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Project Planner: Cookie Jar Covers

Altered Objects to Display: Craft Art Project Using Old Jar Lids

Mar 6, 2008 Jenn Greenleaf

Yard sale season is right around the corner. During spring-cleaning, don't throw away covers that don't have a mate. Alter them, instead!

Altering objects to display around the house is a creative twist to sprucing up the appearance of a room, as well as a good opportunity to keep the creative juices flowing. If you are looking for a rainy day project to complete with your kids, also, this will be a good thing to do to keep little hands busy.

Do you have a cookie jar or another similar type of container where the lid is all you have left? There are times in everyone’s life where something with two pieces has broken and all that’s left is the least functional part: the lid. Rather than throwing these items in the trash, alter them into art projects. This also works well for boring pieces being displayed in the home that aren’t broken, but could take on a new life.

The type of adhesive and paint needed for this project will be dependant on what the objects are made from. If the items are glass, then of course glass paint will be suitable for this project, as well as a decoupage medium. If the object is wood, then a wood adhesive and any number of paints (stain, acrylic, glaze, etc.) will work well.

How the object is altered will depend on whether has a raised or a flat surface. For example, if the object being worked on has a lot of crevices and a handle, then consider painting it up, and then embellishing where the crevices with beadwork. If the surface is completely flat, not only will it be easier to alter, but also the surface will be much like working with a canvas where creative freedom really has no limits.

If you are working on a wood surface, consider sanding it down a bit before adding elements using an adhesive. This will allow for the elements to stick better, unlike working with a surface that has been varnished. It will also give an interesting texture to the pieces of wood that are still showing.

Whatever the cover is, this is a simple alternative to throwing something out or replacing an item that might be a bit boring. Remember, this is an art piece. So, don’t be afraid to experiment with many different embellishments and mediums. If something doesn’t work out, try something new. If you feel like the piece you’ve created isn’t exactly what you had in mind, alter over it again and start something new. There are no rules when it comes to altered objects, so let your imagination take over and display it proudly!

The copyright of the article Project Planner: Cookie Jar Covers in Mixed Media Arts is owned by Jenn Greenleaf. Permission to republish Project Planner: Cookie Jar Covers in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.