Hi everyone! It’s Megan Ballarini from Sweet Lilly Doodles, and I’m back to show you the easiest hack for making your own zinc/tin house!
I’ve been loving all the fabulous zinc/tin lanterns I’ve been seeing lately, but have you seen their prices?! Ouch! Not in my budget! So I’m going to show you how to turn anything into zinc with just two quick steps!
SUPPLIES:
You’ll need a house, of course! I found this white paper house at Target, but have seen similar houses at craft stores. First, paint your item solid black. You can use any black paint you have on hand, you can even use black spray paint. Second, get yourself a rubber glove and a tiny tube of rub ‘n buff in silver leaf.
This tiny tube will last you ages, I seriously have had a tube for 10 years! I found it at Michaels. I apply it with my finger, hence the reason for the glove, but you could also use a bit of paper towel. Apply the tiniest amount of silver rub ‘n buff to the tip of your finger (a little goes a LONG way) and apply haphazardly over your piece.
You don’t want it to be solid silver, you want bits of black peeking through. Continue until your piece covered, and that’s it! See? Easy!
I made one for my coffee table, and used the same technique for the houses on my mantle. So quick, so easy, so cheap, and so cute!!
Please PIN so your friend’s can make these too!
Aaaah! We love it, Megan! Check out these fun tutorials like her Faux Floral Wallpaper,
and her DIY Superhero Globe!
Take a peek at these hot items in her shop like her Floral Deer Cut Out
or her Floral USA Map Wood Cut Out, so cute!
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Jann Olson says
Well, where have I been? I have not seen zinc lanterns flying around the web. lol! But I sure do love these houses! You did an amazing job. I haven’t used rub and buff for years. I’ve got to get me a tube! Thanks for sharing with the Creating Christmas party.
hugs,
Jann
Lolly Jane says
Rub n Buff, totally old school crafting right, Jann?? 🙂
Angela Boone says
These little houses are so cool. I just love them! Thanks so much for sharing this.
Sylvia D. says
Jane, The metal houses are expensive and I passed on them again this week as the price on sale was still a bit too much. This idea is wonderful. I am working on a photo calendar for next year and this craft would fit right in. Thanks for sharing. Sylvia D.
Courtney says
Soo cute- I love them! Thanks for linking up at FNF- and Merry Christmas!
Sarah johnson says
I love the look of your houses but even more I love your map with Santa! Does that have a tutorial too?
Lolly Jane says
Hi Sarah! Visit Megan’s Instagram for the DIY (:
Rhonda says
What a cute idea. I love the reindeer garland too. Thanks for sharing on Sunday’s Best.
Mary-the boondocks blog says
I’ve been drooling over these houses for weeks now but like you am not at all crazy about those prices. This of course is the perfect solution to get the look we want without the price tag.
Lolly Jane says
Yes…they’re suprisingly expensive! We love cheaper alternatives 😀
Sarah says
I was unable to find the tutorial for the Santa tracker map. Do you have a link?
Lolly Jane says
Hi Sarah!
Isn’t that so cute! I don’t know if Megan has a tutorial for it, she mentioned last year about getting one together though. Here’s her contact info:
https://www.etsy.com/people/sweetlillydoodles
Happy crafting!
XO
Michelle Leslie says
How lovely and they look like the real thing too. I’ll have to see if I can find some rub n buff