Hi friends, are you ready for summer yet? Haha i know we are all probably ready to get out of the house and get back to a new normal, I know I am. This week I’m busy sharing all kinds of fun nature related DIY projects in honor of Earth Day on April 22nd. One of the big trends this year in home decor is adding artisan accessories to your home. Beautiful pottery is one of the easiest ways, however they can be very expensive. I’ve already share 2 ways you can create some beautiful pottery by repurposeing old pots. This one is a more vintage look How To Create Vintage Inspired Pots & Make A Simple Topiary and this most recent one is super duper easy How To Turn An Old Pot Into An Artisian Stone Look . In this post, I’m sharing a more authentic looking pottery style from an old glass vase.

 

Here are the supplies you’ll need for this project:

• any style pot or vase. Glass works ok but a more pourus type like terra cotta may be easier
• plaster of Paris
• old container to mix the plaster of Paris in
• plastic spoon
• water
• paint colors of your choice- I used a taupe, terra cotta shade, cream, black and mossy green color
• paintbrushes
• papertowels

 

 

First put about 1/2 a cup of the plaster of Paris in your container and add a small amount of water. You want to work in small batches because it dries quickly and you don’t want to waste the product. I you want the mixture to be about the consistency of toothpaste.

 

 

 

 

Once your plaster is mixed, it’s time to start applying it to the vase. I found the easiest way is to scoop it up with your fingers and place small amounts on in a patting motion first then smoothing with your fingers. It is also helpful to have a bowl of water to dip your fingers in to keep them from getting dried plaster on them. 

 

 

 

Continue covering the vase with the plaster intil it is completely covered. Once the sides are covered, make a thicker batch to apply on the rim. For me this was the most difficult part and the key is to get the consistency just right. You might have to play wth it a little. Also, I used a very wet amount to go back over and smooth the pot a little.

The ideas is to not have it perfectly smooth but to give it the characterisc of artisan pottery. All the little divets and cracks will give it the perfect texture and background for painting. It won’t take long for your pot to dry

 

 

Once your pot is dry, start mixing your base paint color. I softened a taupe color with a little creme panint and I watered it down. Start applying the paint with a brush in small segments wipeing off with a wet paper towel as desired. The wet paper towel will help you to lighten the color or remove it if you apply too heavily.

Then take your moss green and start adding it in the creves as if it were growing in areas of the pot. You can mix the tones lightenin or darkening with your other colors- maybe add a touch of blacck or lighten with a little creme or white.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The base paint shouldn’t be even it should look worn off in some areas. Then I added some touchs of terra cotta color and small bits of black to give a little more dimension. You can see all the colors in this close up shot.

 

 

I love how they turned out and would preer to make one much larger next time. If you are unsure, start with a smaller vase to practice then do another in a larger size ( that’s what I’m going to do)

 

 

So what do you think, aren’t they fun. It really is a simple project if you don’t worry about getting it so perfect. The wet papertowels will help you a lot if you mess up your color so don’t worry about that. The good news is our really can’t mess it up. These are artisan like pieces so no one pot should look the same.

 

I hope you enjoyed this project and be sure to send me pictures if you make one yourself. Id love to hear your feedback and be sure to ask any questions. If you haven’t subscribed yet, be sure to so you won’t miss any posts. I have several fun projects going on this week you will love. All of them would make great gift ideas for Mother’s Day, teachers or healthcare workers.

 

Happy Crafting