Hi Everyone
Do you have a decorative item that's become more functional than stylish?
This was the case for a ceramic vase in my dining room. Originally a plant pot, it had been repurposed (by my husband!) as a rather unique hat stand. While it served its purpose, the dated "rust effect" finish left much to be desired.
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I knew with a few simple techniques, I could transform this forgotten piece into a beautiful and functional accent for my home. In this blog post, I'll share the steps I took to upcycle this ceramic vase, giving it a whole new lease on life – perfect for those searching for DIY home décor ideas or upcycling inspiration.
Here's what you'll need:
- Ceramic vase (or other item for upcycling)
- Cadence Art and Hobby Hybrid Paint (or similar acrylic paints)
- Cadence Crackle Paste
- Rice paper (or other decorative papers such as transfers)
- Aqua Stone Varnish (or a clear finishing varnish)
Ready to get started? Let's upcycle!
Prepping the Canvas:
Before diving into the transformation, I made sure the vase was free of any dust or debris. A clean surface ensures the paint and other materials adhere properly.
Step 1: A Fresh Foundation:
For my base coat, I opted for a crisp white using Cadence Hybrid Acrylic Paint. This paint offered good coverage and a smooth texture, perfect for creating a clean canvas for the next steps. (Tip: You can substitute any white acrylic or chalk paint suitable for ceramic surfaces for this step)
Step 2: Rice Paper Decoupage for Textured Touches:
Next, I incorporated some visual interest! I focused on the upper portion of the vase, the "hair" area, and used rice paper decoupage. (Rice paper decoupage is a technique where decorative rice paper is adhered to a surface using decoupage glue) I applied decoupage glue to the desired area and carefully placed the rice paper, smoothing out any air bubbles. Patience is key here! Once applied, I let the decoupage dry completely.
Step 3: Unveiling the Crackle Effect:
This is where the magic happens! To achieve the aged and beautiful feel I wanted, I used Cadence Crackle Paste. This paste creates a stunning crackle effect on the painted surface.
- I applied a layer of the Crackle Paste using a sponge dauber and a spatula onto the vase's surface in the areas where I wanted crackles and let it dry completely.
Step 4: Bringing the Cracks to Life:
Here's where the upcycle gets exciting! With the crackle effect now visible, I used a touch of blue oil paint to accentuate the cracks. I lightly brushed the oil paint across the surface and then buffed it with a cloth, allowing the paint to settle beautifully within the crackles. This step truly brings the aged effect to life!
Step 5: Sealing the Deal (and Adding Shine):
After the oil paint dried completely, I applied the finishing touch to the hair area – a coat of Aqua Stone Varnish (or any clear finishing varnish), as I wanted a highly glazed look, across this part of the vase. This step not only protects the decoupaged surface but also adds a lovely glazed finish that complements the overall look.
The Grand Reveal:
And voila! We have a transformed ceramic vase, no longer a dated hat stand but a beautiful and unique piece of home décor. The combination of the white base coat, the textured rice paper, and the crackled blue accents creates a captivating effect. The final gloss varnish adds a touch of sophistication while sealing the rice paper for lasting enjoyment.
This upcycled treasure not only adds a decorative element to my dining room but can still function as a hat stand, albeit a much more stylish one!
By following these steps and using readily available materials, you can transform forgotten items into something beautiful and functional. So grab your favourite paints, explore different techniques, and unleash your creativity on your next upcycling project! If you would like to see the video tutorial, pop over to my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/jq1cjQ5E1dc
Thanks
for
Popping By
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