December 15, 2012

25 Days of Christmas CoCo Style - Day 15: Kusala Knitworks

Our guest post today comes from the crafty and talented Jenifer Spock-Rank from Kusala Knitworks. Jenifer makes some pretty awesome goodies. In fact, I ordered my Mom's Christmas present from her today. Be sure to check out her Etsy shop for some last minute shopping. Thanks so much, Jenifer!

So. You're on a tight budget, want to save some cash by doing something handmade, but you don't want people to run away screaming. Or, have the “Oh. Wow. That's greaaaaat.” look on their faces. I have a really cool solution. For awhile now I have been eyeing these very cool lids at a local kids' shop. Made by a company in Massachusetts, these Cuppow lids turn a regular mason jar into a grown-up sippy cup. Yes, you read that right – grown up sippy cup. Of course, kids can use them too, as there are two sizes – one for wide mouth jars and one for smaller mouthed jars.

I decided to get a couple of these for gifts... but didn't want to just give the Cuppow lid. A plain mason jar isn't very much fun, so this is what I came up with... and after looking online, I'm not the first, and I really thought I was being original!! 


This is a very easy project that kids can help with, but honestly, it's pretty fun, so you may not want them to! Be aware though, the length of time to make this project depends on the chalkboard paint you choose, as curing time can vary from brand to brand. Also, these are not a good suggestion for people with an aversion to hand washing dishes... they are handwash only.

Chalkboard Mason Jar Glasses
You'll need:
  • Mason jars – whatever size you like, big and tall, short and squatty
  • Bands – these fit around the screw tops of the mason jars. Make sure you get the right size bands for the jars you choose
  • Chalkboard paint – I used Rust-o-leum brand, but there are others out there
  • Foam brush or roller
  • Masking tape/painters tape – even duct tape works in a pinch
  • Chalk
  • Cuppow lids (if desired – you should. They're awesome)

Step One: Acquire mason jars. There are multiple ways you can do this, I found mine at a thrift shop for about $0.50 each. Make sure you get ones with bands or buy new bands separately – you can find these at various locations, just make sure you get the right size bands for the jar that you choose.

Step Two: Wash jars thoroughly. Whether you bought them new or from a thrift shop, they need to washed and dried to take care of any dirt and oils so the paint will adhere.

Step Three: Tape off the size and shape that you want on your jars with the masking or painters tape. I did a large rectangle on one side of the jar.


Step Four: Apply a thin layer of the chalkboard paint to the taped off area. Follow the directions on the paint jar as to how long to wait between coats. The particular paint that I used the dry time between coats was about four hours. I used three coats on this particular project.

Step Five: Once the paint is FULLY dry – seriously, don't rush it – remove the tape. I took a craft knife and went around the inner edge of the tape, just to help it separate without leaving a funky lip.
Step Six: At this point, it's a waiting game. Again, refer to the directions on your paint. Mine needed to cure for several days. I could've cut this time as the directions are for a full wall, but I didn't want to risk it.

Step Seven: take a small piece of chalk and “season” the area – rub the chalk over the area and wipe clean with a paper towel.

Done! Write a cute message, pop the Cuppow lid and band on the top and finish with a pretty ribbon! I included the Cuppow packaging (with washing instructions, etc.) in the jar with a piece of chalk. Depending on how many jars you make, each winds up costing about $11.00 – including the Cuppow lid!


HEARTS

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