I had a remarkably fun weekend. An engaged friend AND my brother and his fiance came to visit, AND I realized that we might be able to schedule and plan for M’s long overdue baptism during our upcoming trip to the friend’s wedding. So add that to a Saturday Katie visit and we were talking about celebrations allllll weekend long. And my kids were beside themselves since they had so many people to talk to and play with.
For the friend that’s getting married on a North Carolina mountain farm in September, we experimented with mason jars. She loves the look of the vintage Ball blue glass jars, but as a teacher– the cost is less than loveable. Especially when you multiply that by the number of tables she wants to dress for the reception. You know the ones I’m talking about, right? They look like this (and the image on the far right is a DIY! It totally fooled me for a minute):
It’s still wet in the photo above– and the dry version in the photo below.
Attractive, we thought, but not quite what we’re going for. Too opaque for our use.
So we tried again the next day. Hard Coat Mod Podge, a little water and some gel food coloring in “Sky Blue” because that’s what we had on-hand.
Liquid food coloring would have worked just fine if I’d had any in the cabinet.
Dip and twirl…
Then turn upside down on wax paper, use a brush to smooth out the drips and coat evenly around the rim.
The first one from this round didn’t have enough color to it, so we added more to the second. You can see the first in the background and the second in the foreground.
I was going to say that I’ve seen the Mod Podge ones (coated on the inside) baked in the oven to make them more translucent & a harder finish, but unfortunately that does add a bit of time to the project. I hope you’re able to find something that works! I wanted the look for my own wedding, but didn’t even think about coloring them myself, so we just stuck with the clear ones. Good luck!
Has your friend thought about asking friends to gather glass jars, then you could find a cutie vintage style label perhaps using bride and groom’s names etc? Once the jars are dyed and have a cute theme label it won’t matter if they are different shapes and sizes. It might look cute to have an eclectic look! Just a thought :)
Does it have to say Ball? Walmart’s jars are great priced.
A. You can find these at yard sales
B. How many do you need and is it worth it to pay shipping? I’m in CT and found a bunch at a yard sale a couple summers ago that I can send *grin* would have to double check and see if the brand name is right (if that matters….)
@StylishHome, I just sent you an e-mail. @Emily, nope, I don’t think so. That’s just what I had in my cabinet for our experimentation. I really like the look of the jars on the far right of the collage in this post, and they’re reclaimed. I’m guessing there will be a good mix of sizes and styles. Ultimately, up to the bride!
Just saw this post: http://www.thesinglenester.com/2011/07/handmade-blue-ball-jars-and-floral.html
and thought of you.
If you aren’t already on Freecycle (http://www.freecycle.org) you should be! It is an excellent way to get rid of things quickly and to acquire things at no expense — like, say, a bazillion mason jars. I’m helping my sister collect enough clear glass vases for her upcoming wedding. So far we’ve amassed 60…. all from Freecycle networks in our areas.
Good luck! http://www.freecycle.org
Oh man, I know how this is. My sister just got married earlier this month and used the quart sized aqua jars for her center pieces. And she had 193 people RSVP yes to the wedding. { 1 9 3 }. My poor mom spent a month on ebay and combing thrift stores to get together enough jars.
Love the post, was just talking with your friend about the logistics of this. I am sure there is glass “dyeing” in my future :) Maybe we’ll see you at the wedding!
I’ve had this tutorial bookmarked for something similar… http://gingerbreadsnowflakes.com/node/169