Merry and Bright Lantern

Hi Everyone,
Jess here today with a Christmas Lantern.

I have to admit I had one idea for this lantern and it turned into something completely different.
I started by assembling the lantern, just to be sure I was doing it correctly and so I would know what I would need to paint.

I disassembled it and started painting.

This is a really heavy duty chipboard and paint doesn't absorb into it like it does with thinner chipboard.  I did not put down a layer of gesso. I just went right in with a thin layer of black acrylic paint.  The entire piece was covered.  Once the black was dry I stippled on metallics.  I used bronze, gold, and silver.
To decorate the top I used the snowflake border from the Winter Shape Set.  Two snowflakes fit perfectly on each side of the top.  The snowflakes got a quick coat of silver paint.I wanted to add glitter, but didn't want to deal with using glue to make the snowflakes tacky. I decided to run them through my Xyron sticker maker on the painted side.  I added a clear glitter and had very little mess.
The snowflakes were glued to the top.

Here's where I changed my mind.  I decided I wanted to make this look like an actual lantern and not a winter scene inside the lantern like I had originally planned.  I took plain tissue paper and Tim Holtz's Frosted Film to line the inside of the panels.  Vellum would work too, but I like the frosted film because it gives an icy look and feel.  I did not attach the one side that isn't notched so you can add a flameless candle inside to make it look like a real lantern.

Grit paste with glitter sprinkled on top made the snow on the lantern.  The top was covered with grit paste and my pieces were stuck in while it was still wet.

The front of the lantern has a holiday wreath and the sentiment.

Rotten Smelly Dragon Jars

This wasn't the tutorial I had planned. A string of unfortunate events led to my planned project to sit in a state of disrepair.

What's a girl to do? Scramble!

I came up with these rotten smelly dragon jars about a week ago and was planning a tutorial in the future, but circumstances put a 'RUSH' on those plans.

The Dragons Shape Set used is pretty handy. There are two designs in three sizes so you can create a both quart and pint sized jars with just one set. The wings need to be bent to fit them in the jar, but they are sturdy things and will survive the ordeal.

 

The jars are made using a different technique than the fairy lanterns and, believe it or not, I haven't even added lights to these.

Those shadows are entirely from backlighting the jar. Pop them up on a window sill, or in front of a light, and you should see your small smelly dragon in it's stinky jar!

Now, I know that people are going to say they want to use these as nightlights, but really, dragons like their sleep and dark places. Best to let them rest at night rather than keep them up past their bedtime.

Below you'll find how to make these terrible things. Just a couple of additional notes first:

• To soften the streaks/drips you'll want to mist with water while still wet

• Apply several layers of brown wash to get a really dirty grimy look

• Why add glitter? It adds texture and give the paint something to grip. Plus, a little sparkle isn't a bad thing. But if you want to skip this part, go ahead.

Inspired to make your own dragon jars? Be sure to tag me when you show them off. If you try your hand at this project for your own blog, be sure to link back and gimme a shout out, please and thank-you!

If you're inspired to make your own dragon jars, be sure to tag me and Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts when you show them off. If you try your hand at this project for your own blog, be sure to link back and give us a shout out, please and thank-you!

Finally, here's what you'll need to make them:

Dragons Shape Set
Glass jar

Acrylic paint
Clear glitter
White glue
Cheesecloth
FlowerSoft-Ultra Fine *optional*
Twine
Charms & embellishments

P.S. Once again, a note about fire safety. DO NOT put live flame candles in these jars. I like you, you're a good egg and I don't want to see you hurt.