My own gumball "machine"

When I went "yard saling" earlier this year. I found a couple of old, gumball machines. They were something like this -

The seller was asking $20 and I was tempted. How cool to have a real live, working gumball machine at Nana and Grandpa's house!?!? I did not get one though and have regretted it ever since :(

That experience served as inspiration for my recent "up-cycling" project though.

First, I got a very nice wooden candlestick (a trade with my creative and crafty daughter, Jenna)

I mailed one to her and she sent me this one - it was already primed white as a bonus!

I found this sweet little apothecary jar for $2 at a thrift store-

When I put the two together, Voila! My own little gumball machine!

I took a few days deciding what color to paint it - red is an obvious choice but not to me apparently. I was thinking pink, green, -- I'm new to this creative, up-cycle, crafty business:)

I also needed a small round disk to put on top of the candlestick, I searched my home and decided on a plastic, Tupperware coaster - 23 years old. I wanted wood but nothing I had worked.

here it is primed white

It was so quick and easy (after I decided on red and found the coaster)! Just an afternoon to paint and glue.

I even used  paint that was leftover from past projects - I mixed some burnt umber in with the red to darken it a little

I used spray adhesive to glue a circle of red felt to the bottom of the jar (also a left-over). This would look prettier than gluing the jar directly to the coaster. Also, I was worried that the glass glued directly to the painted plastic might peel the paint and break off.

                                              I am so pleased with the result!! 

           And even better filled with gumballs!!

I will change out the gumballs for seasonal candy from time to time. Like candy corn, jelly beans, etc.

If I ever get another chance to get a "real" gumball machine, I'll take it!