glass painting Archives - Luna Selene Creations

Cow Print Mason Jars: Cute & Easy DIY

Luna Selene — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 12:58:08 +0000

Cow print mason jars are one of my absolute favourite DIY glass jar crafts to do! They are so simple to make and the perfect touch for farmhouse decor.

Some of my blog posts may contain affiliate links, from which I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

These cute cow mason jars go great with farmhouse decor and make lovely centrepieces for a country-themed party, bridal shower, or barn wedding. I like making these with the large jars (32 oz.) but you can make them any size to suit your needs.

Don’t worry, even if you are not super crafty or artistic, this is one mason jar craft that anyone can pull off!

I will take you through the whole process step-by-step. If you’re more of a visual learner, check out the video tutorial at the end of this post.

Black & White Cow Print Mason Jars Materials

Here is a list of all the supplies you will need to paint your super cute cow mason jar!

Mason Jar
70% Rubbing Alcohol
Pencil
Medium-sized flat paintbrush
Small round tip paintbrush or liner brush
Palette or plastic plate
White Paint (chalk paint, acrylic, or multi-surface)
Black paint (acrylic, multi-surface, or enamel)
Fine grit sandpaper sanding sponge, or block (OPTIONAL)
Mod Podge or other acrylic sealer
Jute cord, twine, or lace ribbon

1. Clean & Prepare The Mason Jar

If you are using a brand-new jar, simply clean the outside of it with rubbing alcohol and a paper towel. This is to ensure no fingerprints or oils from your hands are on the jar which helps the paint adhere better to the glass.

If you are upcycling a jar from your pantry be sure to wash it thoroughly in warm soapy water. If the jar has a label, soak it in hot soapy water until the label falls off.

Any residual glue can be removed with Goo-Gone or a mixture of Lemon essential oil and dish soap (I like blue Dawn).

Rinse the jar well and let dry completely.

2. Paint The Jar White

Pour the white paint onto a disposable plastic plate or palette. You don’t need anything fancy here, you can even use the lid from an old margarine tub as a paint palette.

If you choose to use chalk paint and the can is on the small side just dip your paintbrush right in and skip the palette.

Use a medium flat brush for this step, maybe an inch wide or so.
Hold the jar by the rim and paint the body first.
Apply the paint using vertical and horizontal brush strokes.

Don’t worry about this first coat looking perfect or the brushstrokes being visible. As a matter of fact, having some brushstrokes visible on the finished project gives it a rustic look which I actually think looks quite nice!

You can also pounce the paint on with a sponge dobber instead of a paintbrush. This painting technique eliminates brushstrokes and give the jar a textured look.

Do not paint the bottom of the jar yet, this way you can set it on your work surface without making a mess. You paint the bottom at the very end.

Once the body is painted with the first coat, set the jar on the table and paint the rim.
Use a smaller brush for this step to get in the threads of the jar if you like.
Remember, these cow print Mason jars are meant to look rustic so they don’t need to be perfect. Don’t overthink it!

Quick Tip:

If you plan to have a lid on your finished jar apply only a thin coat of paint on the threads at the top otherwise the metal band won’t screw on properly. OR, don’t paint this part at all.

Let the jar dry completely, for a couple of hours or preferably overnight.

Paint a second coat of white using the same process as the first.

At the very end, flip your jar upside down and paint the bottom. Alternatively, you can leave the bottom unpainted, it’s entirely up to you. Artistic license, right??

Let the second coat dry completely.

3. Distress Jar With Sandpaper

If you want your cow Mason jar to have a more rustic or shabby chic look, you can distress the jar by removing some of the paint with fine grit sandpaper or a sanding block.

Simply sand off as little or as much as you want.
Focus on the raised parts of the glass like the lettering, the threads on the neck of the jar, and the bottom edge.
After sanding, wipe down the jar thoroughly with a dry cloth to remove the dust residue.

Draw On Cow Spots With Pencil

Using a light pencil, draw on cow print spots in random places. If you need a little inspiration for the shape of the splotches, just search up cow print pattern on Google or Pinterest and there will be tons you can copy.

Again, remember there is no right or wrong way to paint a cow print shape but I will say, don’t overcrowd your black spots.

Leave enough white (negative) space on your design. If you mess up, just erase it and try again!

Paint The Cow Spots Black

Pour a little black paint onto your palette. For this step, I do not recommend chalk paint. I prefer using high-quality multi-surface acrylic craft paint or enamel paint because I find they are richer and more pigmented.

I love the way Folk Art multisurface paint goes on so that’s what I recommend using.

With a small round paintbrush brush or liner brush, paint over top of the pencil line with black paint. Then fill in the spot.

Take your time and have fun with it. A liner brush works better for this step because it gives you more control over the finer edges and details.

If you feel you need to do a second coat you can but I usually don’t. The black paint covers very well with just one. Allow the jar to dry overnight.

Apply Sealer

To ensure your cow print Mason jar lasts it’s best to seal it. I use a wide flat brush and paint on a thin coat of Modpodge to do this.

Take care around the grooves and the rim as it can get a little goopy in these areas so use a smaller paintbrush. Just be sure you get every area of the jar.

You can also use different types of clearcoat. I really like using this DecoArt Satin Varnish for my projects. You can also use a spray can sealer. If you choose something like polycrylic spray, I recommend a “non-yellowing” Minwax Protective Finish Spray.

Using the same technique as when you painted the white, do the bottom at the very end by placing the jar upside down on your work surface.

Mason Jar Lid

To lid or not to lid, that is the question…the answer is, it’s entirely up to you. If you want to keep it simple, just screw the metal band on the top. If you are using the jar as a piggy bank or a container to hold Christmas candies or something similar, you will need the lid and the band.

You can also choose to paint the lid and the metal band with black paint. Apply 2 coats and seal with clearcoat when dry.

Finishing Touches

Once your cow jar is completely dry, it’s time to make it extra pretty with some finishing touches! I like the simplicity of tying a length of skinny jute cord around the neck of the jar but I have also used burlap and lace ribbon.

At Christmas time, a red or green and red plaid ribbon tied in a bow looks cute and festive.

Hit Pinterest or Etsy for inspiration as to how to finish of your masterpiece. The possibilities are endless! I’ve even seen these cow print Mason jars with a small cowbell tied onto the top, very country-chic.

I hope you found this step-by-step process helpful and easy to follow. If you are a visual learner, check out the short video below and you can watch me paint one of these.

Cow Print Mason Jars Uses

Well, since you’re already here, I assume you know why you want to paint a cow jar, haha… but if not, here are some suggested uses:

Centerpieces for any type of country-themed party celebration
Farm birthday party
Bridal shower
Baby Shower
Farmhouse Decor
Flower Vase
Storage Container for kitchen utensils, pens & pencils, paintbrushes
Money Jar or Bank for kids
Perfect gift idea for cow lovers!

They are the cutest DIY cow mason jars ever and are easy enough for even a beginner to make! Happy crafting!

Until next time, Luna

25 Christmas Wine Glass Painting Ideas to Brighten Your Holidays

Luna Selene — Sun, 26 Nov 2023 17:38:23 +0000

Hand Paint Your Own Wine Glasses This Christmas

The holiday season is upon us, time to add a touch of festive flair to your celebrations by painting some Christmas wine glasses!

Let’s dive into the world of Christmas wine glass painting, exploring 25 unique ideas that will not only add a splash of color to your holiday table but also serve as conversation starters.

Whether you’re an experienced artist or a beginner looking for a fun DIY project, there’s something here for everyone!

If you’re tired of the same old decorations and want to infuse your gatherings with a personal touch, grab a glass, your favorite paintbrush, and let’s uncork the creativity!

Some of my blog posts may contain affiliate links, from which I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Creative Spirits: Getting Started with Christmas Wine Glass Painting

The Basics of Christmas Wine Glass Painting

Before we jump into the jolly details, let’s cover the basics. Gather your materials: wine glasses (clear or colored), multisurface, acrylic enamel, or glass paints, brushes, painter’s tape, and a protective sealant. Make sure to clean your glasses thoroughly before starting, ensuring a smooth canvas for your artistic endeavors.

I really like working with Folk Art Gloss Enamels. Deco-Art and Americana are good brands as well.

Choosing the Right Wine Glasses for Your Artistic Adventure

The type of wine glass you choose can influence the overall effect of your painting. Consider the shape and size of the glass, as well as whether it’s transparent or colored. Tall wine glasses work well for snowmen or Christmas trees, while stemless glasses offer a broader canvas for more intricate designs.

You can get your wine glasses online, at your local department store, hardware store, or even at The Dollar Tree! If you get them at the dollar store, just be sure to check each glass for flaws like air bubbles, uneven bottoms, or bumps on the rim. Usually, the flaws are not that big of a deal but just a heads up for you to inspect your glasses.

Essential Tips for a Seamless Painting Experience

Start with a Clean Slate: Wipe your glasses with rubbing alcohol before painting to remove any residual oils or fingerprints.
Use Painter’s Tape: Create clean lines and sharp edges by applying painter’s tape to sections you want to keep paint-free.
Layer Your Colors: To achieve depth and vibrancy, layer your paints. Let each layer dry completely before adding the next.

25 Christmas Wine Glass Painting Ideas: A Palette of Festive Delights

Santa’s Belt: Paint a black belt around the base of the glass, complete with a gold buckle. If you want to add his pants, paint a stripe of red first, and then add the belt and buckle to the top edge of the red.
Mrs. Claus’s Apron: Similar to the Santa’s belt glass, paint a wide stripe of red around the base of the wine glass but instead of a belt, paint a white, wavy edge. You can even add a little glitter or dots of silver or gold to look like lace trim.
Snowman Family: Create a whimsical snowman, snowman face, or a whole family of snow people! Give each one a different color scarf and a unique hat, or earmuffs. A sponge pouncer makes forming circles really easy, even for beginners.
Mistletoe Magic: Adorn your glass with mistletoe and add a pop of red with a dotting tool or the end of your paintbrush for those irresistible berries.
Candy Cane Stripes: Keep it classic with red and white candy cane stripes.
Christmas Tree Delight: Paint a stylized Christmas tree with colorful ornaments or a white and silver Christmas tree with a sparkly snowbank. I have a full tutorial for my white Christmas tree wine glasses on my YouTube channel. You can check it out below this list!
Gingerbread Mania: Channel your inner baker and paint delightful gingerbread men on your glasses.
Frosty the Snowflake: Showcase your snowflake painting skills with intricate designs. For detailed designs, you can use a stencil, or for a more organic look, paint freehand!
Penguin Parade: Create a marching band of adorable penguins on your glassware.
Winter Wonderland: Paint a serene winter scene with snowy landscapes and evergreen trees.
Nutcracker Elegance: Capture the spirit of the Nutcracker with regal and colorful designs.
Cozy Sweater Patterns: Mimic the charm of your favorite holiday sweater with intricate patterns.
Festive Reindeer: Paint a cute reindeer face complete with a shiny red nose.
Holly Jolly Holly: Use vibrant green for holly leaves and red for the berries.
Charming Fireplace: Create a cozy fireplace scene with stockings hung by the chimney with care.
Snow Globe Surprise: Craft mini snow globes on your glasses, each containing a festive scene.
Holiday Lights: Brighten up your glass with festive strings of holiday lights. These always turn out so pretty and are a super easy Christmas wine glass idea.
Elf-tastic Fun: Bring the playful spirit of elves to life on your wine glasses.
Starlit Night Sky: Paint a celestial masterpiece with a starlit night sky.
Champagne Toast: Celebrate the season with glasses adorned with overflowing champagne bubbles.
Festive Wreaths: Encircle your glass with classic holiday wreaths.
Fruitful Cheer: Paint cheerful holiday fruits like pomegranates and cranberries.
Sugar Plum Dreams: Capture the essence of the Nutcracker’s Land of Sweets with sugar plum-inspired designs.
Poinsettia Elegance: Embrace the beauty of poinsettias with elegant floral patterns.
Twinkling Ornaments: Create a dazzling display of hanging ornaments in various shapes and sizes.

Sip, Paint, and Spread Holiday Cheer

There you have it—a sleigh full of Christmas wine glass painting ideas to elevate your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or looking for a delightful DIY project, these creative designs will add a touch of magic to your glassware.

So, gather your paints, let your imagination run wild, and toast to a season filled with artful joy and merriment. Cheers to a colorful and crafty Christmas!

Love, Luna

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