Crafting Magic: Make This Steampunk Cat Jar from Scratch

Have you ever wondered how to turn a simple mason jar into a quirky steampunk treasure?
Donna at Mason Creations etc. has crafted a delightful project that’s part decoupage, part sculpture—and entirely charming. This tutorial walks you through how to create an adorable Steampunk Cat Bank using rice paper, clay molds, and a host of finishes available at DecoupageNapkins.com.

This is a fun project suitable for beginners with just a bit of patience, and it’s packed with tips for clean adhesion, clay handling, and metallic detailing. Watch the full tutorial below, then follow along step-by-step to create your own whimsical jar friend.

🛠 Step-by-Step: Steampunk Cat Jar Tutorial

1. Prep the Mason Jar Surface
Wipe down your mason jar with an alcohol pad to remove fingerprints and oils. Then brush on a thin coat of Polyvine Multi Surface Lacquer in Dead Flat. This specialty primer grips to slick surfaces like glass and preps them perfectly for paint and rice paper. Let it dry overnight for best results.

2. Paint Your Base Layer
Apply Dixie Belle Chalk Paint in Cotton using a damp sponge for full, even coverage. This creamy formula adheres beautifully. Use a small brush to get into tight spots, avoiding the threads at the top of the jar if you're using a coin-slot lid.

3. Cut and Apply Rice Paper
Choose a rice paper design with steampunk flair. Measure your jar’s height and cut accordingly. Add small slits at the top and bottom to help the paper wrap smoothly around the jar’s curves. Tear one edge with a water brush for easier blending.

Apply the paper using Polyvine Decorators Varnish as your adhesive. It dries crystal clear and doesn’t yellow over time. Smooth it gently with a wet plastic sheet to remove bubbles or wrinkles.

4. Seal and Protect
Once dry, seal the entire jar with a coat of Polyvine Heavy Duty Wood Varnish in Satin. This creates a durable finish that’s resistant to moisture, heat, and abrasion. Let dry for an hour before moving on.

5. Mold Your Clay Embellishments
Use Das air-dry clay pressed into silicone molds from our Accent Mold Series. Freeze them for 20 minutes for clean release, then glue them onto the jar using tacky glue. Painter’s tape helps hold heavier pieces in place while drying overnight.

6. Paint the Clay Details
Once the clay is dry, paint it with Pentart shades like Maui Sand, Black, and Rainy Day Gray. Use tiny detail brushes for facial features like the cat’s nose and eyes. Dry brush with Pentart Off White and Silver to highlight raised areas.

7. Add Depth with Antiquing
Mix a small amount of black paint with glazing medium and a bit of water. Brush on and wipe away immediately with a soft cloth. This leaves shadowing in the cracks, giving your embellishments a 3D effect.

8. Highlight with Metallic Wax Rubs
Using your fingers or a brush, apply Pentart wax rubs like Sweet Rose, White Pearl, White Gold, and Old Silver to different areas of the jar. These build beautiful shine and make your cat look like cast metal.

9. Final Gilding and Shine
Top it off with Decor Wax in Eternal, brushed onto high points for a golden glow. Let dry overnight, then buff with a soft cloth for a polished, gilded look.

10. Finishing Touches
Add a slotted mason jar lid and tie on a satin ribbon to complete the look. You’ve now transformed a simple jar into a steampunk masterpiece!

💌 Want more tutorials like this?
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A huge thank-you to Donna at Mason Creations etc. for sharing her expertise and creativity with our community. Be sure to watch her full video above and leave her a comment—you’ll love what she’s working on next!