Every once in a while I run across a craft that is both stupid simple and very lovely. I am always torn when I have found such a craft. They are the perfect sort of thing to give as gifts, but if I brag about how easy they are, or worse, post a tutorial, then I am afraid that people who receive these as gifts will feel slighted upon receiving them. After much debate, I have opted to go ahead and share how easy these are and hope that anyone who in future receives one will understand that it is the beauty rather than the ease of creation which prompts the giving. 🙂
To make these, you first need to make a trip to your local craft store or better yet, thrift store. All the thrift stores in this area have a profusion of cheap glass containers in various sizes and shapes. They are frequently only slightly cheaper than at the craft store, but why buy new? Take regular acrylic craft paint (for these I used some with metallic finish) in two contrasting colors, and pour some into the bottom of your glass container. Now swirl to cover. If you find that you are having difficulty achieving coverage, add a little more paint. Now turn upside down in a disposable container to drain. If you can find a way of suspending the piece, it will work better as you won’t have to clean up the rim when you’re done. If my instructions don’t make sense to you, there is a wonderful tutorial at fabyoubliss.com.
Some quick tips from experience:
- You may not see a lot of marbleizing at first. Be patient, the paints will mix and “feather” as they dry.
- Paints with a high degree of contrast will produce the best results. The top image in this post was blue and white, the middle, blue and gold, and the last blue and green.
- Use more of your lighter color. Because the paints mix as they dry, much of the true light color will be lost.
- These can take several days to dry. Be patient and don’t rush to seal them. See below.
In order to use these as vases, I have sealed them with Modge Podge. Pour a small amount in and swirl and drain. This is a great family craft. My seven-year-old had a blast making hers. I haven’t been brave enough to let my son loose with paint yet. 😉
Happy Painting!