This year I’ve been looking to give some new crafts that I’ve never done before a try. I prefer simple ones that feel like they won’t be too stressful and don’t need too many things to get started. So, after being given some glass paint and a small glass bowl that’s perfect for a tea light, I decided to give it a whirl and it was so fun and easy that I thought you might like to try it too!
What you’ll need:
- Small Glass Bowl (or whatever shape suits your fancy that would safely hold a tea light candle) I was given this one but you can find them in overstock stores, dollar stores and some supermarkets
- Thin Washi Tape (or masking tape) this one is 7mm thick
- Glass Paint Pen this is Vitrea 160 from Spotlight*. This is Mauve frosted (you can use a glass paint pen or glass paint, I used both)
- Glass Paint this is Vitrea 160 from Spotlight*. This is Lacquer Blue brilliant glossy
- Paint brush I used this 0.4 round brush for the glass paint
- Cardboard or Protective Surface to paint on
- Small Cup of Water for rinsing the paint brush afterwards
- Tea Light Candle so you can use the glass tea light
- First up take your small glass bowl and your washi tape and start to make a pattern of your choice on the glass with the tape. Be sure to smooth out the tape as you stick so the paint won’t get in any bubbles later
- Keep sticking it down until you’re happy with the pattern. Then get your cardboard or protective surface ready for the paint
- Next, shake the paint pen according to the instructions and get the paint flowing as directed and pick a gap to start painting (or colouring in). Continue colouring in the gaps that you would like in this colour. I did around half of them leaving space for the alternate colour. Note: the pen strokes stayed visible for me so you might like to add shapes or lines that match
- Then, using the paint and the paint brush, paint the remaining gaps. This also left stroke marks so I made a cool pattern with the brush (I decided to use both a paint pen and paint for this project, but you can choose one or the other if you like)
- Now leave them to dry for around 30 minutes or so before removing the tape and clean your paint brush with water
- The instructions say to leave for 24 hours to air dry before baking in the oven, so leave it to one side for a day. This apparently just makes the paint dishwasher safe, so leaving to air dry might be enough for you. Check the instructions depending on brand
- After the 24 hours have passed bake in the oven at 160°C (325°F) for 40 mins (or as directed on the instructions) and remove from the oven carefully and leave to cool. I found the paint to get a shinier look after it was baked
- Now add your tea light candle and enjoy!
Thoughts on the project:
This was really easy and fun to do and is something I’d love to try with my nieces (10 & 12) as a rainy day activity. Personally I liked the paint more than the pen because the pen strokes don’t look as fun as the paint does, and sometimes more paint came out of the pen than other times. The pen might be better for younger children if you’re concerned about paint going everywhere, though neither made much mess for me.
I noticed that the paint dried to touch pretty quickly, even though the instructions say that it needs 24 hours to air dry before baking. I didn’t realise until after baking that it’s really just if you want it to be dishwasher safe, but I did like that the colours look brighter after baking. I’m really happy with how it looks even though I can see the imperfections. It’s something I’d definitely try again!
I think it would make a fun activity for kids who are school aged, or as a group activity with parents (or aunties like me!)
Do you like tea lights? Would you paint one of your own?
If you do try this, I’d love to see a photo or hear about how it went! Tweet me your pics at: @danniellecresp or instagram me at: @dannielle with the hashtag: #styleforahappyhome
*This post includes glass paints and a glass bowl that I received at an event hosted by Spotlight. This post isn’t sponsored by them. Everything else in this post is my own. My aim by sharing shop names is that you know where you can find the cool stuff too! x