would love it if you would link this up to my 1st Linky Party that started today! I'm a follower of your blog. Love receiving your new posts in my in-box. www.projectqueen.org

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  9. Looks great! Love how you have it displayed too.

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  10. These are great!!!! Could you put water in them afterwards (for flowers) or would the paint come right off???? I wonder....

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  11. I think I like yours better! Thx for sharing!

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  12. I even like your version better than the magazine. Tee hee hee!

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