Em's Whitewashed Chairs

We had four of these wooden folding chairs given to us. I liked them as they were, however, we wanted to put them on the front wooden deck, which was too much wood that clashed. So, I decided to paint them. I wanted to keep the wood feel to them so white-washed them with white paint mixed with water. I used a paint brush and rag to wipe off excess paint. This was a very messy job. The white on it's own was way too bright. I then did the same technique with grey paint and water. They have a rustic look  that now contrasts with the deck. I do wonder what an even darker wash would've been like but think it has done the job.

Em's Calm Down Bottle

I've wanted to make calm down bottles like this for a while. I made an I-spy one, with and a glass Voss bottle, rice and random small trinkets, but sadly didn't take any pictures before I gifted it. For this bottle I used a plastic custard bottle and filled it mainly with water plus recycled icepack gel (you can also use clear glue, glitter glue or hair gel). Then added glitter and sequins. I adjusted it with more water to make the glitter faster or more gel to make it slower. It takes a while for it to completely settle again and is very mesmerising to watch or shake up. When is starts out it looks similar to a lava lamp.

There's other things I want to try using the icepack gel. I tried a sensory bag using a zip-lock bag, buttons and duct taped it all the way round but it still leaked and Bubby just scrunched it up. I thought it might be good taped to a window but the gel just collected at the bottom. Taping it to the highchair tray also didn't last before Bubby pulled it off. Still want to try again.

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