Fabric Decoupage Candle Holder Tutorial

Believe it or not, making this fabric decoupage takes about five minutes, tops, not counting the time to make the paste or drying time. This project is also a great way to reuse glass jars from salsa, pasta sauce, jellies, and jams. Additionally, you can use tissue paper, newspaper, old sewing patterns, magazine pictures, scrapbook paper, or yarn, instead of fabric. The possibilities are endless!

Materials Needed:
glass jar to cover
fabric, paper, or yarn to cover jar
scissors
decoupage glue, Mod Podge, or homemade paste
clean rag
foam paintbrush

Steps:

1) Prepare the glue
Store bought decoupage glues are easier to use, but you can make your own from flour, sugar, and water. Simply combine 1 cup of flour, 1/3 cup white sugar, and 2 cups water in a saucepan. beat with a whisk until smooth and no lumps are present. Heat the paste on medium-low and hold for 10 minutes, while stirring every 2 minutes. Do not let the mixture boil or clump. Remove from heat and store in an airtight jar for up to 2 weeks.

2) Prepare the glass and fabric/paper strips.
 Clean and dry your glass and cut your strips of fabric or paper into 1-2 inch wide strips that are about 1 foot in length.

3) Cover the jar with glue.
Using a foam brush, liberally cover the exterior of the glass jar with adhesive in a thick layer.

4) Warp paper or fabric strips around jar.
Be careful to smooth out any wrinkles as you go.

5) Seal the decorative coating with 1 or 2 layers of glue, allowing 2-3 hours drying time between layers.

6) Trim any stray threads at the top to minimize the risk of fire. Make sure there are not any strips of fabric or paper that could catch fire when burning a candle in your jar. It is a good idea to use small candles or stop wrapping 1/2 inch from the top of the jar for safety.

Sunday Shop

Zephyr Art is the shop you go to if you're looking for quirky and fun accessories.
Their pieces, jewelry and otherwise, are bright, chunky and colorful. Especially this first piece. I love how all of the different textures and colors come together in this Cuff Bracelet. 



I would call their pieces bohemian chic.

I love these Fabric Earrings... the almost-pearl button against the bright blue yarn. It's fun and eye-catching.


Did I mention that they are also artists? Well, it's not like something this creative could come from anything less than an artist's hands. Or a couple of pairs of them. 

Okay Julie, how long have you been crafting and what got you started?
As a business Eppie Cataldo Bailey and I (Julie Barrett Cataldo) started in 2001. When we met, Eppie was primarily illustrating and I was primarily painting. We realized we have a common Art Philosophy of using the freedom and joy we feel in creating to spread our conviction that Art can and should be part of everybody's lives. Because we believe collaboration makes a bigger impact, we joined forces.
Your shop is a "close collaboration of creativity" with you in Tennessee and your sister-in-law in Pennsylvania. It can't be easy when you're 800 miles apart. How do you make that work?
We talk on the phone A LOT. (We are on the phone together right now, answering these questions!) Some days we feel like the phone is an extension of ourselves. Computers are helpful for transferring images and ideas and we spend considerable amounts of time in either place together. We have artist networks in both areas with which we are involved, because we believe real experiences create better art than a solitary vacuum. 
You have three kids, one on the way, and one is being home schooled. How do you find the time?
Eppie also has 4 children, three of which are home schooled. The way we find time is to refuse to the alternative: to not have time for our passion. We incorporate Art into our school and we live "school". There is no distinction between "school" ,"Art" or "life". Sometimes we have to do lessons when we want to paint and sometimes we paint when we should be doing lessons, it all evens out for us. There is no miracle here, sometimes things (laundry, dishes) get done and sometimes they don't, we've learned to accept this. We strive to balance structured education with our tenants of freedom and creativity. 


I think we can all agree with Eppie and Julie on how important art and creativity are in every day life.


Be sure and stop by their shop and check out the rest of their fun and funky work!


Thanks so much for sharing, Julie (...and Eppie in Pennsylvania)! 


-The Murfreesboro Etsy Team
http://www.etsy.com/teams/5505/murfreesboro-etsy-team


featured shop: zephyrart.etsy.com
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