First of all, cool idea. ..Pete, yes what Aaron said about the money(bills) issue. Can you come up with a pattern that would accommodate holding paper money? I would be interested too if so. I use Paypal. It's so easy to use.
WOW, that is something! And a lot of WORK! Curious how many hours it takes for a project like that. Excited for you. I'll be watching for the commercial!
It looks to me the first one was dyed first then a paint applied, allowed to dry and a block of wood with a real fine sandpaper was swiped across the top to make it look aged. I also think the belt was done the same way. Dye first then a paint and lightly sanded off.
This is the way I would do it myself.
Well good luck in it not splattering on you project...that's what I worry about too. I'm always anxious when I get started so I hold my hand on the jar. I'm afraid it's going to fall off.