How do I make DIY faux ceramic vases?

Looking to create some DIY home decor on a budget? Me too! I decided I wanted to create some DIY faux ceramic vases. I recently scored terracotta pots and glass vases on Facebook Marketplace for an absolute steal. The pots were clearly someone's failed DIY project, which is why I was able to get them for such a great price. Not long after, I was on Facebook Marketplace again searching around and was able to get two other glazed pots and a lovely pitcher for free! I knew that they all had so much potential to become beautiful pieces in my home with a little bit of time and paint.

When I got home I thought, why not do a quick upcycle of some other types of containers I have laying around as well?

The key to any budget-friendly home decor DIY, in my opinion, is to make something by hand that doesn’t look cheap or tacky. With this in mind, I decided to go for a faux ceramic effect created by some textured paint.

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Painting over textured thrifted items

If your container has a lot of texture, I recommend painting a coat of normal paint before you go in with the faux ceramic paint. This will help ensure an even color at the end in all those nooks and crannies before you start!

What ingredients do I need to create faux ceramic effect paint?

You can use baking soda, cornstarch, or baking powder. Be sure to go check your pantry before running to the store. Chances are you have at least one of these on hand! I like using baking soda the best. Try experimenting by subbing in each option if you would like! Have fun with this!

What should my faux ceramic paint mixture look like?

It should look very thick and puffy. Paint with it quickly so it doesn’t get too chunky or start drying too early! This paint definitely isn’t meant to sit around for days before use.

Finding the right containers and vases

Almost anything goes! When searching for something to upcycle, I recommend finding glass or ceramic pots, vases, or containers. If you are on the hunt for some thrift flip worthy vases or pots, there are so many places to shop! Of course, the most obvious location to search around for hidden treasures in the local thrift shop. Maybe you aren’t looking to do that, or you just aren’t a fan of searching around the secondhand store for hours and hours on end. In that case, you should check out Facebook Marketplace!

Many sellers on Marketplace are willing to do contactless exchanges with electronic pay and a porch pick up. Some people are even okay with you leaving cash (safely under something or in a plastic bag) on their porch! Of course, if you aren’t comfortable meeting at someone’s home, then you can easily arrange to meet in a public location with them when you’re messaging them about buying!

Another suggestion I have is to make a post on your social media accounts asking if anyone around you is trying to get rid of old vases, pots, or glass containers. You might find someone who just wants some old items out of their house and is willing to give them to you for free!

My last tip is to shop around in your own home. You might shock yourself when you go look in an old box up in the attic or even in your pantry! Many food items are sold in glass containers of every shape and size imaginable. Saving those jars is a fun way to upcycle items that would otherwise be recycled or thrown out into stylish faux ceramic home decor!

This DIY is the perfect way to get high end looking home decor for cheap or possibly almost, if not entirely, free! (Just like I did! Seriously, some people are trying to get their old unused junk out of their homes or garages ASAP. Even if it means giving it away!)

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DIY that fits your style...

You can customize the paint color to fit your space. This project is the perfect gift for a friend that they will actually use in their home. The possibilities are truly endless since you can create any color you want instead of hunting down ceramic pottery that perfectly matches the room you have in mind. Nothing is worse than getting home and seeing the color is just off enough to not fit with the space! So let's make some DIY faux ceramic vases!

What you will need for your DIY Faux Ceramic Vases:

Vase, container, pot, etc.
Paintbrushes and/or sponges.
Bowl.
Measuring cup.
Measuring spoon.
1 cup paint.
2 tablespoon baking soda (or baking powder or cornstarch.)
NOTE: Use this ratio to create the appropriate amount of paint you need for your project!

How to Make DIY Faux Ceramic Vases:

1.) Dust off your chosen vase, glass container, or pot with a dry cloth. If it is very dirty, you may need to wash it entirely. To do this, simply take a cloth and dampen it with some water and a bit of dish soap, wipe down, and then wipe it again with a dry cloth.

2.) Measure out and mix your paint and baking soda together to create your ceramic effect paint.

Tip: If you are creating your own color instead of using the color straight out of the tube, mix the paint first to achieve your desired shade and then add in your baking soda.

3.) Paint all around the glass container, vase, or pot. Don’t forget to paint inside of it as much as is necessary to hide the original color for a more put-together look!

4.) Allow the paint to dry.

5.) Paint another coat of the same colored textured faux ceramic effect paint on your pot, vase, or glass container.

6.) Allow the second coat to fully dry. Once dry, take a good look to see if you are satisfied with the result. If you still see the original color showing through or want more texture, you may need to paint one more coat!

I hope you had a lot of fun with this budget-friendly DIY project, I sure know I did!

Did you make some faux ceramic home decor? Be sure to comment below to let me know!

Tag me in your pictures on Instagram with the account tulipsandtwill and use the hashtag #tulipsandtwill

I cannot wait to see your beautiful creations!