If you’re like me, Fall makes me want to “feather my nest” a bit. After all, we’re inside a lot more than we were in the summer, so it just makes sense that we would want to fill our homes with pretty things.
Mercury glass has recently become popular again. True mercury glass originated in Bohemia (the Czech Republic) around 1840. It was blown of double walled glass and then filled with a solution of silver nitrate and grape sugar. But, here’s the thing about mercury glass, it’s expensive and fragile (two things that DON’T belong in my house!).
So, if you want the look of mercury glass without the cost or worry about it breaking, I have the craft for you! My daughter found this method online and she and her bridesmaids have used it to make over 20 vases for her wedding. It’s fast and easy.
Here’s what you need:
- Cheap glasses from a thrift store
- Krylon Looking Glass spray paint
- White vinegar
- A spray bottle
- Paper towels, newsprint, and gloves
(We worked outside so we wouldn’t have to worry about turning everything in my house into a mirror!)
!) Make a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Make sure the spray is set to mist (not jet). Lightly spray the solution on the outside of your glasses so that it beads up but doesn’t run down the glass.
2) Make sure your looking glass spray paint nozzle is facing away from you (trust me on this!) and spray onto the glasses (over the vinegar spray). The first coat doesn’t look like much so don’t panic.
3) Let the paint sit for one minute and then blot with paper towels to create clear and mottled areas. If you have areas that ran a little, just wipe those areas off. And remember, you’re only doing the outside of the glasses.
4) Repeat the first three steps until you have your desired shade of “mercury glass” (we did four rotations).
That’s it! You end up with sturdy, inexpensive mercury glass vases that give your home that vintage feel without the cost or worry of the real thing.
Have fun and send us pictures of your finished projects!
