How to Colour Glass Ornaments with Sharpies

I originally saw this trick used in making tie dyed t-shirts with Sharpies and rubbing alcohol. I'm not really into tie dye shirts so I tried it out on a different medium, glass; specifically, I wanted to use this technique to paint a glass ornament for Christmas.  In this instructable I will show you how I did just that.

This instructable if my contribution to the Instructable Advent Calendar 2011

While making my ornament it occurred to me that this project demonstrates some simple principles of solution chemistry so I included a learning objective and a discussion of the science behind it so I can enter it into the Teacher Contest.

Step 1: What you will need:

• Clear glass ornament -you can get these at craft stores (or any other glass object you want to decorate)
• Sharpies or other permanent markers
• Rubbing alcohol (use in a well ventilated area and away from open flame)
• A dropper/pipette and a small spray bottle
• Newspaper or drop cloth to protect your work surface
• (Optional) disposable gloves

Comments

[donnaknight]

Nice! Much cheaper than using alcohol ink, but you get the same effect. Thanks for the great idea!

[Little Mom on the Prairie]

VERY pretty and so simple

[MaryT8M]

This is REALLY cool.....Have you tried it on other glass items? Would love to see them IF you have. I think I may try this on a small piece of glass then fram and hang in a window

[ChrysN]

That sounds like a great idea. I was hoping to try other things but I haven't had the time

[bajablue]

So pretty!!!

[ChrysN]

Thanks!

[sunshiine]

I love this! It is so pretty. I like the colors and it looks easy to make.
Sunshiine

[ChrysN]

Thanks, it is fairly easy to make, and fun playing with different colour combinations.

[sunshiine]

Yes, that is what makes this worthwhile. I love the water color look. I am not an artist so this is something I can accomplish. Thanks again.
Sunshiine

[lukefreddy]

thats sweet

[fjordcarver]

Beautiful effect, have you tried swirling colour on the inside?

[ChrysN]

No, the opening is a bit too small to get anything on the inside.

[Curlie_421]

does it wipe off after it dries? I figure not since it's sharpie...just askin :)

[ChrysN]

No, it won't come off unless you wipe it with alcohol.

[canucksgirl]

Gorgeous. Great Job ChrysN!

[ChrysN]

Thanks!

[mikeasaurus]

great effect, this would look great with light shining through on your tree!

[ChrysN]

Yes, that would be cool. Maybe it is about time to get my Christmas tree set up and try it out.

[Ninzerbean]

Amazing

[ChrysN]

Thanks!

[iceng]

Very Marble :-)

[Robot Lover]

This is very unique! I love it!

[Penolopy Bulnick]

I love the effect! Awesome!