Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email below & we'll send it to your inbox. Plus get great new recipes from us every week!
This post may include affiliate links. Please see my disclosure.
I've been wanting to try out alcohol inks since seeing some projects from Tim Holtz. I knew they would look super pretty on glass so I grabbed a couple glass candle holders and containers I had around the house to try my hand at these Alcohol Ink Votives. I was ecstatic to how they turned out and they look absolutely gorgeous in the sunshine. I'll show you some outdoor and indoor pics so you can decide which is your favorite!
Here's what you're going to need to make your own alcohol ink votives:
Materials
- Alcohol Ink
- Glass votive/tea light holders
- Can of compressed air
- Battery-operated tea light candles
- Cardboard box for painting in (optional)
- Pair of gloves (optional)
I grabbed a cardboard box to paint above. Why? Because I'm a neat freak and I like to keep my mess contained. Instead of trying to talk you through the steps on this project, I thought I would just "show" you! So, I made a little video of me painting my glass jars. Before you watch the video - here are a couple things to keep in mind:
- Stick some paper toweling inside of the jars before you start painting to keep the ink from running inside of the glass.
- It's best to do this project outside if you can. Otherwise, make sure you're working in a well-ventilated area (I didn't smell much of anything when I was doing my project, but it may have been because I was outside).
- The ink will run if you tip the jar too much so try and keep the hand that's holding the jar, steady.
- Only use battery-operated tea light candles in these votives. Alcohol inks are flammable. Who really wants to take the chance?
- When enjoying your votives, they're actually best enjoyed during the day. Believe it or not, they aren't as pretty in the dark even with the light inside.
Alright, now that we got all of that out of the way, here's a sneak peek of the jars as I was painting them. They all were very pretty, but the green and yellow votive just happens to be my favorite!
Ready to see how we do this?!
After you're finished painting, allow the jars to dry for a good 2-4 hours. I love how pretty these votives look outside. They would be great for parties outside on the deck or patio!
Heck, if you don't want to make a votive, you could also just paint the outside of a mason jar and think of something fun to put inside of it for a decorative holder - like maybe some cotton balls or Q-tips for in the bathroom!
I'll certainly be thinking about some other fun projects to use my alcohol inks on. Who knows what's next!!
As for right now, I'm going to enjoy these little works of art all summer! Wouldn't these make for great gifts, by the way? The possibilities are endless!
Put a pop of color into your summer by making your own alcohol ink votives or cotton ball holders, or flower vases. . .like I said, be creative! I can't wait to hear your ideas on how you'll use your alcohol inks!!
Jacquie
Love the Green and Yellow one also! Great job and I’m making one today!
Minta
Hi,
I love this idea, but I guess it wouldn't be a good idea to use a real candle? How do you seal them?
Sara
I would use a battery-operated tea light and a spray-on glossy acrylic sealant.
Helen
Do you not spray the votives or any of the glass products
Sara
If you plan to use them outside or get them wet, I would spray them.
Kay Etling
Do you need to put a sealer on top of the inks? Once the inks are dry, are you done with the project? Is the glass didhwasher safe or hand wash only? Thanks. Learning to work with the inks.
Sara
Hi Kay, I would definitely use a sealer if your project will be outside at all or if it could get wet. I would also hand wash.
Noreen Matthews
Would you need to seal the votive candles after the paint dries?
Sara
Noreen, if you plan to set the candles outside or if there's a possibility the glass would ever get wet, yes, I would seal them.
Sheri
How do these hold up in weather? I have a glass ball that sits in a black metal cage. Over the years, the color chipped off so I removed the rest & have been looking for ideas to make it pretty again.
Sara
Sheri, I wouldn't use the alcohol inks for anything outside. I really think the color would run. Sorry. The inks are best for inside projects.
Anonymous
I have tried an acrylic sealant and it causes the paint to run and leaves a foggy film on the glass - any suggestions?
Carole West @ Garden Up Green
This I love - love the color combination. Have to try this project - thinking they would be neat for fall.
Carole
Sara
I love your idea for fall-inspired votive holders. They would be so pretty!
Nici
These alcohol nick votives are awesome! I love how they turned out... your video was a great tutorial. Just curious... where do you get the alcohol ink? Thanks a bunch for sharing the cool project at my Creative Ways Link Party last week! Hope you'll be back tonight to share more awesome projects!
Blessings,
Nici
Sara
Hi Nici! I included a link to where I purchased my inks from under the Materials section. Hope you give it a try!
Emily @ Two Purple Couches
I absolutely love the effect the alcohol ink gives these glasses! I've been wanting to try these inks out for myself for a while. Thanks for linking up at Creative Spark last week; I'm featuring this project tomorrow. Hope you'll join us again; the party starts at 6am EST!
Sara
Thank you so very much for the feature, Emily! I appreciate it!
Jennifer
Wow, these are beautiful and thanks for the video tutorial!
By the way, I'd like to invite you to post on my new blog hop (www.myflagstaffhome.com) that is open all weekend, if you're interested.
Jennifer
Sara
Thank you, Jennifer! I'll try to stop by. Things have been crazy busy as of late and I certainly haven't been to as many link parties and blog hops as usual!
cathy
What a fun project, I love how they turned out! I have everything at home, I am giving this a try tomorrow! Thank you so much for sharing this on Making Memories Mondays! Hope to see you back Sun night 9PM EST! 🙂
Cathy
Ruthie
I LOVE these! They are so fun and what a fun project to create as well!
Tianna
such a cool project! love this idea 🙂
Nancy
Love this project! I've only done the alcohol inks on metal so far. I'll have to try this next!!
Sue G
Can't wait to try this! I have a whole box (12) bottles of unopened alcohol ink (brand you used). I use another brand of ink for my handmade cards, so now I know what I am going to do with the 12 bottles! Sue
Sara
Good luck, Sue! 12 bottles, wow! That will keep you busy!