For part two of my series of inexpensive and easy outdoor Fourth of July decorations, I bought a set of six juice glasses at IKEA for $5, and decided to decorate each one differently using supplies from the dollar store and bargain bins to give you a variety of affordable ideas. Tropical Storm Debby kept me in all weekend, so I wasn’t able to photograph these in the garden, but these decorations are all water-resistant and great for use outdoors. (Please be safe with candles – LED battery-operated votives might be a better and safer solution.) They’re perfect for old mason jars or other glassware you have hanging around too, bringing the costs down even further.

Votive #1: Paper Napkin

Supplies: Outdoor Mod Podge * Sponge Paintbrush * Paper Napkin * Scissors

Method: Unfold and separate the napkin (if it has multiple layers) and use the top layer. * Trim the napkin to fit around the glass, allowing some overlap. * Brush the glass with a thin layer of Mod Podge and apply the napkin slowly, smoothing wrinkles as you go. Align the edge of the napkin with the top of the glass,folding the edge of the napkin under the bottom of the glass. * Allow to dry. * Brush a second thin layer of Mod Podge over the napkin, coating thoroughly. * Allow to dry.

Votive #2: Mylar Stars

Supplies: Outdoor Mod Podge * Sponge Paintbrush * Star Garland from dollar store * Scissors

Method: Spread the glass with a thin layer of Mod Podge. * Cut stars from garland one by one and apply them to the glass. Some overlap is fine. * Allow to dry. * Cover with another thin layer of Mod Podge. * Allow to dry.

Votive #3: Mardi Gras Beads

 Supplies: Red, White, and Blue Bead Necklaces from the dollar store * Scissors * Hot Glue Gun

Method: Starting at the bottom, measure and cut a length of blue beads to fit around the glass. *Apply a thin bead of hot glue around the base and apply the beads (hot glue dries quickly, so work carefully). * Repeat with the rest of the colors, until you have created your desired pattern. This votive took one package of red, white, and blue bead necklaces.

For the last three votives, I wanted to do simple red, white, and blue using one of my favorite easy glass decorating methods – Mod Podge and food coloring. This project has been very popular on the internet in recent years, and for good reason: it’s easy and inexpensive, and can be used in dozens of ways (check out the very cool mason jar solar lanterns). The only problem was that since Mod Podge dries clear, and food coloring doesn’t come in white (to my knowledge anyway), I needed a white option. For this, I turned to a project more popular at Christmas for its “snowy” look: Mod Podge and Epsom salts. This gave me the white effect I wanted.

Votives #4 and #5: Red and Blue Food Coloring

 Supplies: Outdoor Mod Podge * Sponge Paintbrushes (2) * Red and Blue Food Coloring * Paper Plate

Method: Pour a small amount of Mod Podge onto a paper plate. * Add a generous amount of blue or red food coloring; don’t be stingy so you get good true colors. Mix well with with paintbrush. * Apply a thin layer of the colored Mod Podge, covering the glass completely. * Immediately apply another layer using a dabbing motion with the sponge brush, to create texture and even coverage. * Repeat process for other color, with a new plate and paintbrush. * Allow to dry overnight. (Get more tips and options for the Mod Podge method here.)

Votive #6: Epsom Salts

Supplies: Outdoor Mod Podge * Sponge Paintbrush * Paper Plate * Epsom Salts

Method: Pour an even layer of Epsom salts into the paper plate. * Brush a fairly thick layer of Mod Podge onto the glass. * Roll the glass in the Epsom salts, patting with your fingers to distribute the salts evenly. * Allow to dry completely (overnight). * Brush off any excess salts. * Apply a second layer of Mod Podge. * Allow to dry.

What do you think? Do like any of these options – how can you see yourself using them this Fourth of July? Do you know of other fun options for decorating glassware? Drop us a line in the comments below!

Tagged as: Backyard on a Budget, Backyard products