Hiya there! Ok so I have a major problem with plants. I can’t seem to keep any of my house plants alive. I kill them every. single. time.
I don’t do it on purpose but it is definitely involuntary PLANT-slauter.
Haha. See what I did there?
So I’m going to try succulents! You’ve probably seen the rising succulent trend and I figure hey, if they can live in the desert, they have a chance of surviving my very un-green thumb right?
So I had to create a pretty place for them to live and when I was flipping through the West Elm catalog I was inspired by their textured vases and you know me, I just had to figure out a way to create the look for less.
So today I’m going to show you how to create texture on glass just like I did on these DIY Painted Vases!
This project is super simple. Here is what you will need…
- glass vases- I had mine on hand, but a good place to look for inexpensive ones is a dollar store or even thrift stores. Just look for ones with shapes you like.
- a sharpie- a light color will probably be best.
- some repositionable spray adhesive
- glass paint- I like the Martha Stewart glass paint because it comes with this tip that allows you to draw with it. Puff paint would probably work too.
- (optional) a stencil– I found this Heidi Swapp hexagon stencil on Amazon and plan to use it again on a pillow project soon!
- spray paint- I used Krylon Gold Spray Paint and Rust-Oleum Satin White
- painters tape
How to Create Texture on Painted Vases
If you are using a stencil, you will want to give it a light coat of spray adhesive. It will help it stay put while you trace.
Step 1: Place the stencil on your vase about 1/3 the way up and trace your pattern with the sharpie.
Step 2: Go over your pattern with glass paint. This is what is going to create the texture. You don’t need to use a certain color because you will be covering it up with metallic spray paint later.
Step 3: Let your glass paint dry.
Step 4: Create a paint line with painters tape right where your glass paint pattern ends. I found it easier to do this with the vase upside down as shown.
Once you have that first line cover the remainder of the vase with paper towel to protect it from the spray paint we are about to apply.
Step 5: Spray paint the textured portion of your vase. I used Krylon Metallic Gold for the hexagon vase and Rust-Oleum Semi Gloss White for my herringbone vaase.
Once they are dry, you can add your succulents!
Layers of a Succulent Terrarium
Again, I’m not great when it comes to plants, but after talking to some friends that have had success with succulents I learned that they need really good drainage so you need to create layers. Here is how I did it.
Oh and don’t forget you will want your succulents to end up being just above the paint line so keep that in mind when you are filling your vases with these layers.
The bottom layer is gravel or rocks. I used rocks.
Then you need a layer of dirt. I just used the dirt that came with my succulents. So I guess this is where you put your succulents in.
Then place about an inch of moss over the dirt and around the succulents.
Done!
Isn’t this a cool way to add some texture?
Alisha says
Such a wonderful idea and very beautiful too! Thanks the share.
Corey Willis says
You’re so welcome Alisha! Thanks for stopping by!
Trisha D. @Black and White Obsession says
What a lovely design. Thanks for all the tips, I surely have enough vases that could use a little pizzaz!!
Ashlea @ Glamour Coastal Living says
That looks fabulous! I love the gold one, I am so inspired, plus I am a massive succulent lover so I can’t wait to try this 🙂
Corey W. says
These really are perfect for succulents Ashlea cause they hide all of the layers underneath that you need for drainage. Thanks for coming by, let me know how it works out!
Shonee says
Totally love this!! I will be sharing this on my favorite things friday over at www.hawthorneandmain.com
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debbie says
These are fantastic, I really like the look and with the succulents it’s great. I can’t wait to try this and thanks for sharing. I am new to your blog and really like it.
tinysidekick says
Thanks so much Debbie! This was my first try at succulents and I love how modern they are especially with these vases! So glad to meet you. Hope to hear from you again soon!
Gwen says
Hey girl!!! You’re the MEGA Rockstar!!! Congratulations!
I’ve got you on my sidebar and shouted you out on all my social networks. I”ll be pinning the bleep out of you blog tonight on all my biggests boards… Hope you get LOTS of love. because you totally deserve it!
Thanks for sharing your amazing vases. You are truly talented!
tinysidekick says
Thanks so much! I love your blog and your kind words mean so much to me 🙂
Kim @ Sand & Sisal says
I love this technique! I already have that paint so I’ll have to give it a try! Beautiful! Thanks for linking it up to Inspire Me Monday. 😉
Christina @ I Gotta Create! says
LOVE!! You are featured at the linky party, pinned and shared on g+!
Thanks so much for the great tutorial and beautiful inspiration.
<3 Christina @ I Gotta Create!
Gwen says
Hi Corey! Just wanted to let you know I featured your awesome vases on my blog tonight! I can’t get enough of you!!! So, grab your peeps and come vote for the MEGA Rockstar of Creativity Unleashed Week 19!
http://www.theboldabode.com/2014/05/rockstars-creativity-unleashed-week-19.html
Trisha D. says
I stopped dead in my tracks while surfing g+ this morning when I spotted these beauts! Totally pinning and hope to make something nearly as awesome a these for our entryway!
LydiaF says
What a great craft! I’ve pinned this. 🙂
Emily says
This is such a beautiful and simple idea with a huge impact. I love it!
tinysidekick says
Thanks Emily!
Kayla @ Home Coming says
Just wanted you to know, I love this so much, you’re being featured on The DIY’ers today! http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-diyers-61.html
Robin All Things Heart and Home says
this is brilliant! I’m a BIG fan of all things honeycomb and I adore your vases! (planters!) Thanks so much flor linking w/ Twirl and Take a Bow! I’m featuring your project this week to make sure everyone is inspired! xo
Lindsey says
Love this idea! Great job! Visiting from www.simplysalvage.com. Have a great week!
Katie @ The Casual Craftlete says
Hey girl! I love love love these vases! Just wanted you to know you will be featured tomorrow at the Frugal Crafty Home Blog Hop! Thanks for sharing. Hope you are having a fabulous weekend!
Krista @the happy housie says
So creative to do the texture underneath the spray paint- these are stunning, Corey!
tinysidekick says
Thanks Krista! You know when you have one of those middle of the nigh ideas that actually turn out just the way you wanted it to? This was one of those and I just love that!
Carmody says
I love this so much!
Cathy says
What a really cool idea to update a plain vase…. love it – am pinning it… Cathy
tinysidekick says
Thanks so much Cathy! I love that I got to put some of the vases I’ve been saving to use finally!
Christine says
The vases are absolutely beautiful Corey!! Can you make one for me? Pinning! 🙂 xoxo
Anne says
I love this idea! I have a few vases waiting for a great project like this one. Can’t wait to get started…I’m glad I found your post through the Wildly Original link party.
Nici says
I love the crazy cool texture and color in those painted vases! Bravo! Love the succulents too. I’d be thrilled if you linked this up to my new Creative Ways Link Party that’s live right now! I hope to see you and these awesome vases at the party! Have a great week.
Blessings,
Nici
Tasha @ OneBigHappyBlog says
These are gorgeous! I’ve been trying to figure out a way to sneak some greenery into my daughter’s room. Succulents would be perfect! And a glass vase will go perfectly on her glass desk. Thanks for the awesome idea!
tinysidekick says
Thanks Tasha. Succulents would be perfect in a kid’s room cause they are so easy to take care of. Thanks for stopping by!
Ty @ Little Home Reloved says
So creative and lovely!
Gloria // Simply Gloria says
Corey, you are so creative! I especially love the whole texture and the way of doing it. I am not that great at keeping the green things alive. Although, I’ve been doing a little bit better this year… we’ll have to see if they all survive this summer. I’ll have to make something like this to keep reminding me to keep them alive! Pinning and hope you have a wonderful evening!
tinysidekick says
Thank you so much Gloria. I’ve been better at watering these probably because they are in something pretty. So try it, it may just get your green thumb going!
Adrienne says
I’m kind of obsessed with West Elm right now so this is right up my alley. Super cute! Pinning. I’d love for you to link up on Thursday to Be. You. Tiful Link party.
tinysidekick says
West Elm is one of my main obsessions too. I get so fired up with ideas when I go to the store, so I’m glad I have the opportunity to recreate some of their looks for less!
Amy | Club Narwhal says
Corey, this is such a cute idea! I will someday conquer my black thumb and become a plant person–if only to make these vases!
Erlene says
I love this idea of doing a textured paint on the vase. It turned out really nice. Would love if you shared this on Merry Monday linky party.
kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloor says
These are ridiculously clever and so much fun!! Can’t quit thinking of all of the things I would do with them. Thanks so much for linking up with us! Pinning. 🙂
tinysidekick says
Thanks Kristi! There really are so many possibilities I can’t wait to tweak this idea too!
Naomi says
Those are awesome, Corey! I am massively in love with succulents but the pots they come in are a bit tired. Pinning this for sure!
tinysidekick says
Thanks so much Naomi. I agree. It is fun to make the pots or vases your own. I’m sorta notorious for never just letting something be “off the shelf.”
Elic says
I also have a problem with inside plants, but mostly if the cats get to them. I managed to keep some “lucky bamboo” alive for over a year and they were dead in two days when they got taken out of the cat-free room while we rearranged. I have much better luck with outside plants.
amy krist says
love it! i love breathing new life into items deemed for the trash. nice job!
Al says
These are so sweet. I love the textured design! I used to be a plant killer but for several years now I’ve used watering bulbs. They don’t look great but they totally work.