There is something very special about creating your own presents and gifts for other people. Whether it be uniqueness, love or something different, knowing that something was handmade kind of makes that present a little more special.
A while back I painted a vase for my mum. I got the idea from somewhere on the internet and did a little more searching and researching as to how to actually carry out such a task. Not only was I surprised how easy it was to do, it was surprisingly a wonderful result too. My weekly inspirational note subscribers got to read this ‘how -to’ when it was Mother’s Day; the perfect gift for anyone.
What you need:
1 x vase (I bought a $3 one from the two dollar shop)
Glass paint – I went to an art store for these
Glass thinner – Bought at the same store, used instead of water.
Paint brush
Imagination
What to do:
Thin down your paint with the paint thinner. With a good solid amount, pour into the vase and start “twirling” it around. The paint should run up the sides, down again and around, creating a swirling action. Depending upon how thick or thin you have made the paint, it will move accordingly.
You will need to do this a couple of times. The paint will go back down to the base, so then do it again. Slowly the paint will dry. If you want, use a hair dryer, on low heat to speed up the drying.
Wait 24 hours for it to dry.
Once dried, paint the outside a different colour. I should have used a more contrasting colour like orange or white for a more dramatic effect.
Wait another 24 hours.
The vase now needs to go into an oven to bake. You must check the instructions on the glass paint, but for me, it was bake for 40 minutes in a heated 160 degree oven.
And then it is ready for flowers.
Do you make homemade gifts? Or do you simply prefer to buy something already made?
