If you love DIY projects, your big day is perfect for showcasing your creativity. It’s a bonus if it’s easy and supplies are readily available at the thrift store. You can make our simple DIY mercury glass for your reception and use it in your new home. Secondhand stores are overrun with glass, and this project is perfect for unforgotten pieces.
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The Cost of a DIY Wedding Centerpiece
There’s nothing quite like fresh flowers. They’re beautiful, fragrant, and full of color. However, that may not be the most budget-friendly choice for some couples. Some can cost hundreds of dollars per table. Even though florists work hard to create lovely arrangements, some brides opt for non-fresh flowers. And either choice is ok!
Learning how to make your centerpieces can be fun. Whether you use silk or dried flowers, you can still achieve the effect of a fresh floral centerpiece. Plus, DIY wedding centerpieces can be used in your home long after your wedding day. The mercury glass adds a classy, vintage feel.
You can have gorgeous DIY centerpieces on a budget for a fraction of what a fresh flower arrangement costs.
Why a DIY mercury glass tutorial?
There are a few reasons to learn how to DIY faux mercury glass. Not only does it look expensive, but our do-it-yourself mercury glass recycles unwanted containers. As a bonus, you can’t see through mercury glass, so your work is hidden behind the paint!
How to Make Inexpensive Centerpieces for Other Occasions
Of course, discovering how to make DIY floral centerpieces isn’t limited to special occasions. In addition to being lovely home decor, these could also serve as bridal shower decorations or for a rehearsal dinner.
You could also learn how to make DIY centerpieces for a dinner party or as a lovely gift for someone. Wouldn’t they be perfect for a housewarming?
Explore how to make DIY centerpieces, and you will be well on your way to creating things for any event or occasion that calls for flowers.
How to Make DIY Mercury Glass
Supplies
- Short glass vase or jar from the thrift store (we used a candle jar—so inexpensive!)
- Krylon Looking Glass spray paint (or a different mirrored metallic spray paint)
- Spray bottle
- Paper towels
- Acetone or vinegar
- Floral stems (silk, dried, or real)
- Floral foam or oasis – use dry for faux flowers or wet for fresh flowers
- Water
- Knife (can be dull)
- Ribbon of your choice of color and pattern
How to Make Mercury Glass Containers from Candles
(Skip these steps if you’re not using a candle container.)
- Boil or microwave two cups of water to make it hot.
- Sowly pour the hot water into the empty jar if it has a candle.
- Let the water sit for a bit to melt/soften the leftover wax. You should see the wax loosen and float to the top.
- The warmth also loosens labels, so use this time to peel off any labels.
- If needed, use a dull knife to loosen stubborn wax. A knife will also help loosen stuck wick tabs.
- Wash the jar or run it through the dishwasher cycle to remove any last residue.
- Fill a spray bottle with a solution of 1 part vinegar and 1 part water.
- Set aside until needed
- Protect your painting surface with paper, cardboard, or scrap fabric.
- Lightly coat the inside of your jar with paint by spraying the bottom and sides.
- Immediately after spraying the inside, spray the vinegar mix inside the jar.
- Blot with a paper towel to let some of the glass show through. If vinegar is stubborn, you can also use acetone.
- Next, flip the jar over.
- Repeat the paint, spray with vinegar mix, and dab with paper towel steps for the outside.
- Use the jar to gauge how much floral foam you need.
- While the paint is drying, cut the oasis with a knife into your desired size. Your cut piece should fit snugly into the jar or container.
- If using fresh flowers, submerge your foam in water before placing it into the glass.
- Next, add your floral stems.
- Finally, finish your DIY mercury glass DIY by tying a ribbon if you choose.
DIY Mercury Glass Results
These are so adorable! If you’re planning a wedding and wondering how to make DIY table centerpieces for your reception, this is perfect. Not only are they simple to make, but they are also a great way to recycle thrifted or unwanted glass.
If you were curious about creating a mercury glass effect, you now know how simple it can be. And it’s such a great way to upcycle!
Want to learn how to make DIY mercury glass? Save it!
