DIY Sparkling Holiday Glass Container: Repurpose & Reuse!

Updated at: 08/02/2025

The holiday season is a whirlwind of festivities, often leaving behind a trail of discarded containers. But what if we could transform those empty jars and bottles into shimmering, festive decorations? This year, let's embrace the spirit of repurposing and reuse by crafting dazzling DIY sparkling holiday glass containers. Imagine transforming simple glass vessels into elegant centerpieces, charming gift containers, or unique ornaments – all with minimal effort and maximum impact. Think glistening snowflakes catching the candlelight, or a personalized message etched onto a repurposed vase, adding a touch of handmade magic to your holiday decor.

This project is perfect for crafters of all skill levels, requiring only readily available materials and a little creativity. We'll guide you through a fun and easy step-by-step process, showcasing several unique techniques to achieve a variety of sparkling finishes for your repurposed glass containers. Let's get started and discover how to add a touch of sparkle to your holidays!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Glass container (dollar store)
  • Bonding primer (Rust-Oleum)
  • Red spray paint
  • Gold spray paint
  • Red glitter spray paint
  • Clear enamel gloss spray paint
  • Plastic gloves
  • Mask
  • Safety Glasses
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use food-safe paints, glues, and sealants when decorating containers intended for food or beverages. Non-food-safe materials can leach chemicals into your drinks.
  • Ensure all paints and adhesives are completely dry and cured before adding liquids. Improperly dried materials can contaminate your drinks or lead to damage.
  • Avoid using glassware with cracks or chips. These imperfections can weaken the glass and increase the risk of breakage, potentially causing injury.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Glass Container

    • Apply a thin coat of bonding primer to the glass container. Ensure proper ventilation and wear a mask and glasses.
    Apply a thin coat of bonding primer to the glass container. Ensure proper ventilation and wear a mask and glasses.
    Prepare the Glass Container

  2. Apply Base Coat of Color

    • Once the primer is dry (approximately 5 minutes), apply a thin coat of red spray paint.
    • Let the red spray paint dry completely. Apply a second coat if needed.
    Let the red spray paint dry completely. Apply a second coat if needed.Let the red spray paint dry completely. Apply a second coat if needed.
    Apply Base Coat of Color

  3. Apply Glitter to the Inside

    • Apply a coat of red glitter spray paint to the inside of the container. The inside adheres better than the outside.
    Apply a coat of red glitter spray paint to the inside of the container. The inside adheres better than the outside.
    Apply Glitter to the Inside

  4. Apply Glitter to the Outside

    • Apply a base coat of gold spray paint to the outside of the container to help the glitter adhere.
    • Once the gold base coat is dry, apply the red glitter spray paint to the outside. It may take 2-2.5 coats for full coverage.
    • Touch up any areas that need additional paint or glitter.
    Touch up any areas that need additional paint or glitter.Touch up any areas that need additional paint or glitter.Touch up any areas that need additional paint or glitter.Touch up any areas that need additional paint or glitter.Touch up any areas that need additional paint or glitter.Touch up any areas that need additional paint or glitter.Touch up any areas that need additional paint or glitter.Touch up any areas that need additional paint or glitter.
    Apply Glitter to the Outside

  5. Seal and Finish

    • Apply a final coat of clear enamel gloss spray paint for a glossy finish. Let it dry completely.
    Apply a final coat of clear enamel gloss spray paint for a glossy finish. Let it dry completely.Apply a final coat of clear enamel gloss spray paint for a glossy finish. Let it dry completely.Apply a final coat of clear enamel gloss spray paint for a glossy finish. Let it dry completely.
    Seal and Finish

Read more: DIY: Create Custom Canister Labels with Silhouette Cameo

Tips

  • Use a bonding primer for better adhesion of the spray paint to the glass.
  • Work in thin coats to prevent drips and ensure even coverage.
  • Allow ample drying time between coats.
  • Consider using a flat color spray paint as a base for the glitter to adhere better.
  • Use plastic gloves to prevent paint from getting on your hands.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using the wrong type of adhesive

Reason: Some glues may not adhere properly to glass or may become brittle over time, leading to detachment of decorations.
Solution: Use a strong, durable adhesive specifically designed for glass and crafting purposes.

2. Applying too much adhesive

Reason: Excess glue can seep out, creating unsightly messes and potentially making the container unstable or sticky.
Solution: Apply a small amount of glue evenly, working in thin layers.

3. Insufficient drying time

Reason: Rushing the drying process can result in decorations falling off or the adhesive not setting properly.
Solution: Allow ample drying time according to the adhesive's instructions before handling or moving the container.

FAQs

What kinds of glass containers can I use for this project?
Almost any clean, empty glass container will work! Jars, bottles, vases – even old candle jars – are great options. Just make sure they're sturdy enough to handle the embellishments and cleaning process.
What if I don't have glitter? Can I still decorate the jars?
Absolutely! Glitter is fun, but you can use other materials like paint, ribbon, twine, fabric scraps, or even decoupage with holiday-themed napkins or paper for a unique look.