September Art and Soul: Recylcled Bottle Night Ligh

Hello there Art and Soul Crafters!  Y'all did a great job on these recycled bottle night lights at our September Art and Soul.  

We're posting the instructions for any of you who couldn't make or want to make another one.




Supplies:
--bottle (wine bottle, olive oil bottle, bottle purchased at Hobby Lobby--clear or green are fine)

--E6000 glue (Hobby Lobby or Walmart)

--flat bottom glass floral marbles/beads (Dollar Tree or craft store)--color of your choosing!

--OPTIONAL:  the cork to the bottle (or buy corks at craft store)
 
--strand of mini Christmas lights

Instructions
1. Take the label off the bottle if you want.  It's suggested if the label is large or dark in color.

2.  Work outside if possible or a well ventilated area.  The glue is potent in smell!
 
3.  Because both the glass and the marbles are slick, here is the suggested method for adhering the marbles to the bottle.  Put a bead of E6000 on the bottom of the marble and sit it to the side to dry a little bit.  Do several at a time, perhaps placing on a paper plate as you work.  Then, put beads of E6000 on the bottle.  Once the E6000 is a little tacky on both surfaces, place your marbles on the bottle.  You will likely have to hold each marble in place for a few seconds to help it set before you move to the next one.

3.  The marbles may want to slide right off the bottle--so be patient!  Allowing the glue get a bit tacky helps this--as does having the glue on both the marble and the bottle.  Another optional tip is to use masking tape to hold the marbles in place once you have a row of them down.  You can take the masking tape off the next day.  

4.  Work in small sections of a time.  Seems to help to let the bottle rest on its side rather than upright as you work.  You may wish to make a pattern with your marble colors--but randomly placing them is just as pretty and of course, faster.  

5.  Once you have covered the bottle in the marbles, set it aside to dry overnight.  Again, wrap masking tape all around the bottle to help the marbles set IF you want!  

6.  Optional:  take the cork and glue a marble to the top.  Your bottle does not have to have this finishing touch, though.

7.  Take a small strand of white lights and shove them down into the bottle.  Leave enough cord hanging out the back of the bottle to plug in wherever you intend to use your night light.

All of these projects were so gorgeous in the light they gave off--a real stained glass sort of effect.  This can be a tedious project to complete, but SO worth it.  One of our crafters decided to leave the blank space at the top of her bottle to switch out a seasonal bow.  Make it your own!  And happy crafting!        
   

January Art and Soul--Coupon Binders




You asked for it--so we're doing it!  Coupon binders!

Come join us January 19th at 7:30 pm at Heather's house as we put together coupon binders.  We'll provide supplies for you to create a cover--free of charge.  And, we'll be sharing some couponing tips! 

Here's what you need to bring (besides a snack or drink to share):
1. Binder of your choice
(1" or 1.5" work great--with clear plastic cover for inserts)

2.  Tabs/Dividers of your choice
(I like the plastic pocket dividers)

3.  Plastic sleeves for 4" x 6" photos

You should be able to score these items at Staples, or another office supply place.  IF you don't have these supplies--come anyway and get some money saving tips to start the new year. 

November Art and Soul--Table Top Christmas Trees

Tis the Season 
(not exactly, but we don't meet in December....)


Check out these LIT table top Christmas trees!  They are about 18" - 20" in height.  I made the green one for our entry way...my son made the blue one for his room.  Yes, a project so simple even a fourth grader could make it.  


Join us November 10th at 7:30 pm at Jessica's.  Cost is $15 per tree.  


IF you have any wire coat hangers or hot glue gun--bring 'em!  Each tree requires 6 hangers that are the same.  We'll have hangers & hot glue guns available, too.  IF you are particular on a color scheme, bring your own thick garland (2-3 strands) and ornaments. 


Grab a friend and a snack or drink--and come get in the holiday spirit.