RePurpose with MSU Surplus: Beaker vases

The MSU Surplus Store has a large collection of laboratory glassware that can easily be repurposed into beautiful vases, vessels, or containers. There are endless techniques and color combinations to creatively turn the glassware into decorations great for your home.

What you need: 

• Chemistry beakers (the Surplus Store always has a ton in stock)
• Oil-based paint markers

Level of difficulty: Easy

Time: Less than 30 minutes

Step 1: Wash your glasses. You want to make sure the paint sticks to a clean surface. 

Step 2: Choose the design. These designs are very easy and only require lines or dots, so it is difficult to mess up. Just make sure before you add another color the first color is dry! These designs are simple but they really add a great effect to your vases. 

I found holding the glasses upside down made it a lot easier to draw the design. The design possibilities are endless! 

 

RePurpose with MSU Surplus: Twine candle holder

What you need:

•         Clear glass container (I purchased mine at the Surplus Store).
•         Tacky glue
•         Twine

Level of difficulty: Easy

Time: Less than 30 minutes

Step 1: Wash the clear glass and make sure it is completely dry before you start gluing.

Step 2: Find your starting point. I started at the bottom of the glass and worked my way up. Place glue on the starting point and hold the twine down for a minute or two to make sure it sticks. Add additional glue and repeat this process with the twine around the entire glass. I didn’t use much glue around the whole glass, just a few dots here and there. Make sure you hold the glued strand down for a few seconds each time so it stays in place.

Disclaimer - if you have a cat they might just play with the twine roll if you drop it.

Step 3: Let the glass dry for about an hour, or until the glue dries clear. Add a candle and show off your repurposing skills!  

Twine isn't necessarily the only material that can be used for this project. Some other ideas include:

• Ribbon  

• Twigs

• Tissue paper

• Lace

• Book pages