Artist Date #1: Mercury Glass

I read about a technique for turning glass into "aged mercury glass" in the January issue of Martha Stewart Living and had been anxious to test it out. I needed to create centerpieces for my best friend's baby shower, so it seemed like the perfect time to get creative and unleash my artist.

My date began at Goodwill (classy, I know), where I bought $4.47 worth of glasses. I got three vases from my bestie and promised her that they would come back to her more beautiful than ever. I had bought the spray paint earlier in the week from Michael's. Finding the specific paint was an adventure in itself...more on that later. I felt like I was on a mission - and I really like missions - a creative mission that had to be completed before the rest of the world came banging on my door with "pay the bills, cook dinner, return that phone call, follow up on email, find guitarist, wash the car", and all that other nasty junk that piles up in the way of my creative process.

The technique was simple, although I modified it a bit to get better results. I had such a great time getting messy and creating something beautiful. Admittedly, I wondered why I didn't let myself do stuff like this more often. All and all, a great date!




Martha Stewart's Instant Antique Technique (With Notes by Liz)

Tools and Materials
Glass candleholders
Vases
Picture frames with glass
Spray bottle with water
Mirror paint (krylon.com). The paint is called Krylon Looking Glass Mirror-Like Paint. Call stores ahead of time to see if they carry it.
Drying rack (I used the rack from inside the microwave)

The How-To
Work on a protected surface in a well-ventilated area. Outside is best!
Clean glass before starting.
Cover vessels' exteriors with paper, or remove glass from frame. spray interiors of vessels or frame glass lightly with water. 1 spritz does the trick.
Then spray with mirror paint (the water will make the paint mottled).
I found that the spray was pooling on the bottoms of the vessels, so I turned them on their sides and gently rotated them, letting the paint coat the interior. It made authentic looking aging streaks and coated the glass much better.
Turn vessels upside down on a drying rack (so air circulates inside).
Continue to reapply mirror spray. Krylon recommends 5 coats.
Let dry completely, at least overnight. Repeat if too sheer.
For flowers, arrange in a glass and place the glass inside the vase. Candles can be placed directly inside.