Geometric mosaic vase

Hands-on time: 2 hours
Total time: paint dries and becomes translucent and ready to be peeled and cut within 24 hours
Skill: Easy
Cost estimate: Less than $8 each (cost of glass vase not included - total cost can vary depending on how many paint colours are used)

Materials & tools

• Glass vase of choice (in any shape or size)
• Arti'stick window paint colours by Pébéo - I used the following colours; 13 clear, 08 Light green, 06 Light Blue, 07 Dark Green, and 01 Yellow
• 2 plastic sheet liners (available where Arti'stick products are sold) - the plastic sheets are reusable work-surface blank sheets on which to pour the window paints in order to create translucent paint sheets to peel and cut into square mosaic pieces
• Newspapers
• Disposable cups (paper, plastic, or styrofoam)
• Scissors or an X-acto knife
• Ruler
• Paper clip, stir sticks, or a length of wire
• A flat soft paint brush (optional)

Geometric mosaic vases with their symmetrical colour-play and contemporary flair can be easily created with Arti'stick window paints. It's a simple way to transform ordinary glass and mirror items into unique luminous home décor accents with an authentic stained-glass look. This type of glass paint is so easy to use it was originally created for children's crafts. It's a modern medium to easily jazz up home decorative accents. The window paints are blended and poured onto a plastic sheet liner and once dry they become translucent. They are then peeled off and cut into square shapes and applied to a glass vase surface forming a geometric mosaic pattern.

To prepare the glass surface, wash the vase with soapy water and dry. Cover your work area with newspapers. Place plastic sheet liners, cups, and a straightened-out paper clip on work area.

Pour the base colour "clear" into two cups (to make two different sheets of colour combinations) and add a few drops of two colours to one cup and two other colours to the other cup. Run the tip of a straightened paper clip (a wire or stir stick) through the paints a few times in order to create a swirl effect (do not completely mix and blend the colours). Pour the colour mixtures on separate plastic sheet liners until surface is covered. Pour enough to form a circle in the center of the sheet, then move the sheet back and forth until the surface is covered.

Pull the tip of a wire through the paint a few times to enhance the swirl effect. Set aside and allow it to dry for 24 hours until paint is translucent.

Lift and peel the dried paint sheets from the plastic sheet liners and cut them into squares in assorted sizes using scissors or an X-acto knife. Use a ruler as a guide to cut straight lines and specific sizes.

Randomly (or strategically) apply the squares to the vase. Apply them closely together for a more traditional mosaic effect or, for a contemporary look, leave spaces between squares and alternate the colours. Since Arti'stick window paints become flexible once they are dry, they can be repositioned numerous times, until you are pleased with your composition.

To finish, apply a thin coat of the clear colour window paint over the entire vase with a soft paintbrush and let dry. This will give the entire vase a stained glass look, it will also act as a top coat and will permanently leave the squares pieces in place. Or, leave off the finishing coat - this will allow you to remove and change the shapes and colours at any time to suit your décor themes and the seasons. For a burst of colour add elements of fresh citrus, lemons, and lime to brighten a room.

Tips

• You can also add Arti'stick window paints in assorted colours between the square spaces to create a true mosaic effect. Do not shake the paint tubes, as this may create air bubbles. Bubbles can be popped with a paper clip.

Variations

• Arti'stick window paints work well on a variety items, like mirrors, glass lamp bases, glass or plastic lampshades, candles, candle holders, tiles, jars, plastic accessories, and especially windows. You can also incorporate assorted beads and glass nuggets to any of these projects.
• These window paints can also be used to decorate assorted surfaces such as paper, cardboard, metal, or wood. The paints become permanent if used on these surfaces and cannot be peeled off, however the results are spectacular.
• Keep your children busy and let them create their own works of art to decorate their bedroom mirrors, and windows. Children can achieve fun results making whimsical sun catchers or decorative stickers for their note books or for the refrigerator.