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.

Sizzix Mini Bunny and Bow	Sizzix Sized Circles Movers & Shapers	Ranger Distress Paint - Forest Moss	idea-ology Accoutrements - Classic	Idea-ology Crinkle Ribbon
idea-ology Jute String	Picket Fence Distress Crackle Paint	Grafix Medium Weight Chipboard Sheets, 12-Inch by 12-Inch, Natural, 25-Pack

InLinkz.com

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