Bright spark from a used bottle

Every kitchen is sure to have leftover glass jars that end up in the rubbish bin. You can try the following steps to turn drab glass containers into lanterns that can be used to brighten up the ambience indoors or outdoors.

STEP 1

You will need a medium-sized jar (a grape leaves container would serve the purpose). Wash the jar and dry well.
You will also need 10m of thin rubber cord. Cut the cord into 30 pieces measuring 9cm each; 20 pieces measuring 16cm each; and three pieces measuring 25cm each. These measurements are for the design I am about to show you. If you wish to decorate the jar with other patterns, cut accordingly.

STEP 2

Here's how to tie the smallest piece. Hold two ends together and tie with thin thread. These are the petals. You can also see how to shape the other pieces of rubber cord.

STEP 3

After making petals with the smallest pieces of cord, apply glue on one side and stick them to the jar. I have made three flowers with six petals each.

STEP 4

Place the longer pieces of cord between the petals. There are two sizes of long cord — 16cm and 25cm. The pieces measuring 16cm should be rolled only on one side. The cord measuring 25cm should be rolled on both sides. Stick the patterns on to the jar with glue.

STEP 5

Mix three tablespoons of white glue with two tablespoons of water in a plastic glass. Apply this mixture all over the jar and cord. Apply more of the mixture on the cord because it should shrink. Don't worry — white glue is transparent; when dry, it will only form a few wrinkles on the jar.

STEP 6

Time to add some colour to the jar which looks all black and white. For this, you will need transparent glass paint. I have used just thee colours — red, yellow, and green. You can paint the jar with colours of your choice.

STEP 7

A candle would do just as fine but I preferred an electric bulb for this one. Stick the bulb holder with cable to the centre of the stand made of aluminium strips (I had explained this in a previous issue) and place a small bulb in it.

STEP 8 (See left)

The finished product is shown on the left. The pattern under the flower is formed by rolling both sides of the cord measuring 25cm.

STEP 9

Here I have tried an abstract design. Just dip the rubber cord into the water-and-glue mixture and wrap it around the jar. Colour it with the glass paint when it is dry. Make a handle with wire and place it in the garden with a candle inside.

Gulsen Dikturk is a UAE-based art enthusiast.