Ingredients
- 3 clean glass bottles, 8 to 16 fluid ounces each, with labels removed
- 3 battery-operated LED string lights, 3 feet each, with small wire bulbs
- 6 fluid ounces of bright water-based craft paint, in 2 or 3 neon colors
- 1 small bottle of clear water-based sealer, about 2 fluid ounces, optional for extra surface protection
- 1 roll of 3/4-inch painter's tape
- 3 small foam brushes, about 1/2 inch wide
- 1 small round craft brush, about 1/4 inch wide
- 1 plastic or paper plate, about 8 inches wide, for a paint palette
- 1 cup of warm water, for rinsing brushes
- 3 clean cotton cloths, about 12 inches square, for drying and wiping
- 1 plastic drop cloth, at least 24 by 36 inches, to protect the table
- 1 pair of disposable nitrile or rubber gloves, optional for washing and painting
- 1 pair of scissors, 5 to 7 inches long, for trimming tape
- 1 sheet of 220 grit sandpaper, optional for smoothing a rough glass rim
Instructions
- Wash the three bottles with warm water and dish soap, then remove every bit of label adhesive. Rinse them well and dry the outside with a cotton cloth.
- Check each rim with your fingertip for rough spots. Smooth only the outside edge with 220 grit sandpaper if needed.
- Place the bottles upside down on a dry cloth for 10 minutes, then turn them upright.
- Wrap a strip of painter's tape around each bottle, about 1 inch below the neck.
- Pour a small puddle of paint onto the plate. Use a different neon color for each bottle.
- Paint the lower body of each bottle with the foam brush, working from the taped line toward the base while leaving the bottom clear.
- Use the small round brush to fill missed spots around the shoulder and near the base; lift excess paint if it gathers in a ridge.
- Let the first coat dry for 2 to 3 hours before adding a second thin coat.
- Add a second thin coat to each painted area, ensuring to smooth raised spots if they appear.
- Peel the tape away while the second coat still feels slightly soft.
- Let the bottles dry undisturbed for 24 hours. Apply a very thin coat of clear water-based sealer if desired and allow it to dry for another 2 hours.
- Feed one 3-foot LED string light into each bottle, leaving the battery pack outside the opening.
- Arrange the lanterns as desired and turn on the lights once fully dried.
Notes
Use only LED string lights for safety. Children can assist under supervision, but adults should handle sharp objects and any painting.
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
