Materials:

Empty, clean 32 oz. mayo jar and lid (label removed)
Apple Barrel Acrylic paints in the following colors
   antique white - base coat
   country tan - bear body, face
   sandstone - muzzle, bottoms of feet
   baby pink - balloon
   victorian green - balloon
   pineapple - balloon
   lavender - hat
   regency blue - hatband, heart on hat
   pewter gray - balloon strings
   black - eyes, nose,  mouth, words on balloons, all outlining
   white - sparkle in eyes and nose
   **the speckles were done in lavender & regency blue
   black paint pen
   spray paint (antique or off white)
   24" pieces of 1/4" wide ribbon (green & lavender)
   water based varnish (I used Aleene's)
   glass & tile medium by Folk Art or flat spray paint (see step #3)
   clean toothbrush for spackling
   stylis or ball point pen for transferring pattern
   tracing or other thin paper
   transfer paper
   alcohol & cottonballs
   various sizes of paintbrushes, paper plate for "palette", cup & napkins

Instructions:

1.  Soak the clean jar in warm soapy water for about an hour.  The label should come off easily.  If you have trouble, try using some "goo-gone" or peanut butter to rub on the glue.

2.  Dry well.  Wipe the jar with a cottonball that has been dipped in alcohol.  Be sure to handle the jar from the inside to prevent your skin oils from getting on the glass.

3.  Coat your entire jar (outside only) with the glass and tile medium.  It is very important to let it dry for 48 hours.

If you are in a hurry, you can pick up some flat wall paint then let it dry a couple hours.  I prefer the medium because it is non-toxic and easy to work with.

4.  Basecoat your jar with three coats of paint.  Be sure to let dry completely between coats. 

5.  Once jar is completely dry, transfer the pattern to tracing paper.  Transfer this to the jar by first placing the transfer paper on the jar.  Most transfer paper comes in big pieces.  I cut a piece that just fits the area I'm painting.  You can use this same piece over and over again.  Lay your pattern on top of the transfer paper making sure that your design is centered over the jar.  Run an  ink pen or stylis over the lines on the tracing paper.  Lift off the papers and the pattern will be on your painted jar.

6.  You may now begin painting your picture.  It is best to begin with the biggest sections first then work your way to the detailing then ending with the outlining and words.  Some colors of paint may require two coats but most don't.  Some areas of your pattern will be covered by your paint (ie.. mouth, body lines, etc...).  If this should happen and you prefer not to detail "by eye" then you can lay your transfer paper and pattern back over the area and transfer those final marks back on.

7.  When you come to the outlining and detailing, you may find that a fine line paint pen will be a great help.  I like to use one for the words but you can use it for any outlining if you feel more comfortable with it.  You can also use a fine line brush.

8.  In a well ventilated area, spread out newspapers and give the lids about 3 quick coats of spray paint.

9.  Speckle your jars to give it that finished look.  Refer to the list of materials to see which colors to use.  Be sure to lay down newspapers.  To do this you will put  few drops of paint on a paper plate.  Add a few drops of water to the paint.  Mix that with the toothbrush.  Gently shake off the excess.  Hold your jar in one hand and then rub your thumb across the toothbrush to spatter it.  You might want to try some spatters on newpaper first for practice.  Repeat this step for the lid.

10. Apply 3 coats of varnish.  Let dry between coats ( about 30 minutes).

11. Tie the ribbon around the neck of the jar.  fill with little baby gifts or money.

Tips:

Always remember to put a little dot of white in each eye and the nose.  This puts "life" into your little guys.

Don't forget to sign the bottom.

Remember, you are the artist.  You can change the colors to match a room or even your mood.  Give it your own personal style!
 

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