If you visit this blog often, you'll know I came up with these rotten smelly dragon jars about a week ago. I was planning a tutorial in the future, but circumstances put a 'RUSH' on those plans.
The Dragons Shape Set used is pretty handy. There are two designs in three sizes so you can create a both quart and pint sized jars with just one set. The wings need to be bent to fit them in the jar, but they are sturdy things and will survive the ordeal ;)
These are made using a different technique than the fairy jars and, believe it or not, I haven't even added lights to these.
Those shadows are entirely from backlighting. Pop them up on a window sill, or in front of a light, and you should see your small smelly dragon in it's stinky jar quite well.
Now, I know that people are going to say they want to use these as nightlights, but really, dragons like their sleep and dark places. Best to let them rest at night rather than keep them up past their bedtime!
Below you'll find how to make these terrible things. Or watch it on youtube here. Just a couple of additional notes:
• To soften the streaks/drips you'll want to mist with water while still wet
• Apply several layers of brown wash to get a really dirty grimy look
• Why add glitter? It adds texture and give the paint something to grip. Plus, a little sparkle isn't a bad thing. But if you want to skip this part, go ahead.
Inspired to make your own dragon jars? Be sure to tag me when you show them off. If you try your hand at this project for your own blog, be sure to link back and gimme a shout out, please and thank-you!
Dragons Shape Set
Glass jar
Acrylic paint
Clear glitter
White glue
Cheesecloth
FlowerSoft-Ultra Fine
Twine
Charm & embellishments
P.S. Once again, a note about fire safety. DO NOT put live flame candles in these jars. I like you, you're a good egg and I don't want to see you hurt.
Oh I think the bent wings also make them look that much more alive! I've seen inside shadowbox work where the paper figures behind the covering is bent and pricked with tiny needles to let light through to create texture and this has that same effect! BEAUTIFUL!! And I LOVE that they are for daytime viewing! Night-lights are wonderful but you really DO want to encourage nighttime sleeping for rotten, smelly dragons. . . lest you'll have a cranky, rotten, smelly dragon on your hands which is, to say the least, Ummmmm, not good.
ReplyDeleteLove these! Is there a reason why you couldn't do the fairy jars like this (sans brown, of course!)? Thanks, as always, for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteLol! These are just great! Are you following up with grungy Troll jars?? So much fun
ReplyDeleteI tried this but my milky wash is staying smooth once painted, it wants to pull together, creating empty spaces, hints? tips? I id use acrylic craft paint.. maybe that's why? I'm also not getting a solid black for the silhouette, but it's spotted from the wash :/ thanks for any feed back!
ReplyDeleteDid your jars go through the dishwasher by any chance? It could be the rinse aid causing the liquid to bead. You might try washing them by hand and rinsing them with hot water with a splash of vinegar. Let me know if that works for you.
DeleteHello love your UTUBE video, could you please tell me where I could get the Flower Soft Ultra Shine at .Thank you lots again for sharing your creativity.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately that product is no longer available. Check out online stores that offer miniature terrain supplies and you'll find something similar. Or, you could finely grind some dried moss for a similar effect.
DeleteI want to make one of these for my sister for Christmas, but I had a couple questions before I get started. Whats the ratio to glue and water? And how do you put the dragons in place? I'm guessing you push them against the inside while the glue is still tacky, but I just want to be sure :) Thank you in advance!
ReplyDeleteIt'll depend on the type you use to be honest (some is thicker than others). You'll want it about the consistency of milk, thicker than water but not too thick. You'll need to use a dab of glue to hold the dragons in place.
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