Mercury Glass Candle Holders

I wanted to try my hand at making some DIY mercury glass candle holders.  I found several tutorials on Pinterest and tried several of them.  I eventually ended up using a combination of suggestions.  I started out by using a glass candle jar that I had on hand.  I always clean out and save the jars that my candles come in so that I can re-use them.  I just run some steaming hot water right out of the faucet into the jar and let it sit, the wax usually pops right out and then I use hot soapy water to clean out the remaining residue.

The one thing that all of the tutorials had in common was using Krylon Looking Glass Spray - after that, they all differed just a little bit.  I also used a small spray bottle containing 50% water and vinegar.  I tried spraying the KLGS first followed by the water/vinegar and also the opposite.  Personally, I prefer using the KLGS first, then lightly spraying with the water/vinegar, then using a dry paper towel to dab at it in spots to give it the look that you want.

I found that using a small drinking glass covered in a plastic bag to hold the jar up while I painted it helped a lot.  I could easily turn it as I painted.  The paint dries quickly so you need to work fast.

Here is the final outcome -

It turned out really well.  I love the look of mercury glass but it is usually pretty pricey.  This is definitely more in my price range, lol - and the sizes and shapes of the candle holders, vases, whatever, is unlimited!  How about you - have you tried diy mercury glass?  If so, what is your preferred method?

Mercury Glass Vase

Another garage sale find was this mercury glass vase.  When I saw it, I scooped it up super quick!

It was also one dollar - ONE DOLLAR!  Did I mention this was a fabulous garage sale?  And to top it off, it was a benefit garage sale for adults with special needs!  Since I HAVE an adult child with special needs, this was a definite win-win for me.  I pictured it in the playroom on the shelf in the corner.  I was thinking that it needed something with height in that spot.  I then went to Hobby Lobby and picked up some fall flower stems - all of which were on sale! Now this spot is filled in perfectly.

And here's a shot from farther back in the room -

Yep - it works!  I'm planning on switching out the flowers seasonally.  I'm seeing Christmas flowers, then some wintery sparkly snowy branches, then some kind of spring mix.  I'm loving this mercury glass and am thinking of trying some of the DIY ideas all over Pinterest on some of the votives, jars, and vases I have in my collection.

How about you?  Are you loving mercury glass?  Have you tried any of the DIY ideas to make your own?  Let me know which method worked best for you!