a life beyond
I confess: it saddens me to see dandelions shredded beneath the mower, to see various buds in our flower garden pruned before they’ve reached their glorious prime. Sometimes it’s just a snip or two, not enough to fill any of our regular vases. Tossing these blossoms away seems so wasteful when they still have plenty of beauty left to share. They deserve a life beyond.
Several days ago, I was blending a batch of my own Italian seasoning mix. I use a variety of five to six dried herbs and always end up with empty glass bottles. This time I had three. In the Fitzgerald residence, we’re ardent supporters of recycling, whether that means sorting our glass jars, plastics, and papers for curbside pick-up or making something old new again, rather than replacing it. Our home is filled with upcycled creations, like the wooden rocking chair that could’ve been tossed when years of dogs shaking out their wet fur in the vicinity left it splotchy and stripped of its sheen, or my Mom’s old baker’s rack that was lovely as it was but didn’t really blend in with our decor. Both of these furnishings—and so many more—are now one-of-a-kind hand-painted pieces that make our home what is today…uniquely, distinctly our home.
But it’s not only the big stuff worth preserving. I’ve saved dozens of these little spice jars over the years; I’ve recycled dozens too. Lately I’ve leaned toward the latter because I already had so many. Yet as I prepared to drop my latest empties into the bin, I realized those dandelions, those few random buds could live on a while longer in decorative, tiny vases scattered over patio tables in our backyard or across shelves or countertops indoors. It was such a simple idea, I couldn’t believe it hadn’t occurred to me earlier. Bonus, it didn’t require the kind of time commitment or creative effort that most of my projects do, time that, presently, I don’t have to spare. In fact, these mini-vases were designed in only about ten minutes per jar. (And that’s including a break to clean up a clumsily spattered glob of glue off the counter and another to calm my sonorously woofing alarm system after the FedEx driver’s presence sent her into a protective German Shepherd tizzy.) Additional coats of glue and varnish only required the intermittent minute or two later on, after the original coat had dried.
I don’t typically use my blogs or my newsletters to offer step-by-step instructions for the countless decorative projects I take on, but this one is not only simple, it’s a charming way to spread a little extra color and cheer to patios and parties, maybe even yours. (I think these would be amazing at a wedding reception or other celebration, perhaps tied with a sheer or color-coordinated bow around the center of each—mini bouquets that could even be placed at each setting and sent home with the guests.) This project is easy, fast, and requires no special expertise beyond an ability to use a cutting implement without severing any body parts and a general acceptance that glue is best used for affixation, not consumption. Basically, if you’ve surpassed the age of five, six—maybe forty in extraordinary cases—you’re good to go. You don’t even need to possess an ounce of artistic prowess.
Here’s what you will need:
Empty spice jar(s), cap(s) removed, jar(s) rinsed and dried. I love these squared jars, but cylindrical ones would also work nicely.
Patterned paper—I used cut-offs of scrapbook paper from previous projects. If you don’t already have scraps or full sheets on hand, you can find all kinds of themes, colors, and patterns online or at your local craft supply store. (I don’t recommend gift wrap or tissue paper as they tear easily and don’t hold up well to gluing.)
Decoupage glue
Crafting paintbrush--a wider flat-headed brush works best.
Paper cutter or scissors
Varnish (optional). I prefer an indoor/outdoor satin polyurethane. If you’re sensitive to chemical smells, as I am, always choose water-based products. They still have a slight odor, but, unless you put your nose right up to the bottle, they’re generally not overwhelming or headache inducing.
Step 1:
Measure the jar’s existing label, top to bottom, as well as the circumference of the jar, so you’ll know what size your paper strips should be. (I was using 12” sheets of paper, which would clearly be several inches more than I'd need, so I skipped the circumference measurement and simply determined the requisite length by wrapping the cut strip around the jar.) The labels on mine are 3 1/2” high. I cut the paper just a hair over that to ensure the entire label would be covered if the original had been applied slightly askew. The length of your strip should be a quarter to half an inch longer than the circumference; the paper should overlap slightly on the back side.
Step 2:
Using your wide craft paintbrush, spread the decoupage glue over the back side of the strip, making sure to work quickly (so none of it starts to dry) and evenly, covering the entire surface. Promptly apply to the center of one side of the jar, smoothing down the paper thoroughly to prevent air bubbles, then work the paper around each side, pressing and smoothing every inch of the paper as you go. If you find the paper is peeling up a bit at the back, it may have started drying out. Simply brush more glue on the lifting flaps and press it down firmly over the entire area.
Step 3:
Evenly spread decoupage glue over the top of the paper surface all the way around, brushing either vertically or horizontally in a rapid motion. Do not brush over the same area multiple times, and don’t worry if the paper looks hazy under the glue. All good decoupage glues will dry clear.
Depending on how you plan to use these mini-vases and where you plan to display them, all remaining steps are optional. If, for example, you intend them for indoor use to hold small bouquets of silk flowers or lollipops, etc., you don’t necessarily need to advance beyond step three, unless you want a smoother satin sheen. If these will be used with water in them and/or outdoors, proceed through the remaining steps.
Step 4:
Once the exterior glue is dry (see the label on the product bottle for drying time estimates; even in our damp climate, decoupage glue usually dries to the touch pretty fast), apply another coat, brushing in the opposite direction. This helps to more thoroughly seal the paper against moisture.
Step 5:
After the final decoupage layer has dried, you may apply one or multiple coats of your indoor/outdoor varnish. Again, don’t brush over the same area repeatedly while it’s still wet as it will dull the sheen on the finished item. Continue to apply varnish all the way around, brushing beyond the edge of the strip as doing so will create a seal that will help prevent moisture from dripping down behind the paper. You want that paper sealed thoroughly on all sides. I only used one layer of varnish on mine, as I’d chosen vintage, distressed patterns and didn’t want the mini-vases to look overly shiny. If you prefer more shine, you can either add additional coats of varnish for a richer satin finish or even choose a glossy varnish for something closer to a glass-like shine.
Step 6:
Attach decorative baubles or ribbons if desired.
It’s now the next day. The sun is shining. You’ve got a few small buds to prune, and lots of little spaces that could use a splash of summer color. Fill your jar(s) one-half to two-thirds full of water, place short cuttings inside, stand back and admire.
Step7:
Take pictures. I’d really love to see what you’ve done!
(Please include the subject line SPICE OF LIFE with your photo submissions.)