The Hungry Canary

Reuse/Recycle · From Cattedly

RR: Goth Decor Makeovers

By Annah · Originally published

A second life for ordinary glass: crinkled texture, a little shimmer, and Halloween at home all year.

Go to the Method

Halloween is one of our favorite holidays. We love gothic decor and take pride in creating various details to give our home that gothy, Halloween feel year-round. Here are just a few examples of simple, cheap makeovers that we have done.

Glass cylinder vase covered with white, crinkled paper texture
Vase with the paper texture applied
Finished dark vase with pale metallic highlights across the raised texture
Finished vase with highlighted texture
Decorated condiment bottle with a black cap and silvery blue highlights over a web-like texture
Recycled bottle with cheesecloth texture

The vases above were made from simple glass vases that I found at the local Dollar Tree. The little bottle was from a bottle of hot sauce (I think) or some other condiment that we had.

Paper size
About 1 inch / 2.5 cm
Drying time
24–48 hours for the paper layer
Optional cloth
Another 24–48 hours to dry
Budget & skill
Simple, low-cost makeovers; exact cost and hands-on time weren’t recorded.

The original method

Build the Texture

  1. Tear and crinkle

    Rip several napkins, paper towels or tissues into roughly 1-inch pieces. Crinkle them to create folds and wrinkles.

  2. Work in small areas

    Pour glue into a small dish. Brush it onto a small area of the glass, then apply pieces of paper until that glue is covered.

  3. Coat the paper

    Lightly brush more glue over the paper pieces. Repeat around the vase or bottle until the surface is covered.

  4. Give it time

    Let the textured layer dry for 24–48 hours. Continue only when it is completely dry.

  5. Add color

    Use mica powder to color the dry surface. For the original two-tone variation, cover the vase with flat acrylic or spray paint, then lightly brush a lighter mica powder over the raised ridges.

  6. Seal the finish

    Spray with sealant and let it dry. Follow the sealant’s label for application and drying or curing time.

Optional variation

Add Cheesecloth

Add this layer before the mica powder.

  1. Brush glue onto the textured vase or bottle.
  2. Press cheesecloth into the glue.
  3. Brush more glue over the cloth to seal it.
  4. Let it dry for another 24–48 hours.
  5. Paint, add mica powder as desired, and seal.

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