Ingredients
- 1 clear glass jar, 16 fluid ounces, about 7 inches tall and 4 inches wide
- 1 battery-operated LED tea light, 2-inch diameter
- 1 piece of clear bubble wrap, 12 inches by 12 inches
- 4 fluid ounces of water-based decoupage adhesive (e.g., Mod Podge)
- 2 fluid ounces of white or pearl acrylic craft paint
- 1 tablespoon of water
- 1 foam brush, 1-inch wide
- 1 pair of sharp scissors, 8 inches long
- 1 pencil
- 1 flexible ruler, 12 inches long
- 1 sheet of fine sandpaper, 220 grit
- 1 disposable table covering, at least 24 inches by 36 inches
- 1 pair of nitrile or household cleaning gloves (optional)
- 6 pieces of painter's tape, each about 3 inches long
- 1 clean cotton cloth, at least 12 inches square
- 1 small mixing cup, 8 fluid ounces
- 1 wooden craft stick, 5 inches long
Instructions
- Cover your table before you set out the jar, adhesive, paint, and bubble wrap.
- Put the jar on a clean cloth so it does not roll while you work.
- Wash the glass jar with warm soapy water, then dry it thoroughly.
- Run your fingers around the rim and smooth any sharp or rough spot with 220 grit sandpaper.
- Wipe away the dust with the cotton cloth.
- Measure the jar from the bottom edge to just below the mouth and mark a rectangle on the bubble wrap that measures 8 inches by 12 inches.
- Cut the bubble wrap with the bubbles facing outward.
- Pour 4 fluid ounces of water-based decoupage adhesive into the mixing cup.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of water with the wooden craft stick until the mixture looks smooth.
- Brush a narrow vertical strip of adhesive onto the jar, starting near the base and stopping about 1 inch below the rim.
- Press one edge of the bubble wrap into that strip, then wrap the plastic around the glass.
- Smooth the backing down while you keep the bubbles rounded.
- Continue in sections about 2 inches wide, brushing adhesive, pressing the plastic into place, and smoothing.
- Overlap the bubble wrap seam by about 1/4 inch, pressing it flat.
- Fold the extra bubble wrap at the bottom inward in small soft pleats and brush a little adhesive over the folded edge.
- Let the wrapped jar dry for 1 to 2 hours.
- Stir the 2 fluid ounces of acrylic paint gently, then brush on a very thin coat following the bubble pattern.
- Wait 45 to 60 minutes, then check the surface and apply a second thin coat only where the glass still looks too clear.
- Remove the painter's tape while the final coat still feels slightly flexible.
- Let the lamp cure for at least 2 hours before handling much, and leave it overnight before placing it in its final spot.
- Turn on the battery-operated LED tea light and lower it into the jar.
- Wipe the outside with a dry cotton cloth.
Notes
For a more sustainable variation, reuse bubble wrap from a package and choose a jar that already lives in your recycling bin. This project is suitable for beginners and offers the chance to create a handmade gift.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
