Thursday, April 17, 2014

Easy Easter DIY Bell Jar (From the Dollar Store!)

Hi everyone! Today I have a project for you that's been in the works for ages! Some of you might remember my Halloween Bell Jar project from a couple years ago. I wasn't totally happy with the candle jar as the cloche, and kept looking for a better idea. I was so excited when I discovered the disposable plastic wine glasses from the Dollar Tree were the perfect size! Even better, the base was removable, so there was just the matter of trimming the stem down a bit. As it happens (to me, a lot) I set it aside and moved on to something else.

Over the past few weeks, I've been cleaning out my studio and have come across lots of bits and pieces of different projects - one of them was the wine glass cloche. I decided that I'd gather together some of my new-found materials and make a sweet little Easter bell jar. How cute is that little moss bunny? Thank goodness I hoard all this junk! This project is very quick and easy and goes together in about an hour. Here's a quick tutorial for you:

Begin by die cutting a bunny from a piece of medium weight chipboard using Tim Holt's Mini Bunny and Bow die. Paint with Forest Moss (how perfect is that?) Distress paint and set aside to dry. Cut two pieces of moss in the shape of the bunny and adhere to chipboard with hot glue. Trim to shape, if necessary.

Use hot glue to adhere a bit of Spanish moss to the center of a nest (I found these at Hobby Lobby for $.99). Tie a length of idea-ology Jute String around the bunny's neck and hot glue him to the nest.

Next, cut a circle from medium weight chipboard using the largest of Tim Holtz's Sized Circles dies. Paint it, along with a wood candlestick, with Picket Fence Distress Crackle paint. Let dry completely, then glue the circle to the candlestick, creating a base for the cloche.

There are a couple ways you can trim down the neck of the bottle. You can use a rotary tool, a hacksaw, or you can do what I did. I used my heat gun to soften the plastic, then carefully cut it with scissors. I honestly don't recommend this way of doing it. You need to ensure you have plenty of ventilation, and the results are not that predictable. It's really easy to overheat the stem and warp the plastic. SO, proceed at your own risk! ;) With either method, you'll have a hole in the center. I used an idea-ology Accoutrements button to cover it and make a pretty handle.

To finish the cloche, I tied a length of Crinkle Ribbon around the neck and added Maya Road lace around the stand.  See, totally quick and easy...right? Even better, the cost is very minimal. I would estimate this project only costs about $1 to make. Not bad for something this pretty! Of course, it doesn't have to just be for Easter. There are all kinds of different themes you could use.

As always, the supplies I used can be found at Inspiration Emporium via the links below. Be sure and use my coupon code - stamptramp - to save 10% on your order.

BTW, I thought some of you might be interested in the chipboard I've been using on my projects lately. I've found that the medium weight chipboard that Amazon carries is perfect for all of my die cutting. It works beautifully with Eileen Hull's ScoreBoards dies! It comes in kraft, white (which is just on one side, the other is kraft), and black. The white is perfect if you want to stamp, ink, etc. You can find the link to that below as well.





I hope you enjoyed my tutorial - have a wonderful weekend and Easter holiday!

23 comments:

  1. Shelley, I absolutely LOVE this! It is so simple and made for almost no cost, especially for those of us who "collect" things for a "future" project.
    I love these kind of projects that I can start and actually finish in one sitting.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh my gosh, that's quite possibly the cutest & most gorgeous thing I've ever seen.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Terrific idea. Thanks for the tutorial! Marlene L

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is so darn cute and what a great idea to use a dollar store bell jar!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. So cute, thank you for the how to.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Shelly - this is adorable - thank you so much I have been looking for those disposable wine glasses & now know where to go to look for them. Happy Easter!

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is adorable! I love the mossy bunny. I can see lots of year round potential.

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a sweet and clever project - love it! Thanks for the how-to!

    ReplyDelete
  9. It's a adoreble project! Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love Love Love it! Absolutely adorable! And I'm glad I'm not the only one that gets a bit distracted and doesn't get to projects here and there....then back again! Yay! Human! :)
    Happy Easter to you and thank you so much for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I absolutely adore this! The bunny would be perfect tucked into plant pots for an Easter egg hunt. Thanks for sharing another awesome project. :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Absolutely adorable,Shelly! Great find.
    Happy Easter to you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  13. This is awesome I cannot believe it was so cheap to make. Thanks for sharing your tutorial and I am glad I have a rotary tool lol.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Absolutely AMAZING!!! I loooooove this!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh Shelly that is awesome 🙆!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. So adorable! I've got my supplies, so I'm going to try it tomorrow! Thanks for the wonderful project!

    ReplyDelete
  17. That moss bunny rocks!!! This is so elegant and beautiful! PINNED! Have a wonderful Easter!

    ReplyDelete
  18. So clever, I love this idea. Looks expensive too

    ReplyDelete
  19. Thank you for sharing your creativity! This is the most adorable home art. Love it. Great tutorial, as well. Thanks again.

    ReplyDelete
  20. WOW!!! Simply amazing you are....I Adore this!! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  21. I love all your gorgeous projects, and you are always so sweet to share how you created them! The egg is stupendous! And the cloche is beautiful. Have a lovely day!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts. I appreciate your comments so much!