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
HEARTS 
