Looking for an easy project that can give an old vase a different look?
This super easy DIY rustic vase tutorial is for you!
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The Aged and Rustic Look Is In!
If you're at all familiar with this blog you know rustic is not exactly my style.
But I have to say I've got heart eyes 😍 for the rustic and aged pottery home decor accessories trend.
Whether it's a vase, lamp, or bowl. I love how this weathered and "found" look elevates your decor by adding texture and interest.
Look how Studio McGee has worked these pieces into their designs.
Gorgeous right?!
DIY Rustic Vase Inspiration
Big brands like Pottery Barn, Amber Designs, and even Target are all selling these rustic and "aged pottery" pieces given their popularity.
But you know it's going to cost you. 💸
This inspirational collection of aged and rustic vases from Pottery Barn is undeniably beautiful.
Frankly, this photo inspired this DIY rustic flower vase look I was going for with this project.
However...
Just because I like how they look. Doesn't mean I want to pay PB prices 💁🏽♀️.
Because why buy when you can DIY and save.
Exhibit #A: My DIY $12 thrifted lamps vs the $69 Pottery Barn Faris lamp.
I rest my case. 😏
Pottery Barn Lamp Dupe Using a $12 DIY Thrifted Lamp
I'm not going to lie. Ever since doing the paint and mud method on my thrifted lamps.
I've been dying to try it on a vase. But in a lighter color.
When I came across this $12 orange terracotta vase from HomeGoods.
I knew it would be perfect for this project.
Finding the perfect vase at HomeGoods!
Where to Find An Old Vase (or a cheap new one)
My first stop is usually the thrift store when I'm looking to get my hands on a piece for DIY crafts. Or a home decor DIY project like this.
But the great thing is there are a lot of affordable places you can pick up a cheap or old vase for this project.
{This time I found mine at HomeGoods.}
- Thrift Stores
- Dollar Stores
- Dollar Tree
- Family Dollar
- Dollar General
- Craft Store
- Michael’s
- JoAnn Fabrics
- Amazon
- Homegoods {this is where I got my vase}
- Marshalls
- TJMaxx
What Types of Vases Can You Paint
You can do this project with almost any vase you have on hand both new and old.
Try to use a vase that has a unique shape and character {like handles} for more interest.
Here are the types of vases you can use for this project.
- Stone or terracota vase {or planter}
- Ceramic vase
- Clear glass vases from the Dollar Store
- White bud vases
- Mason jar
- Decorative glass bottles
- Tin vases {also know as galvanized metal}
Keep in mind that all these vases and pots will work for this project.
Using a vase that already has some texture to it will give the finished look even better texture and definition.
Types of Paint You Can Use To Paint Your Vase
So far I've only used spray paint for these types of painted vase projects.
But if you have any of these other types of paints laying around already.
You can use them.
- Acrylic paint
- Spray paint {recommended for ease of use}
- Chalk paint
- Mineral paint
- Interior paint
If you decide to use spray paint. I highly recommend Rust-Oleum’s Painter’s Touch 2X spray paint. It has both primer and paint in one.
If you're using a glass vase or a vase with a smooth surface. You'll need to use a primer before painting. So the paint can stick properly.
DIY Rustic Vase Supplies
For this project, I basically had everything on hand except for the spray paint.
- Rust-Oleum’s Painter’s Touch 2X spray paint. Color: Fossil
You can use an off white paint color if you want an even lighter look. - Wax brush {somestimes called artist brush}
- Soil {to make mud}
- Small container to mix soil
- Paper towels to wipe your hands {optional}
- Gloves {optional}
DIY Rustic Vase Video Tutorial
DIY Rustic Vase Tutorial (An Easy Project)
This whole DIY project was honestly just me experimenting. And I think that's what adds to the rustic look and charm.
So let me share my best tips to help you transform almost any plain old vase into a unique "found" piece.
I recommend doing this project outside. Or at least in a well-ventilated area.
Let’s begin 🤸🏽♀️
- Clean your vase of choice thoroughly before starting. Make sure it's completely dry before moving on. {If your vase is new you can usually skip this step.}
- Paint your vase with Rust-Oleum’s Painter’s Touch 2X. Be sure to angle your spray paint can to properly paint the top of the vase. {Do this in a well-ventilated area.}
- While the paint is still a little wet and tacky start tossing some dirt on the vase {see video}.
- Use your wax brush to dry brush the dirt off. This will also push some of the dirt into the paint {which is what you want}. It will create the texture {Repeat step 2-4 if the first coat of paint did not cover well.}
- Next, mix a little water and soil to make something like muddy water {don’t make it too thick}.
- Use your hands to dab some of the "muddy water" onto the vase. Then use the wax brush to blend it in. I did this part until my arm was almost sore 💪. Keep adding little dollops of muddy water and blending until you get your desired look.
Once your vase is dry. Fill with flowers or other greenery.
This was such an easy and fun project because it's almost foolproof.
So let go of any perfectionism {guilty} and just have fun with this one.
It's a great way to express creativity.
Plus the end result doesn't need to be perfect to be beautiful.
I'm already plotting on other DIY vase ideas. 😄
Can’t wait to see the kind of DIY rustic vases you create.
Tag me on Instagram using the #ThicHomeStyle tag if you do. 👍🏽
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