For the last couple of weeks my husband has been asking me what I want for Christmas.

DIY Mercury Glass

He even went so far as to tsk, tsk me for not having anything in my Amazon Wish List. So I’ve spent the last few days thinking about what I want, looking through Amazon, other sites and finally on Pinterest. Then it hit me, this year I don’t have a laundry list of wants; jewelry, clothes, scarves (I have more scarves than any person should own in NE Georgia), etc. Something’s changed. There was a time when all I wanted was clothes, makeup, records and money. I still want money and welcome it but my wants and my needs have definitely shifted. Material things aren’t important to me anymore. Don’t get me wrong, I still like and want things but now I think I enjoy finding something old and repurposing or making something myself.

So here’s what I want for Christmas: I want a small primitive ladder to use in the transformation of our half bath (to take place early next year). I want to find a great place to hang the 100 year old window frame that has been sitting in the garage for the last two years. I want a room divider for the wine room made out of the old doors I just purchased from a salvage store. They’re from India and they are awesome. I also want a table made

Old salvaged doors

out of the old window with metal lattice (also from India) I got from the same salvage store and use old spindles for the legs. Looks like I just want my poor husband to spend a lot of time making things for me. But I know those are things he enjoys and since he just rebuilt his workbench in the garage, I know it will get a lot of good use.

Some of the things I can do on my own. I love mercury glass and have several pieces but it has been getting harder for me to justify purchasing more. But now, I know how to DIM – do it myself, mercury glass. And no clear glass will ever be safe again.

Simple and easy. Making your own mercury glass just requires a clear glass vessel (think

DIY Mercury Glass

votive holder, flower vase, pitcher, plate, martini glasses, etc.), Looking Glass spray paint and a spray bottle with mister.

I purchased two martini glasses from the Dollar Tree, Krylon Looking Glass spray paint from Michael’s and I was in business.

DIY Mercury Glass

Clean the item you want to use. Using the mister on your spray bottle, lightly mist the side that you want to paint, you want beads of water so the paint won’t adhere to the glass. Give a light coating of spray paint and allow to dry for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes lightly dab any pooling paint or water that has collected at the bottom, do not wipe the sides. If the coverage is too sheer, repeat the process until desired effect is achieved. You can spray both sides for a more opaque look.

*Keep in mind if you want to use for drinking or eating, spray the side that will not be in contact with food or beverage.

Frosty branch

Another DIY project, those over-priced branches that look like they’ve been covered frost. I gathered branches from my back yard; I live in the woods, so I have lots of branches. I then sponge brushed Mod Podge on the ends and dipped in clear plastic beads. The Mod Podge holds the beads amazingly well and I saved a boat load of money by doing it myself.

While perusing Christmas ornaments I came across these long dangling beaded ornaments priced around $20 for 10. I immediately thought, “I can make that.” So I did. I just used jewelry wire and few jewelry making tricks, beads and crystals from an old chandelier and made my own design. No two are the same and it only took about 30 minutes. You can make them fancy if you spend a little more on beads, I just used what I had on hand.

Maybe it’s time to reign in the entire Christmas gift giving fuss. It’s wonderful to give and receive but I’m not the only one who feels Christmas is just a season for over-spending. I have everything I need so this year just send cash. It’s the one thing I can always use.