The last post described my very special group of crafting friends, who are all exceptionally talented and creative artists. The next few posts will showcase some of the projects we‘ve made, during past get-togethers.
Here’s a wonderful idea that began with some zinc pots discovered at an antique store. The pots are about 4” tall. Any container base would work for this project, including aluminum, terra cotta, glass, or even peat pots from a garden shop. The zinc pots worked well because of their substantial weight.
Using a matte finish Mod Podge and a brush, we applied vintage wallpapers, sheet music, scrapbook papers, newsprint, and other decorative papers to the pot. We embellished the pots using crepe papers, buttons, ribbons, earrings, beads, stickers, velvet flowers, velvet fabric, lace, and photos. Sparkle was added using rhinestones, glitter and metallic trims and pipe cleaners. Bases were added to some of the pots, using a scalloped circle of mat board, cut about ¼” larger than the base of the pot. The bases were adhered using a glue gun.
Handles were created using florist’s wire, which was wrapped with crepe paper or ribbon, and then embellished with millinery flowers, wired beaded flowers, and charms. The handles were secured to the pots by threading them through pre-drilled holes, and then twisting the wire on the inside of the pot.
Some of the pots were decorated with messages or initials, using clear dome alphabets, stickers, chipboard or rubber stamps.
You can really get carried away with this project, and make something very special and personal for the recipient. The materials are not costly, and readily available. This project is very open-ended and enjoyable for crafters of any skill level or age. (click on the images for a close up.)
We had lots of fun giving away our little pots when they were completed. I love them because they are so eclectic, and covered with many layers of doo-dads, old and new.
At first glance, these pots seem to be something out of another era. They’re perfect in the studio for holding pencils, paint brushes, scissors, and art supplies. They’d also be darling containers for a gift of cookies or candies, a small plant, or a surprise of any kind!
editor's note: To read other posts in this craft project series, click Craftstravaganza, Something Old, Something New, Love in Every Stitch, and Charmed I'm Sure!.
