Diane, one of We Care Art's instructors, created this craft with a memory group and special needs artists.
1. First, the label needs to be taken off. Soak your bottles in a sink of warm water with vinegar and baking powder added.
2. When the labels have softened - peel or scrape off the paper. The glue residue can be scrubbed off or left on. It really will not show under the papers.
The top label of the bottle can be left on for color, or taken off with scissors. (It can be metal, so watch for sharp edges)
3. Using a foam brush, cover an area of the bottle with watered down Elmer's glue or Mod Podge. This will dry clear - The bottles in the pictures were still wet.
Your first layer can be tissue paper or decorative napkins (peel so the napkin is one ply). Repeat this step until the whole bottle is covered. Put a layer of the glue carefully over the first layer. If the tissue starts tearing, let it dry some.
4. Cut out some images that you like. These images were glossy and taken from a Victorian clip art book. It is nice to pick out a theme such as the flowers shown above or the animals shown below.
5. To add the pictures, brush a layer of the glue on the back of the picture and place it on the bottle. Place a layer of the glue on top of the pictures. You may have to hold the edges of the pictures flat for a few minutes to stick.
6. Keep adding the pictures until it is finished.
7. On the top neck, you can wrap ribbon, small pearls, raffia, yarn, sequins or anything that will stick. As in the first picture, a bow can be made for decoration.
8. Lights can be added to the inside of the bottle for a beautiful light. There are many examples on Pinterest.
9. When making this project with special needs, it is easier to use pieces of napkins or tissue around 3 - 4". This helps the artist to handle the tissue easier and allows the paper to be put on without the glue drying out.
10. This project can done within an hour if the labels are taken off ahead of time. Be sure to cover the tables and let the students wash their hands during the project if needed
