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Time: 1h30

Transform dollar store glass vases into a designer-style trio of snowy reindeer
Transform some plain glass vases into a trio of snowy reindeer that look more like something from a fancy catalog than DIY from the dollar store. And they've got that special holiday sparkle thanks to the silver gilding on the reindeer & a glittery finish on the snow covered bottom.

Posted by Cheryl@Sew Can Do from Farmington Hills, Michigan, United States • Published 9th January 2014 • See Cheryl@Sew Can Do's 13 projects »

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Cheryl@Sew Can Do entered her project Gilded Reindeer Vases to Secret Santa 18 Jan 00:19
Cheryl@Sew Can Do entered her project Gilded Reindeer Vases to Vegan Cuts 27 Jul 19:04
Tamara D. favorited Gilded Reindeer Vases 11 Jul 09:58
Cheryl@Sew Can Do entered her project Gilded Reindeer Vases to Allstarco Contest 22 Feb 16:16
Alissa B. favorited Gilded Reindeer Vases 20 Jan 12:11
zoegirl221 favorited Gilded Reindeer Vases 20 Jan 04:05
Sarah S. added Gilded Reindeer Vases to Things to spruce up a room 18 Jan 20:54
Sarah B. added Gilded Reindeer Vases to Christmas 15 Jan 03:17
Angel C. favorited Gilded Reindeer Vases 14 Jan 19:13
Suzi T. favorited Gilded Reindeer Vases 13 Jan 13:32

Step 1
Critical first step: start by cleaning the surface of the vases with rubbing alcohol & a paper towel. This will remove any residues or oils that will prevent the paint & gilding from adhering. Tape around each vase at the point you want the snowy ground to start.
Step 2
I like to work on a piece of waxed paper since it's an easy, disposable work surface. I just put a blob of paint right on it and work from there and then toss it when done. I brushed on a layer of paint in vertical strokes. When it dried I did the next two coats horizontally so the brush strokes wouldn't be as noticeable and there was good coverage.
Step 3
Once all the painting is dry, sothe same layering job with glitter decoupage medium and then peeled off tape.
Step 4
Tape on stencils just above snowy ground. Carefully brush on the clear gilding adhesive. A little goes a long way so don't be too generous or it could seep under the edges of your stencil (I learned that the hard way). To make it easier to avoid that around some of the edges, press down the stencil in that area with one hand while dabbing adhesive with the other. Then remove the stencils and allow the adhesive to set for about 20 minutes. It should feel nearly try and a little tacky to the touch when ready.
Step 5
Take a sheet of gilding from the pack, careful to keep the tissue backing paper on, and lay it over adhesive. Cotton gloves help keep gilding from sticking to warm hands, but aren't required.
Step 6
Smooth the gilding down with hands and press with a circular motion to make sure it adhers to the adhesive and let it sit for an hour.
Step 7
Remove the tissue and carefully brush at the gilding with a fluffy brush. Any bits that weren't glued to the design begin to break and flake off. This is the part where the gloves really come in handy.
Step 8
Fill with seasonal greens or candles, group together as a centerpiece or spread out on a mantel. Lots of decorating options!