I did this about three years ago with a budding geologist. We took eggshells, that had been halfed lenthwise, and added the solution to them, after laying a seed bed if crystals. We used a different medium but the results produced some very cool looking geodes. I think I'll have to play with some bottled next. :)
Hi...I wanted you to know that I am now officially addicted to crystallizing bottles! What at great project! I've done 6 bottles so far and love how they came out.. It is such an easy project with such incredible results! I'll try and get some pictures. I am planning on giving a couple as valentine's gifts. They look like I spent a fortune on them, they are gorgeous. I don't think anyone will believe that I made them and how easy it was...maybe I'll keep that part my little secret! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you...Big Hug! Diane Rush
+Diane Rush LOL Diane, I know what you mean, sometimes I want to keep my little secrets but that wouldn't go too well if my friends saw me on Facebook. :) You are welcome, I thought the same thing too, don't they come out so beautifully? And you can experiment with colors? So pretty! thank you! Patti
After a few years, my crystals turned to a fine powder. Stayed together but just looked like I had cocaine on my tables 😂😂 soooo next time....might spray over the stuff in clear coat or modge podge
I love when you open an email and you find an incredible project like this one! It makes it feel like every day is your Birthday! I never know what wonderful surprise I'll find and I just want to say "Thank you" to you and all the other talented artist that take the time to make the videos. Thank you for making my day brighter!!
+Diane Rush aww, Diane, that is one of the sweetest things I've ever read on youtube and I get hundreds of comments a week! So sweet! Thank you -you have made my day! Patti
+patioelf I'd hope to share how your videos make me feel! Once again i would like to say "thank you!" . I am an artist and have tried ...to make a video of a project..it still makes me giggle. You make it look soo easy. I can tell you from first hand experience..giggle..giggle..it is not as easy as it looks and to make it enjoyable, whether you do the project or put it on your 10,100,000,001 of projects you'd like to do, this is one that add so much sparkle and stands out, that you just have to try it.Keep up the wonderful work!! Oh! and Thank you for replying.. When I saw the message, it was like getting a great big Hug!
Well huge hugs to you Diane! And thank you, you really have made my day....I'm so happy you like this project. I hope I keep making video's that make you happy. It's nice that you know it is not that easy. I make the videos short to keep people interested (and youtube used to recommend keeping them shorter than 15 minutes) but I normally start doing the project on Sunday, work on some of it on Monday, then all day Tuesday, editing on Wednesday means I have to take all of those hours of filmed work and chop the video down to 15 minutes. It's a lot of work but I do love it-it is so nice that you can appreciate it. I used to laugh at myself hearing my own voice, even now when I watch some of my earliest video's I think, "Holy Cow, I'm very lucky people came back to watch more, I sound so stiff!" :)Now I can laugh though. Have a great weekend! Patti
if you use a use a paste or powdered food colouring you will get better colour also you can form crystals on a string i use a pearl cotton thread and crochet butterflies and flowers and at Christmas I did snowflakes and snowmen and candy canes to give as favours
I loved how your bottles came out, thank you for sharing. I would lime to know if I can spray glue once they are dry to keep the crystals from coming off? any ideas on how to make it last longer?
Have you tried doubling the dip, I mean after completing the process once, putting the crystalised vase back into another "fresh" mixture? If so, what are the effects? I loved the finished effect and couldn't help thinking about using a spray paint to colour the inside of the vases and bottles, something like a chrome spray and seeing if that would make the crystals on the outside pop even more. I know you posted a long time ago, but here's to hoping... Best wishes.
Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge in such a precise and clear way!Also the many tips and tricks to encourage us! All the best to you and your channel!
Oh my, i am in my 70s....when i was a child we would make chrystals out of 20 mule team borax. So fun to see these old things brought back with a modern twist.
I wonder if you used some sort of etching cream (like Armour Etch) over the entire surface of the glass, would that get the crystals to stick better/easier than sanding? I think I'm going to try that.
Just amazing what an easy creative idea,so well demonstrated.I can't wait for morning to come to do it.each time i save any bottles both husband son sneaked them and put my earlier batches for recycling,till i gave them an ultimatum threatened literally that i would recycle their stuff and they won't have a clue where their stuff went. My question is can i use craft paint? Diluted? Or does it have to be food coloring.Will greatly appreciate your help.Thanks.
You know everything I am wanting to try! Many thanks again. My decoupage is doing great as well as working on my birdhouse after finally finding the right materials/napkins.
+Sophie's Choice Thank you Sophie, I had seen the borax trick done on pipe cleaners and knew I had to try this on bottles and jars. I hope you try it, they're just so pretty! Patti
As long as the pan or pot is stainless steel borax won't hurt it. Borax can be used to clean and shine stainless steel. When you are finish making crystalst, reheat the solution and disgard the water in the pot and clean it. Thanks for sharing. The glasses are really pretty.
Hi Virginia, I know right?? I saw this done to pipe cleaners so I started to experiment with my glass bottles and Wow! One thing I do want to mention that is not in the video, if you add a clear high gloss top coat (Triple Thick spray is excellent) over the finished bottles (the parts with the crystals especially) they will stay on much better. After months of moving mine around, some crystals chipped off. The spray has them sealed on there forever. :) Patti
Hi Patti, these are stunning!!! Do you have to use some sort of sealer for the crystals to stay put? Are they water resistant without a sealer? I'd love to try my luck making a couple of pieces to give as xmas gifts.
Do you think this would work on non glass items like a clay flower pot or a candle, plastic etc?? Maybe spraying it with a clear acrylic or Modpog would keep the crystals on better or what would you use?
+Jane Devlin Hi Jane, and thank you! I think I used too much Borax in the water when I got the thicker crystals. I had a lot left over in the bottom of the water the following morning, so I think I accidentally made those larger crystals. I am going to experiment with the crystals to see if they hold up to a 2 part resin process, if they do I"ll be making a video. Since the Borax is relatively inexpensive, you may want to fool around and experiment to see what you come up with. Please let me know what you discover, I would love see more, these bottles look so pretty on my windowsill. :) Patti
How well did the color keep after a while? A friend of mine made me something like this and after awhile the color didn't keep and they just turned clear, I would love to know if this way keeps the color better!
Patti, I thought by your video title you had developed a process for crystallizing the glass. As you are aware, I"m sure, glass is a fluid, and I thought you must be a genius for turning a fluid glass bottle into a solid. Regardless, your video was interesting . . . I was simply expecting a miracle. Thanks for sharing.
+Lala Hastings I hope you try it Lala. Even though the bottles/jars came out pretty in the video, I'm thinking they still look even prettier in front of you. Thank you! Patti
Hello loved this so much...have a ? Will more form if you leave in longer? Thanks love to know..And also can u use other things will it work or just glass. Thank you Mardi.
+Heather Martinez Thank you Heather! These bottles look so pretty in the sunlight every morning, I want to just keep making them! I hope you give it a try! Patti
I did try it I'll send you the pictures or video when i get them up on TH-cam. They look so great !!!! If i put up on TH-cam it will be on my other channel Ideas2come. Thanks again. Heather
Thank you very much for this video end tips! I'm planning to make something similar and now I know, that first I have to sandblast bottles :) But I have questions. 1 - do you know if ink will work with borax as coloring? 2 - I want put candle into such prepared bottle, do you have any idea, how hot temperature will affect borax crystals? Will they stay on place or for example melt or drop down? Greetings to you, Allie
Hi Patti, Happy New year to you!! These are just gorgeous!!! I love how elegant they look and the jade color and the ...royal blue, er...lavender ones look so beautiful!! Now I have something new to try. Hope things are going well for you. :)
+vegasjill21 Hi there! Happy New Year to you too! Thank you, I keep these on the window sill and they look so pretty in the sun. I noticed that if any humidity hits them the crystals can start to come off. Patti
+Donna Meade Hi Donna! I know that Borax was banned in the UK, it was labeled as something like reprotoxic? I do see that Amazon in the UK sells a substitute but I'm not sure if you can get the same results. You can google where to buy borax in the UK and see if you can buy it b/c some companies still sell it for scientific purposes in the UK. Here's the Amazon link, you may want to ask if anyone has tried using this for craft purposes to see if they had any luck. www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2/280-2404791-7281205?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=borax Patti
you're welcome, please let me know what you find out. When I have questions and I post them on Amazon ....so many people are willing to give answers-although I wonder how many will be using the substitute to make crystals. The people in our local hardware store always know to ask me now, "What are you using THIS for?" LOL/ whatever I buy it's never for the original purpose. :) Patti
I just came across your video and I am really excited about doing a project like this!! Your work is BEAUTIFUL!!! I got excited when you pulled out the large vase (which is what I want to crystalize) but then realized you only used it as the holder for the other bottle you were crystallizing. My question is how did the vase turn out with the crystals inside it? I want to crystalize a large vase but I don't have something large enough to put the vase in.. so I was wondering how does it look with crystals forming from the inside?
I tried this..got some pretty Crystal's, good sized. The retained the color, but unfortunately, within 2 months, almost ALL of the crystals have separated off the glass..and are too delicate to reapply, if they'd stop breaking long enough to do so. 😕 *sigh* had hoped to use these for centerpieces for our wedding. Gonna keep experimenting. Maybe revisit this another time. Thanks.
Patti, love love this!They are so beautiful! If I have the time I am going give this a try . Never seen or hear of this until you show us . Tfs. Hugs, Vicki 🎄
+Vickie Murray Thank you Vickie, I was just saying that I had heard of Borax on pipe cleaners but I was curious as to how it would look on glass, and we have our answer don't we? This was one of my favorite projects! Patti
Dear patty, it is very unclear... when you dipped the bottles in metal pots, do we need to heat the mixture of Borax and water? And the glass jars were kept in that solution? Thanks.
+Valeri Wolf Hi Valeri, I have not tried that but it sounds like a very good idea. If you try this would you please let me know? The bottles are so pretty in the bright sun light this morning-I would like to make more. :) Thank you! Patti
I tried this wonderful process, but I have alot of questions. I made a mistake by reheating original solution and putting the first bottle back in, instead of making more crystals I found the hot water removed the existing ones. Question, If I leave the bottle in longer than 24 hours will crystals continue to grow or does it require totally new solution and a time for the crystals to become solidly fixed to bottle. How long is solution good for? If you could let me know I would appreciate it.
Is it ok to do smaller batch? 3 T of Borax per each cup of water? (Based on ratio you said of 9T per 3C) Thanks! Love these! 💜💌❤ Can't wait to play......
I did it but there is a lot left over. Some of it is like sand and there are some crystals. My question is, what do I do with the left overs? I'm thinking drain the water using a colander saving the crystals?
Is there a way to only do part of the bottle? Can I paint or place something on a spot of the bottle that I don't want the crystals? I have a crown royal bottle which I would love this around the edges that already has carvings into it, but I would love the front and back flat areas to remain flat and uncrystallized for other deco ideas. Could I maybe paint or use spray adhesive before putting it in the pot? I'm thinking even tape could work. And then remove tape to add something different to that spot later? Rather than just scraping off the crystals in the areas that I don't want them? Into something that won't melt off and dissolve into the pot to butcher my project? Any info would be really helpful, thank you in advance!
Your bottles turned out just beautiful, Patti! How are the contents left in the bottles/jars and pots best discarded or are they discarded, but used for something else???
+NG B Thank you ! I still have the left overs waiting to be experimented on. LOL/ As I finish one video I begin on the new one, they take a few days to do. My husband even laughs and asks me if I ever stop. Once I do work with the leftovers (I have a few ideas for them) I will be making a video. :) Patti
How would they work as candle jars? Do you think they would be appropriate for that or would the heat get to them? I'm thinking it would make a beauiful candle, but I wouldn't want to do that only to have the crystals get too hot or melt?
Patti these bottles look amazing!! What was the reason you wanted the bottles floating instead of ditting in the bottom? Thank you for another great video.
Hello & thank you. If the bottle are sitting on the bottom they will get stuck to the crystals that have formed on the bottom and it will be difficult to pull the bottle out without cracking your work. One thing I have to add, you would want to add a very high gloss spray varnish over your crystals once they have all dried. Triple Thick spray on Varnish works great! Patti
Hi Pati. These are lovely! One question. How do you get the crystals off the edges of the container you use to form the crystals? Do they just come off so you can strain them out and maybe shape them into something else before they dry? I love sparkly things and it seems a shame to not use the "leftovers".
+Lanelle Hatcher Hello Lanelle, thank you. I am working on a video this weekend finally using those left overs! I'm with you, they were so pretty I had them sitting in a container for weeks.....If all goes well I will be posting a video next Thursday the 3rd, using those left overs. They will only be a part of the video but it should be helpful to inspire other ideas. :) Patti
Do you think you could flake the crystals off when it's still a little wet and resin them into a dish / tray? I feel like that would be so pretty but am scared to try lol
Hi Dennis and thank you! One thing I did learn was that you should add a high gloss top coat over the crystals on the bottle. I think it may depend on the size of the candle. A votive probably wouldn't be a problem but I'm not sure about a larger candle. You may want to experiment to see. Sorry I didn't have a better answer for you. :) Patti
+syliaification I have mine on a windowsill where it gets a lot of sunlight, some humidity and some dampness. They are holding up very well but if you plan on moving it, you could add a high gloss spray top coat over it. Thank you! Patto
I love this video and will be trying this soon! I was wondering tho, is there a way to do multiple colors on a bottle? Like if u wanted a rainbow one or if u wanted two or three colors etc etc
I love this project ... the only downfall I had was u absolutely can not use a real candle in these... will return to borax form.... to help with humidity someone suggested clear nail polish coating but haven't done that yet... trying it no my next attempt.... can I send you some pics
Oooooooo!! Now I'm thinking of special occasion "toasting" wine glasses! Do you think spraying (the outside only) with a clear varnish might help them last even longer? ps: one of our favorite wedding presents was a pair of wine glasses with a prose card that basically said "we promise each other to bring out these glasses as a loving tool to talk about anything affecting our relationship". They're still (26 yrs later) in our china cabinet and we often give "The love glasses" as wedding gifts.
+rubymimosa What a charming idea with those glasses and the prose card! I would think that spraying them would make them last longer but if you experiment would you let me know? I'm curious as to whether or not chemicals in a sealer might cause the crystals to dissolve or the color to dull. :) Let me know if you do try it, I loved this project! Patti
The Borax has to dissolve in the hot water before it attaches to the glass in the form of crystals . Who knows if the glue you use to adhere the Borax to the glass would cause a different outcome .
So beautiful, who knew ? Certainly not I but now I gotta try, lol. If the cookie cutter or mold idea works, please let us know.... might could be a Drusy hack, reckon ? Also, can one use a plastic container to soak or it must be glass ? Thanks so much (Felicia, Texas)
+hoof nmouf hi, and thank you! I think the hot water needs to be so hot it might melt the plastic. You could try it but use caution-I would like to hear what you discovered. Felicia, I can't wait to attempt the cookie cutter idea, with Christmas and all that's always going on during this season, I haven't had a minute to even try it! I will post it if it works in a blog post, and I'll mention it on my Facebook page Upcycle With Decoupage. Thanks! Excellent idea about the Druzy hack, could be a good title! I've been looking for pretty bottle tops to make and I'm hoping this could be it. :) Patti
Hello Claudette, I would try really scraping up the bottle as much as possible. The people at the hardware store may be able to tell you which sand paper would be the best to use for that. :) Patti
I did this about three years ago with a budding geologist. We took eggshells, that had been halfed lenthwise, and added the solution to them, after laying a seed bed if crystals. We used a different medium but the results produced some very cool looking geodes. I think I'll have to play with some bottled next. :)
Hi...I wanted you to know that I am now officially addicted to crystallizing bottles! What at great project! I've
done 6 bottles so far and love how they came out.. It is such an easy project with such incredible results! I'll try and get some pictures. I am planning on giving a couple as valentine's gifts. They look like I spent a fortune on them, they are gorgeous. I don't think anyone will believe that I made them and how easy it was...maybe I'll keep that part my little secret!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you...Big Hug! Diane Rush
+Diane Rush LOL Diane, I know what you mean, sometimes I want to keep my little secrets but that wouldn't go too well if my friends saw me on Facebook. :) You are welcome, I thought the same thing too, don't they come out so beautifully? And you can experiment with colors? So pretty!
thank you!
Patti
@@patioelf hiiiiii
I THINK THAT AFTER 3 YEARS THIS IS NOT CRYSTALS ANYMORE...DON T DO GIFT THIS....YOU MUST PUT A RESIN EPOXY TO STAY LIKE THIS FOREVER
Gonna try it as soon as can get the borax
After a few years, my crystals turned to a fine powder. Stayed together but just looked like I had cocaine on my tables 😂😂 soooo next time....might spray over the stuff in clear coat or modge podge
I love when you open an email and you find an incredible project like this one! It makes it feel like every day is your Birthday! I never know what wonderful surprise I'll find and I just want to say "Thank you" to you and all the other talented artist that take the time to make the videos. Thank you for making my day brighter!!
+Diane Rush aww, Diane, that is one of the sweetest things I've ever read on youtube and I get hundreds of comments a week! So sweet! Thank you -you have made my day!
Patti
+patioelf I'd hope to share how your videos make me feel! Once again i would like to say "thank you!" . I am an artist and have tried ...to make a video of a project..it still makes me giggle. You make it look soo easy. I can tell you from first hand experience..giggle..giggle..it is not as easy as it looks and to make it enjoyable, whether you do the project or put it on your 10,100,000,001 of projects you'd like to do, this is one that add so much sparkle and stands out, that you just have to try it.Keep up the wonderful work!!
Oh! and Thank you for replying.. When I saw the message, it was like getting a great big Hug!
Well huge hugs to you Diane! And thank you, you really have made my day....I'm so happy you like this project. I hope I keep making video's that make you happy. It's nice that you know it is not that easy. I make the videos short to keep people interested (and youtube used to recommend keeping them shorter than 15 minutes) but I normally start doing the project on Sunday, work on some of it on Monday, then all day Tuesday, editing on Wednesday means I have to take all of those hours of filmed work and chop the video down to 15 minutes. It's a lot of work but I do love it-it is so nice that you can appreciate it. I used to laugh at myself hearing my own voice, even now when I watch some of my earliest video's I think, "Holy Cow, I'm very lucky people came back to watch more, I sound so stiff!" :)Now I can laugh though. Have a great weekend!
Patti
if you use a use a paste or powdered food colouring you will get better colour also you can form crystals on a string i use a pearl cotton thread and crochet butterflies and flowers and at Christmas I did snowflakes and snowmen and candy canes to give as favours
I loved how your bottles came out, thank you for sharing. I would lime to know if I can spray glue once they are dry to keep the crystals from coming off? any ideas on how to make it last longer?
I wanted to say that I absolutely love how you set up the video before the tutorial. Very creative! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Crystal! That's great feedback!
Patti
Have you tried doubling the dip, I mean after completing the process once, putting the crystalised vase back into another "fresh" mixture? If so, what are the effects?
I loved the finished effect and couldn't help thinking about using a spray paint to colour the inside of the vases and bottles, something like a chrome spray and seeing if that would make the crystals on the outside pop even more.
I know you posted a long time ago, but here's to hoping... Best wishes.
If you do twice the process, the crystals grow BIG, not small like the video
I'm afraid I am addicted to this video. I have watched it 3xs. I am artistically challenged and I am inspired to try!
Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge in such a precise and clear way!Also the many tips and tricks to encourage us! All the best to you and your channel!
Oh my, i am in my 70s....when i was a child we would make chrystals out of 20 mule team borax. So fun to see these old things brought back with a modern twist.
Oh my goodness! I have found a new favorite!!! I love this! I had never seen this kind of creations!!! Thank you for sharing!
This is beautiful do you seal this once they dry
I wonder if you used some sort of etching cream (like Armour Etch) over the entire surface of the glass, would that get the crystals to stick better/easier than sanding? I think I'm going to try that.
That is so cool! I have never seen this. Beautiful... Thank you for sharing 😊
What dye color do you use if you just want it clear? They are so beautiful thank you for posting so nice of you to share.
Don't use any dye, the crystals will dry clear to a whitish hue. :) Thank you!
Patti
The openings for your videos are fabulous!
+jrd thank you so much!
Patti
We just recreated this project! Thank you so much for the inspiration :) I am going to put a link to your channel in the description of the video :)
could you spray a poly coat to keep the crystals on?
+Beth Lowe Yes Beth, I have done it and it works better with the poly coat. :)
Patti
Just amazing what an easy creative idea,so well demonstrated.I can't wait for morning to come to do it.each time i save any bottles both husband son sneaked them and put my earlier batches for recycling,till i gave them an ultimatum threatened literally that i would recycle their stuff and they won't have a clue where their stuff went.
My question is can i use craft paint? Diluted? Or does it have to be food coloring.Will greatly appreciate your help.Thanks.
Would you add any kind of sealer over the crystals? Also, would they be safe in a humid environment (like holding scented oil in a bathroom)?
You know everything I am wanting to try! Many thanks again. My decoupage is doing great as well as working on my birdhouse after finally finding the right materials/napkins.
These are gorgeous! Thanks you for sharing. Stunning....
+Sophie's Choice Thank you Sophie, I had seen the borax trick done on pipe cleaners and knew I had to try this on bottles and jars. I hope you try it, they're just so pretty!
Patti
I love everything you do you have taught me so much thank you and bless you
How amazing! I just love these. You are so inspiring Patti.
+Patricia Ridley thank you Patricia!
Patti
Is there a time frame you could give for about how long it takes to dry before handling?
As long as the pan or pot is stainless steel borax won't hurt it. Borax can be used to clean and shine stainless steel. When you are finish making crystalst, reheat the solution and disgard the water in the pot and clean it. Thanks for sharing. The glasses are really pretty.
Thats funny. We used an old stainless steel crafting pot to make the solution and I was surprised at how shiny it became during the process. :)
the result is freaking amazing, i didn't even knew you could do that to crystals! thanks!
Hi Virginia, I know right?? I saw this done to pipe cleaners so I started to experiment with my glass bottles and Wow! One thing I do want to mention that is not in the video, if you add a clear high gloss top coat (Triple Thick spray is excellent) over the finished bottles (the parts with the crystals especially) they will stay on much better. After months of moving mine around, some crystals chipped off. The spray has them sealed on there forever. :)
Patti
What a brillint idea!! Love all your videos.
I haven't watched your videos in a while. I'm so glad I found this one! I can't wait to try this!
Wonderful video. Ty very much. I d like to ask if its possible to use acrylic paint instead of food colouring. Ty very much :)
thank you for sharing your knowledge. This is amazing!
Try this with feathers aswell
They make great writing quills
You are the best . You did an beautiful and a perfect job. It's stunning
TURN OUT PERFECT AND BEAUTIFUL THANKS I AM GOING TO TRY THIS WEEKEND
Hi Patti, these are stunning!!!
Do you have to use some sort of sealer for the crystals to stay put? Are they water resistant without a sealer?
I'd love to try my luck making a couple of pieces to give as xmas gifts.
These are so lovely, thanks for sharing.
+Lisa Kegerize Thank you Lisa!
Patti
How have they held up over the years?
Thank you,
Debbie
That was the classiest DYI video intro I've ever seen.
Do you think this would work on non glass items like a clay flower pot or a candle, plastic etc?? Maybe spraying it with a clear acrylic or Modpog would keep the crystals on better or what would you use?
Hi Pati
These are absolutely stunning.What I would like to know is what do you do to get the thicker effect with the crystals.
Thank you
+Jane Devlin Hi Jane, and thank you! I think I used too much Borax in the water when I got the thicker crystals. I had a lot left over in the bottom of the water the following morning, so I think I accidentally made those larger crystals. I am going to experiment with the crystals to see if they hold up to a 2 part resin process, if they do I"ll be making a video. Since the Borax is relatively inexpensive, you may want to fool around and experiment to see what you come up with. Please let me know what you discover, I would love see more, these bottles look so pretty on my windowsill. :)
Patti
patioelf did you try the resin?
this is the coolest. thank you for sharing. ive done it to all sorts of different things rocks, wood, sea shells its too much fun. messy but fun!
How well did the color keep after a while? A friend of mine made me something like this and after awhile the color didn't keep and they just turned clear, I would love to know if this way keeps the color better!
Beautiful!! But how would you dispose of the water? Wouldn't it ruin the plumbing?
Hi Mcairlyn! The crystals dissolve in hot water. It's similar to a much larger crystal of baking soda. :) No problems with plumbing. :)
Patti
Patti, I thought by your video title you had developed a process for crystallizing the glass. As you are aware, I"m sure, glass is a fluid, and I thought you must be a genius for turning a fluid glass bottle into a solid. Regardless, your video was interesting . . . I was simply expecting a miracle. Thanks for sharing.
Lovely job. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us 😍
Very pretty, hoping to give it a try
+Lala Hastings I hope you try it Lala. Even though the bottles/jars came out pretty in the video, I'm thinking they still look even prettier in front of you. Thank you!
Patti
Hello loved this so much...have a ? Will more form if you leave in longer? Thanks love to know..And also can u use other things will it work or just glass. Thank you Mardi.
Very nice Mam..Can we reuse the water...if yes then how...and if not then what can we do of it...
So pretty !!! I have to try it !!! Thank you for Sharing !!! Hugs Heather
+Heather Martinez Thank you Heather! These bottles look so pretty in the sunlight every morning, I want to just keep making them! I hope you give it a try!
Patti
I did try it I'll send you the pictures or video when i get them up on TH-cam. They look so great !!!! If i put up on TH-cam it will be on my other channel Ideas2come. Thanks again. Heather
Thank you very much for this video end tips! I'm planning to make something similar and now I know, that first I have to sandblast bottles :) But I have questions. 1 - do you know if ink will work with borax as coloring? 2 - I want put candle into such prepared bottle, do you have any idea, how hot temperature will affect borax crystals? Will they stay on place or for example melt or drop down?
Greetings to you, Allie
Hi Patti, Happy New year to you!! These are just gorgeous!!! I love how elegant they look and the jade color and the ...royal blue, er...lavender ones look so beautiful!! Now I have something new to try. Hope things are going well for you. :)
+vegasjill21 Hi there! Happy New Year to you too! Thank you, I keep these on the window sill and they look so pretty in the sun. I noticed that if any humidity hits them the crystals can start to come off.
Patti
patioelf Ahhh I'll keep that in mind and keep them in the sun! I am anxious to give it a go! Thanks again. :)
my pleasure!
beautifully beautiful as ever 😊. I'm in the UK and never heard of borax do you know what I can use in its place many thanks
+Donna Meade Hi Donna! I know that Borax was banned in the UK, it was labeled as something like reprotoxic? I do see that Amazon in the UK sells a substitute but I'm not sure if you can get the same results. You can google where to buy borax in the UK and see if you can buy it b/c some companies still sell it for scientific purposes in the UK. Here's the Amazon link, you may want to ask if anyone has tried using this for craft purposes to see if they had any luck. www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2/280-2404791-7281205?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=borax
Patti
+patioelf many thanks 😊
you're welcome, please let me know what you find out. When I have questions and I post them on Amazon ....so many people are willing to give answers-although I wonder how many will be using the substitute to make crystals. The people in our local hardware store always know to ask me now, "What are you using THIS for?" LOL/ whatever I buy it's never for the original purpose. :)
Patti
patioelf as mentioned earlier I did something similar to make geodes. I think I used alum. I hope that helps.
I got mine from Ebay - pure borax powder
can you use acrylic paint in the water instead of dye or food coloring?
I just came across your video and I am really excited about doing a project like this!! Your work is BEAUTIFUL!!! I got excited when you pulled out the large vase (which is what I want to crystalize) but then realized you only used it as the holder for the other bottle you were crystallizing. My question is how did the vase turn out with the crystals inside it? I want to crystalize a large vase but I don't have something large enough to put the vase in.. so I was wondering how does it look with crystals forming from the inside?
Can you use them as candle holders? Or will the heat damage the crystals?
Hi Pati, I have another question. If I don't use all the borax water, can I save it and then reheat it the next day to use the remainder?
I think you can Liz but it has been a while. If you try it and it doesn't work, would you let me know?
Thanks!
Patti
I tried this..got some pretty Crystal's, good sized. The retained the color, but unfortunately, within 2 months, almost ALL of the crystals have separated off the glass..and are too delicate to reapply, if they'd stop breaking long enough to do so. 😕 *sigh* had hoped to use these for centerpieces for our wedding. Gonna keep experimenting. Maybe revisit this another time. Thanks.
This is wonderful! Does this method work on a) acrylic glass and b) wood?
Jagriti Jain Wood would work! It has cracks in it where they can grip on :3
Patti, love love this!They are so beautiful! If I have the time I am going give this a try . Never seen or hear of this until you show us . Tfs. Hugs, Vicki 🎄
+Vickie Murray Thank you Vickie, I was just saying that I had heard of Borax on pipe cleaners but I was curious as to how it would look on glass, and we have our answer don't we? This was one of my favorite projects!
Patti
If I have the time????????
Prioritize it and simply do it
Dear patty, it is very unclear... when you dipped the bottles in metal pots, do we need to heat the mixture of Borax and water? And the glass jars were kept in that solution? Thanks.
How do you clean your pots or vases?
If I wanted to crystallize a glass tree ornament, do I need to put water in the glass ball to hang it into the solution?
Def trying this on my candle jars before I pour, esp palm wax as it looks like geode -crystals.
How many ml has one "cup"? And do we have to use all three methods of glas-scratching? Or only the "100"-corn size file?
Beautiful! It looks just like druzy quartz. Now I have to make some and decorate!
What do you do with the water after? Will it clog drain? Can you paint the crystals?
muratic acid will etch the jars, do you think that would work with this project?
If you didn't want to have to sand it so hard....Do you think a glass etching would work before you put it in the dye mixture?
+Valeri Wolf Hi Valeri, I have not tried that but it sounds like a very good idea. If you try this would you please let me know? The bottles are so pretty in the bright sun light this morning-I would like to make more. :) Thank you!
Patti
Can this be done on etched glass? I have a blood disorder... I can't risk sanding glass or getting a nick or cut.
I tried this wonderful process, but I have alot of questions. I made a mistake by reheating
original solution and putting the first bottle back in, instead of making more crystals I found the hot water removed the existing ones.
Question, If I leave the bottle in longer than 24 hours will crystals continue to grow or does
it require totally new solution and a time for the crystals to become solidly fixed to bottle.
How long is solution good for?
If you could let me know I would appreciate it.
What makes some have bigger crystals than others? And why do some parts of the bottle not grow crystals on them?
Is it ok to do smaller batch?
3 T of Borax per each cup of water?
(Based on ratio you said of 9T per 3C)
Thanks! Love these! 💜💌❤
Can't wait to play......
Does the water need to be hot when you put the bottles in or can you keep reusing the water
I did it but there is a lot left over. Some of it is like sand and there are some crystals. My question is, what do I do with the left overs? I'm thinking drain the water using a colander saving the crystals?
Is there a way to only do part of the bottle? Can I paint or place something on a spot of the bottle that I don't want the crystals? I have a crown royal bottle which I would love this around the edges that already has carvings into it, but I would love the front and back flat areas to remain flat and uncrystallized for other deco ideas. Could I maybe paint or use spray adhesive before putting it in the pot? I'm thinking even tape could work. And then remove tape to add something different to that spot later? Rather than just scraping off the crystals in the areas that I don't want them? Into something that won't melt off and dissolve into the pot to butcher my project? Any info would be really helpful, thank you in advance!
N. Brady masking tape or painters tape, block off area
Thank you for telling us that was green, because on my screen is was a lovely blue!
Your bottles turned out just beautiful, Patti! How are the contents left in the bottles/jars and pots best discarded or are they discarded, but used for something else???
+NG B Thank you ! I still have the left overs waiting to be experimented on. LOL/ As I finish one video I begin on the new one, they take a few days to do. My husband even laughs and asks me if I ever stop. Once I do work with the leftovers (I have a few ideas for them) I will be making a video. :)
Patti
How would they work as candle jars? Do you think they would be appropriate for that or would the heat get to them? I'm thinking it would make a beauiful candle, but I wouldn't want to do that only to have the crystals get too hot or melt?
C W I would like to know also. Maybe seal them with modge podge.
Looking beautiful good job
Patti these bottles look amazing!! What was the reason you wanted the bottles floating instead of ditting in the bottom? Thank you for another great video.
Hello & thank you. If the bottle are sitting on the bottom they will get stuck to the crystals that have formed on the bottom and it will be difficult to pull the bottle out without cracking your work. One thing I have to add, you would want to add a very high gloss spray varnish over your crystals once they have all dried. Triple Thick spray on Varnish works great!
Patti
+patioelf Thank you so much.
patioelf beautiful
Hi Pati. These are lovely! One question. How do you get the crystals off the edges of the container you use to form the crystals? Do they just come off so you can strain them out and maybe shape them into something else before they dry? I love sparkly things and it seems a shame to not use the "leftovers".
+Lanelle Hatcher Hello Lanelle, thank you. I am working on a video this weekend finally using those left overs! I'm with you, they were so pretty I had them sitting in a container for weeks.....If all goes well I will be posting a video next Thursday the 3rd, using those left overs. They will only be a part of the video but it should be helpful to inspire other ideas. :)
Patti
+patioelf Great! I am looking forward to yet another awesome inspiring video! I even have my brother hooked on your site.
aww, thank you, that's great to hear!
Patti
Do you think you could flake the crystals off when it's still a little wet and resin them into a dish / tray? I feel like that would be so pretty but am scared to try lol
Hello, I love your video. I was wondering, for those who makes home candles. Can these crystal hold up to the heat of candles? Thanks
Hi Dennis and thank you! One thing I did learn was that you should add a high gloss top coat over the crystals on the bottle. I think it may depend on the size of the candle. A votive probably wouldn't be a problem but I'm not sure about a larger candle. You may want to experiment to see. Sorry I didn't have a better answer for you. :)
Patti
it s so nice but this last? Is it effected by wet weather etc. Is it stale or it might melt and it needs special conditions?
+syliaification I have mine on a windowsill where it gets a lot of sunlight, some humidity and some dampness. They are holding up very well but if you plan on moving it, you could add a high gloss spray top coat over it. Thank you!
Patto
Thanks for you answer
😏
I love this video and will be trying this soon! I was wondering tho, is there a way to do multiple colors on a bottle? Like if u wanted a rainbow one or if u wanted two or three colors etc etc
Wow! Super pretty! :) This is so much cooler than using epsom salt!
+lauren h Thank you Lauren, that's what I thought!
Patti
lauren h
I love this project ... the only downfall I had was u absolutely can not use a real candle in these... will return to borax form.... to help with humidity someone suggested clear nail polish coating but haven't done that yet... trying it no my next attempt.... can I send you some pics
How do you seal the crystals on the finished product
Can we use something else than elbow grease ?
Oooooooo!! Now I'm thinking of special occasion "toasting" wine glasses! Do you think spraying (the outside only) with a clear varnish might help them last even longer?
ps: one of our favorite wedding presents was a pair of wine glasses with a prose card that basically said "we promise each other to bring out these glasses as a loving tool to talk about anything affecting our relationship". They're still (26 yrs later) in our china cabinet and we often give "The love glasses" as wedding gifts.
+rubymimosa What a charming idea with those glasses and the prose card! I would think that spraying them would make them last longer but if you experiment would you let me know? I'm curious as to whether or not chemicals in a sealer might cause the crystals to dissolve or the color to dull. :) Let me know if you do try it, I loved this project!
Patti
+patioelf I will let you know! Pinky promise!
;)
As candle holders would be really pretty too . Tfs
Pretty pretty pretty pretty lol like the introduction to the video
+Julie Mulcahy Thank you Julie! I love hearing that you like the intro too... :)
Patti
This is beautiful bit i have a qustion about borax i hread its toixc and you should cover your mouth ehen using i
AWESOME.......just plain AWESOME...... I'm binge watching :) :)
+Josephine Tyree Thank you Josephine ! I love binge watching too!
Patti
Instead of sanding the jars could you glue borax product directly on the surface and then submerge? Just wondering if anyone has tried doing this.
The Borax has to dissolve in the hot water before it attaches to the glass in the form of crystals . Who knows if the glue you use to adhere the Borax to the glass would cause a different outcome .
So beautiful, who knew ? Certainly not I but now I gotta try, lol. If the cookie cutter or mold idea works, please let us know.... might could be a Drusy hack, reckon ? Also, can one use a plastic container to soak or it must be glass ? Thanks so much (Felicia, Texas)
+hoof nmouf hi, and thank you! I think the hot water needs to be so hot it might melt the plastic. You could try it but use caution-I would like to hear what you discovered. Felicia, I can't wait to attempt the cookie cutter idea, with Christmas and all that's always going on during this season, I haven't had a minute to even try it! I will post it if it works in a blog post, and I'll mention it on my Facebook page Upcycle With Decoupage. Thanks! Excellent idea about the Druzy hack, could be a good title! I've been looking for pretty bottle tops to make and I'm hoping this could be it. :)
Patti
hoof nmouf you can use anything an artist does books
one question the bowl must be glass or metalic that you put them in the borax?
Is there a way to do a full coverage?
Hello Claudette, I would try really scraping up the bottle as much as possible. The people at the hardware store may be able to tell you which sand paper would be the best to use for that. :)
Patti
Can you use the Crystals that fall off with other crafts?
How do you get the bottle completely covered?