I am obsessed with the subtlety of this vase. I know. I’m not really the subtle type. But when it comes to this vase I am like the Bachelorette choosing the guy who is actually the camera man’s backup in the corner…who is hiding behind the curtain. Okay okay…maybe this vase isn’t that subtle but it surely isn’t serenading a song that he wrote about me that is now tattooed on his forearm. Know what I mean? No. Me either.
The point is…this vase – you should make it.
I started off with this Anthropologie vase as inspiration. I am bummed that mine didn’t turn out exactly like it but it was still very pretty….just more subtle. Maybe I will try again…since it doesn’t cost me but a dollar.
You will want to start with your dollar store vase…this one is a fun six inch one that is more of a bowl shape. It is the perfect size to squeeze in your pouncer with your Gunmetal gray metallic craft power. You want to do polka dots at even intervals all around the vase.
The next layer is stain. I know this sounds a little crazy but you need the dark brown stain to add splatters and displace the paint in the next step. I used a toothbrush to get that perfect light splatter.
After the paint and stain is dry, you can see the vase is ready for painting. I used Rust-Oleum’s Metallic paint. I should have used Mirror Effects but live and learn. I must have been tired or not paying attention when I grabbed my supplies because dang it I know better. The Mirror Effects really does look like a mirror when you spray it. After the Metallic dried, I used a little sandpaper to add a little more texture.
I added water and those gorgeous flowers from The Bouqs Company and BOOM instant polka happiness. (p.s. have you ordered your family their Valentines day bouquets yet?)
Overall, the metallic version is definitely more subtle (geesh Katie how many times you gonna say subtle!?) than the mirrored version but like I said before….I still like it. Maybe I will do a whole bunch of polka dot versions since now I know how easy they are with the right size vase and pouncer 🙂
Hope you have fun making this one and definitely leave any tips in the comments!
Looking for more easy vase crafting you can do at home? Never fear, vases are here…
So cute!! And I like your version better than the Anthro one! I need to make a few of these! 🙂
I’m confused! You spray paint the inside of the vase? Or the outside? And if it’s the inside, doesn’t it get ruined when you fill it with water for the flowers?
I think it looks awesome! But it’s always a bummer when something doesn’t turn out exactly as planned. Regardless – great job, girl!
One question from me – did you seal the paint before adding water for flowers? I’m curious to see how well it holds up to standing water and a light wash when needed. I’m all about skipping the extra drying time that sealing requires if it would stand up well without it. 🙂
Cute! I’m curious if you have noticed any of the paint flaking or scratching after a few uses, since it is done on the inside of the vase??
When you fill the vase with water, will the water affect the paint? Especially if the water sits in the vase for a week.
It hasn’t here. I will let you know if that changes though!
xo – kb
It didn’t for me. And I already have changed out the water a couple times. I will let you know if that changes. I think because it is oil based spray paint and several thin coats with something to grip to, it has a fighting chance of staying put 🙂
xo – kb
I haven’t. I wish that I could explain why exactly because I thought I would have to put a sealant on it…but so far, so good.
xo – kb
So far, it’s been fine. I guess I don’t scrub it though…it’s just been washed a couple times so far. I will let you know if it starts peeling or flaking.
xo – kb
I really like it Katie! You can use it with silk flowers and not have to worry about the paint. Nice job!
I agree – your version is better.
Aww you guys are sweet to say that 🙂
xo – kb
How did you put on the polka dots so evenly??
They really aren’t…but the rounded edge helps. Once you plan out the first line (the ones at the very bottom) then you can just eyeball the placement.
xo – kb
Very cute!! Is there a trick to keeping the spray paint on the inside of the vase rather than the outside?
I didn’t do anything special to prep it. I don’t know why it works but it did!
xo – kb
I might like to attempt this project. I like your vase better than the anthropologie vase. I do like mercury glass though. I am curious as to how you made the dots. You said, ” It is the perfect size to squeeze in your pouncer with your Gunmetal gray metallic craft power. ” Please tell me what a “pouncer” and “craft power” might be and where to find them. I have no clue as I am not a regular DIYer and am unfamiliar with the jargon. Thank you!
Okay. So a pouncer is a small foam ended paint applicator. It’s not a brush but it’s foam at the end with a wood handle. You can buy them in a pack of five or ten at Walmart in the craft section. The Gunmetal gray metallic is the color of a craft paint. It should cost about 79 cents at the craft store or Walmart. You simply dab your pouncer in the paint and then ‘pounce’ it (firmly and slowly push the foam end) onto a paper towel 1-2x before pouncing it onto your glass. Hope this helps!
xo – kb
Thank you so much!