5 Easy Steps to Updating a Boring Glass Vase

From this...

to this....

5 Easy Steps to Update a Boring Glass Vase

I received a lot of compliments on this DIY project and was asked by many if I would post a tutorial on how I created it. So, here you go! I hope this helps!

Supplies:

Acrylic paint (2 fl oz works well)

-I used Folk Art's Aqua for the vase and Martha Stewart Crafts Pollen for the accent around the "C." 

Glass vase

Paintbrush

Scrapbook paper

Scissors

Mod Podge or DIY version (which is what I used)

Step 1: Paint the inside of the vase

Pour paint roughly the size of a half dollar into your glass vase and begin painting the inside using a medium sized paintbrush. I bought a variety pack from Hobby Lobby and chose a paintbrush that would work well with acrylic paint and glass. (The package came with a description of which brushes to use with various paints and surfaces. I have never taken an art lesson in my life, so I apologize if I am not much help in describing the type of brushes I use.)

It will look something like this during your first coat of paint:

Let the paint dry for at least 1 hour between each coat of paint. I did 2 coats of paint for this project, but depending on the brand of paint you use and the color, you may do more or less. 

Step 2: Paint the outside of the vase

I used 2 coats of paint for this step as well. Again, let it dry for at least an hour before applying the next coat. 

Here is what mine looked like after the first coat of paint:

Step 3: Apply Mod Podge

Once your second coat of paint has completely dried, apply a light layer of mod podge to seal the paint. I used a homemade version because it was less expensive. I've used it on several projects so far and I have not been disappointed with the results. It leaves a nice matte finish when it has dried. 

Step 4: Create Scrapbook Paper Initial

Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures during this step of the project. Please forgive me. It's pretty straight forward, but feel free to leave a comment and let me know if you struggle with the step and I will do my best to walk you through it.

Choose  a piece of scrapbook paper that you like (I would recommend one in a contrasting color scheme) and cut it down to fit a letter size piece of printer paper.

Next, using Microsoft Publisher (I am sure you could do this next step with various programs, this is just what I had on my computer to work with.) open up a new blank publication. Select the font of your choice (I used Birmingham Bold, font size 350) and type in the initial of your choosing. 

Once you have found a font/ font size that works well for you, go up to file--> page setup--> printer & paper --> properties--> finishing --> and select the mirror image option.  

Then print on a standard piece of printer paper to be sure that it prints correctly. (You will need to use the mirror image option so that once you cut it out on the scrapbook paper, the design will be on the correct side when you flip it over.) Once you have practiced on a piece of printer paper and establish the look you want, replace the printer paper with your piece of scrapbook paper. (For my printer, I put the design on top so that the ink would be printed on the white side of the paper. The ink will act as a guide for you once you begin to cut.)

Using a pair of scissors, cut the initial out of your scrapbook paper. Then, using your mod podge, glue the initial onto the vase and allow to dry.

Step 5: Paint the Outline of the Initial

You could totally skip this step if you wanted to. I just did it because it really made the yellow "C" stand out against the aqua vase. Using a small paint brush, simply outline the initial with your second paint color. Allow 1 hour to dry and apply another coat of paint if needed.

Finished Product:

TaDa! You're finished!! 

Now enjoy your new creation!

Tip:

If I could go back and do it all over again, I would have selected another brand of paint for the Aqua (I used Folk Art). While I absolutely LOVE the color and it stated on the back of the bottle that it could be used on all paint-able surfaces, it did not do well on the glass. The paint chipped several times and I had to apply extra coats of paint in various spots. I'm glad that this project was for personal use and that I wasn't planning to give it as a gift. (I painted another vase for a family member and used Martha Stewart Crafts paint in Green Olive and did not have the problems that I did with the Folk Art paint.)

***These opinions are my own. Neither company (Folk Art nor Martha Stewart Crafts) know who I am. This is NOT a sponsored project.***

I Was Featured On: It's a Hodepodge Friday