How to Make Painted Drip Jar Vases

April 4, 2013 by Amy Clark

 

Earth Day is upon us and I love to have reminders of the beauty of nature around me when this day comes around. Pairing my love for nature with my love of upcycling commonly found items in our home, and it is the perfect marriage of the things I love for such a special day.

Today I wanted to share with you an easy craft that you can do with your kids to commemorate Earth Day. These painted drip jar vases are a fun way to experiment with paint and pattern to create a vase that is uniquely your child.

Supplies List:

Jars (check your recycling bin for jars you can use or check your local thrift store for jars to use)

Craft Paints (in a variety of colors)

Clear Shellac Sealer (found near the craft paints)

Newspaper (to protect your surfaces)

 

Instructions for Making Paint Drip Jars

1. Begin by taking a bottle of your paint and pour a large drip onto the top inside edge of your jar.

2. Gently bang your jar against the table to help the paint run down the side of the jar.

3. Grab another color of paint and pour a second drip next to the first.  Repeat the banging process or turn your jar sideways to make the paint lines thicker. Keep the paint traveling until it reaches the bottom of the jar

4. Allow the paint drip jars to dry for one week. Because of the accumulated paint that has gathered in the bottom, it is best to give these plenty of time to really set up before using them.

5. Once a week has passed, spray with shellac to provide a protective finish to your jars.

Once your jars are complete, take a nature walk and gather items together to fill your jars with or pick some items from your family garden for your beautiful handmade vases. This is not only a fun way to commemorate Earth Day, but it is also a fantastic way to decorate your home for Spring.

Happy Earth Day, friends! 

Do you have any Earth Day crafts you make? Share your story in the comments! 

 

Amy Clark

Amy Allen Clark has been the driving force behind MomAdvice since 2004. In addition to running a successful community for women and running after her two kids, she has appeared on The Early Show, and in Parents magazine, Redbook, Martha Stewart’s Everyday Food, MSN Money and The New York Times.