Craft Geek DIY: How to Print on Glass Jars

Print-making art has been around for a long long time, and it's versatile, easy and fun. There are various ways to make a print ie. stamps, linoleum blocks, wooden blocks, and even potatoes (remember that primary school art project?)

In this post, I will show you how to decorate your unused, unwanted glass jars and bottles.

You need:

1. Your glass jars of course. Washed and wiped dry.
2. A printout of your design. Either print it on a laser jet printer or have your design photocopied. Do not use inkjet printers.
3. Clear sticky tape.
4. Mod Podge. There are a few types, get the hard coat, or check if it is suitable for glass surfaces.
5. A paint brush.
6. A bowl of warm water. Preferably a pretty little bowl because it makes you happy.

Here's how you do it:

1. Stick the clear tape over your printed design. NICELY. FLAT. SMOOTH.


2. Cut it out, near the edge of the design.


3. Soak it in the pretty bowl of warm water for about 20-30 minutes.


4. Rub the paper away using your thumb. The paper would be pulp by now. Rub away until you see a clear sheet.


5. Stick it on your glass surface. it's pretty hard to shift position once you place it on the surface. The tape would still be sticky.
Press and wipe away all excess water. Leave NO air bubbles between the tape and the glass surface.

6. Do a few if you like.


7. Open a jar of Mod Podge. It is WHITE but don't worry, it becomes clear when dried.


8. Paint an even coating of Mod Podge over the design and around it.



9. As you can see, Mod Podge is clear when it's dried. But I wonder why my tape is not entirely clear. You can see the uncut whitish area around my design. I will use another brand of clear tape next time.

Have fun!!