Craft: Faux Leather Vase

I made these with kids many years ago. I searched the web to see if anyone had a photo and directions. And yes they did. This leather-faux like vase for example, is a challenging activity for your older child, as well as a great gift idea. Your child can feel the satisfaction of creating a gift from the heart, for a teacher, Mother's Day, or grandmother gift! A younger child can use larger pieces and scissors.

Materials:

• empty bottle or jar (beer bottles work well too)
• masking tape
• shoe polish
• cloth rag

Instructions

1. Completely cover your clean glass bottle, with torn or cut pieces of masking tape. Smaller the better. (older kids) Work for 15 minutes and then take a break and work on it again, making sure that the pieces of tape overlap each other.
2. Cover the table with a newspaper and with an old rag, rub the shoe polish into the tape. Or use a shoe polish with a sponge applicator. Leave to dry.

Tips: Younger children should not participate in the shoe polish stage. Sometimes a second rubbing or glossing adds to the beauty.

Source: http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/artvase.htm

By Carol from Torrance, CA

Editor's Note: Here is a similar craft project that is posted on ThriftyFun:

• Leather-Look Vase or Bottle