Sometimes the simplest
elements can be pulled together in a crafty way to make centerpieces that are
elegant, trendy, modern, or colorful.
With a few supplies, you can take glassware and paint in any style
direction you choose.
What to choose? Think small and inexpensive. A trip to a local discount store can provide
shelf after shelf of options. Flower
vases, bud vases, juice glasses, candle sticks, and milk bottle style pieces
are all popular options. Also consider
glass pieces you already have. Wine and
sparkling cider bottles, olive oil bottles, glass water and soda bottles, pickle
and olive jars, and glass coffee drink bottles can all have their labels
removed to leave a clean surface to work with.
You can also buy in
bulk. With the Mason jar craze, jars in
8 to 32 ounces can be bought rather inexpensively by the case at everyday
supply and grocery stores. Some have
designs or lettering in the glass that can be enhanced with paint to add to the
decorative look. If you’re interested in
old fashioned milk bottles or another style of glass you have not seen in
stores, look into ordering online. You
can purchase a quantity to turn into a substantial centerpiece with your
decorative touch.
Depending on your chosen
method, both spray paint and latex paint are options for easy glass
centerpieces. You can spray, dip, brush,
and swirl your way to a finished product.
Your options include matte and glossy finishes, metallic or glitter finishes,
and they can be mixed and matched for more visual interest in your painted
collection. Toss in painter’s tape, and
you have countless options for added design elements like stripes and chevron
patterns, dots, angles, and color blocking.
Additionally, you can change
the look by the choice of painting the inside or the outside of your glass
piece. Spray paint is great for the
outside, as is the placement of painter’s tape for patterns and designs. For the simplest latex paint application,
pour paint into a glass piece or jar and swirl to evenly distribute the paint
on the inside. Turn the piece upside
down on a well-protected surface, slowly swirling as needed, to let the
remaining paint run down and out to reach the lip. If you want your paint brush strokes to show,
use a thinner paint application and plenty of brush strokes in your desired
pattern. The same technique can be used
with a mix of water, school glue, and glitter applied to the inside with a foam
applicator brush for a glitter wash effect.
Look for some online
inspiration to get your painting project going.
You can generate the skills to make easy centerpiece designs great for
any season, occasion, or custom gift-giving opportunity.
DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star August 10th.
