#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--DISTRESSED MASON JAR

We've featured several different craft ideas using Mason jars lately. Today we're showcasing another. Choose any size jar, depending on its end use, and any color to match your decorating scheme.

Distressed Mason Jar

Materials:

Mason jar, alcohol, Milk Paint bonding primer and sealer, Milk Paint (your choice of color), foam brush, emery board or sandpaper, jute twine (optional), Gorilla Glue (optional)

1. Wipe down outside of Mason jar to remove any oils or grease.

2. Brush on the bonding primer/sealer. Allow to dry at least two hours.

3. Apply two coats of paint, waiting at least an hour between coats.

4. Using the emery board or sandpaper, sand the paint of the raised areas of the Mason jar. In addition, sand around remainder of jar to create as much distressing as you like.

5. If desired, glue jute twine around top of Mason jar.

#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--MINI-MASON JAR VOTIVES

It’s June, and soon we’ll be entering the lazy, hazy days of summer with backyard barbeques and sitting on the porch with friends or family while sipping cool drinks on a warm summer’s night. Add some festivity to the setting with these quick, easy, and safe votive candles.

Materials (for each votive):

2 oz. Mason jar

one faux or real votive candle

acrylic paint (your choice of color)

acrylic sealer

foam brush

1/2-yd. raffia, 3/16-inch sisal rope, or ribbon in complementary color

Using the foam brush and acrylic paint, paint the inside of the Mason jar, if you’re planning to use a faux votive candle, or the outside of the jar if using a real votive.

Allow paint to dry. Apply a second coat, and a third if necessary, allowing paint to dry between coats.

Apply a coat of sealer.

Tie a raffia or ribbon bow or knot the sisal rope around jar.

Place votive candle inside the jar.