How to Create Holiday Glassware

The Christmas season gives us a perfect excuse to make over the entire house. Some people even change their bathroom décor for the Christmas holiday. If they can create a winter wonderland in the loo, we can do it in the kitchen.

Around the holidays, people pay high prices for decorated glassware. In this article, you will learn how to turn ordinary glassware (water goblets, champagne flutes, wine glasses, etc.) into painted holiday creations in a few simple steps.

The supplies needed for this project are relatively inexpensive. I have found some of the most interesting glassware at the dollar store. They sell all types of glasses that would be perfect for this project. The paint we will be using is designed for glass. It is called air dry enamel and can be found at Michael's, A.C. Moore, or any other local craft store. A wide variety of colors are available. Choose holiday colors appropriate for your festive designs. Paintbrushes can be purchased at the craft store. They don't need to be fancy so buy the lowest priced ones or buy a pack.

Supplies:
Glassware of your choice
Vinegar (apple cider or white)
Paper towels
Paintbrushes (three or four small ones)
Cookie sheet
Glass enamel paint
Small bowl of water (to wash brushes at the end)

1. Clean all glassware with soap and water. Dry completely.

2. With a paper towel, rub the entire outer surface of each glass with vinegar. Do not dilute the vinegar. The vinegar application will help the paint to set.

3. Choose the enamel colors you want to use first. Use a different paintbrush for each bottle. Water should not be mixed with the paint.

4. Paint your glassware. The picture with this article shows goblets decorated with painted Christmas trees. If you desire a glittery look to your designs, DecoArt™ makes a clear gold and silver glitter that can be applied over top another color to create the desired effect. Don't forget to include the stem and the base of the glass.

5. When you're done, let the glasses stand for twenty-four hours in a dry place.

6. After twenty-four hours, place the glassware on a cookie sheet. Make sure that the glasses do not touch.

7. Preheat your oven to 325°. Put the cookie sheet in the oven. To fit the glasses and cookie sheet in the oven, you may need to remove one rack and move the remaining rack to the bottom.

8. Bake the glasses for thirty minutes. Remove the glasses and set aside to cool. All painted glassware is now ready to use and dishwasher safe.

Decorated glassware can make great Christmas gifts for friends and family. Or, keep the glasses for yourselves and showcase them at holiday gatherings. You don't have to be a Picasso to create a beautiful work of art!