[This is number 4 in a series of tutorials on creating the perfect DIY picnic-for-two.  You can find the kick off post here.  So far, we've dressed up our picnic baskets, sewn a removable fabric liner, and made some fancy but inexpensive lace napkins.]

This week, we’re transforming some canning jars into adorable containers with the use of some vinyl rub-ons and glass etching cream.  I found these vinyl appliques in my stash:

The Supplies

Here’s what you’ll need:

- Glass jar

- Vinyl Rub-ons

-Armour Etch and foam brush

- Glass cleaner and rubbing alcohol

- Gloves & other safety gear

- Baking soda

- Bucket

The Steps:

1) Prep your jar by cleaning thoroughly with glass cleaner.  Cut out your vinyl rub-on and apply to the outside of the jar.  Tape off the top and bottom.  Here is the clean jar all prepped and ready:

2) Glass etching cream is serious stuff, so be sure to follow the directions and take necessary safety precautions.  The cream can also damage sinks, so cover your work surface.  Wearing gloves (eye goggles wouldn’t hurt either), apply the glass etching cream to the glass jar using a foam brush.  Let sit for 5 minutes.  Here is the messy, gooey action shot:

3) After 5 minutes, wash off the excess cream into a bucket in the sink.  Peel off the tape and vinyl stickers to reveal your glass etched jar.  I found this handy tip to add baking soda to the water to neutralize the acid before pouring it down the sink.  The water can still burn you at this point, but this is supposed to protect your sink.

Hopefully, I haven’t scared you away with all this talk of acid.  Once you have your supplies rounded up, this is a fairly quick and simple project to do.

What’s next for the picnic project?  We have just two projects left: a picnic blanket and some insulated food wraps.  I think  I will finish just in time to enjoy some great end of summer weather.