This is a meaty post. Settle in.

Last week, I had a serious creative slump. Zero ideas and zero motivation. Whenever that happens, I know that I’ll eventually find inspiration somewhere.

Welp – inspiration struck while I was doing some shopping at Anthropologie. As much as I love their clothing, I am always drawn to their home decor and accessories. This time around, I spotted an adorable beaded glass candle and like a true DIY-er, I thought, “I wonder if I could make that.” Turns out, it’s totally DIY-able.

{1} Martha Stewart Gloss Spray Medium (included in the Glass Spray Paint Kit)

{2} Martha Stewart Paint Sprayer (included in the Glass Spray Paint Kit)

{3} A glass tumbler. I picked mine up in a set of six at Target.

{4} Transparent Gloss Glass Paint in your choice of color

{5} Transparent Gloss Paint in “Crystal Clear”

{1} Wipe the glass with alcohol swab to clean the surface.

{2} Ok…this step requires some explaining, but it’s very easy. To make it easier to apply the paint and to avoid smudges, I created a simple mechanism for holding the glass in place. Place three skewers/dowels/sticks into a styrofoam block, then place the glass over the sticks.  I also added two strips of painter’s tape to the inside of the glass to use as a guide for keeping my lines straight.

{3} Apply dots of paint using the Crystal Clear Glass Paint

{4} Once you’ve applied the pattern of dots, allow the glass to dry for at least 24 hours. The paint will dry clear. {1} Add 1 part transparent paint to the bottle included in the glass paint kit

{2} To the transparent paint, add 1 part gloss paint medium to the bottle included in the glass paint kit

{3} Shake the contents of the bottle until they are well mixed, then screw on the paint sprayer and spray paint your beaded glass project. Alternatively, you can simply spray your glass with traditional white spray paint for a different look.

Pretty packaging is my thing and I always try to give you the “front-to-finish” vision for the projects I post. That way you can at least see my thoughts on how these could be presented as gifts.

For my beaded glass projects, I’ve got two ideas for gifting…

First a card and tag that coordinate beautifully with the floral arrangement and white beaded glass vase. I love how the chalkboard look on the card coordinates with the black and white ribbon on the vase.

For the second presentation idea, I created a candle and added a simple, stamped circle to the top for a professional, finished look. The translucency of the glass works perfectly with the candle since the glow of the flame will come through the glass. I’m loving how this turned out!

Did you make it to the end? Which finish is your fave?!

PACKAGING SUPPLIES & RESOURCES

Flower Bouquet: Chalkboard Stamping Technique & Tips |  May Arts Chevron Twill Ribbon | Paper Presentation Natural Kraft Cardstock | Paper Presentation Natural Kraft Envelope | Paper Presentation Solar White Cardstock | Papertrey Ink Edger 2 Die | Papertrey Ink Half & Half Stamp Set  | Papertrey Ink Mini Blooms Stamp Set | Papertrey Ink Little Labels Homemade Candle: How to Make Candles Tutorial | Papertrey Ink Mini Blooms Stamp Set | Clear & Simple Stamps Au Natural Extras