There are few guarantees in life, but this one is certain. Any thrift shop I walk into is sure to boast a bountiful collection of clear glass vases. So, I’m always looking for fresh ways to transform them into something special. This time, I wanted to try out a new-to-me craft product and create a boho vase.
This new-to-me craft product that I mentioned? Well, it’s a line of textured terracotta paint in a variety of muted, modern hues. And, yes, before you ask, I *have* tried out a terracotta spray paint on my blog before!
But I’ve heard from countless readers that the terracotta spray paint is impossible to find- online or in stores. And, well, that’s no fun for anyone- including yours truly!
So, I made it my mission to find a replacement paint for a similar result on clear glass from the thrift store.
Besides, with modern boho pottery all the rage right now, it seemed like the perfect time to try out this style of makeover once again.
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From Clear Glass Vases to Boho Vases
Now, in my previous terracotta transformation, I used perfectly smooth glass (which was fine). But for a more “modern boho” take this time, I sought out patterned glass.
Inexpensive, plentiful pressed glass vases in a variety of designs. And I treated myself to several colors of this brand of terracotta paint.
First, I cleaned and dried my clear glass vases thoroughly. Then, I set up my spray painting station outside to give each vase a quick coat of flat white primer.
Sure, you could skip this step. But applying primer on my clear glass projects before brushing on paint has NEVER failed me.
Once the primer dried, I then grabbed a basic chip brush and the pale green shade of paint. I loved the pattern of on this glass vase and thought it’d look exceptionally pretty in green!
Fast forward three vases later, I had a trio of boho vases! I gave each one two quick coats of the terracotta paint over the primer.
I also used a long-handled paint brush to apply some terracotta paint to the interior of the vases, as well. Just the top third or half or so, for visual purposes.
And as promised, it was lightly textured like terracotta! Not heavily textured like baking soda paint– and it brushed over the primer beautifully.
Moral of the story? I HIGHLY recommend trying this line of paint if you want to make some faux terracotta pieces!
Boho Vase with Terracotta Paint
So, yes, this was a VERY simple makeover project in the end. But just look how fabulously each one turned out! A boho vase with that modern pottery look that is so popular right now.
I was right about that ikat glass pattern in green, wasn’t I? It looks so fresh and fabulous now! But, shhh, don’t tell anyone that I used plant stakes as a vase filler…
In the end, I definitely, definitely recommend this terracotta paint on your clear glass upcycles! The transformation is easy to do with fantastic results.
Which is the ultimate win-win in upcycling, right?
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Bonus- today is the second Wednesday of the month, which is Thrift Store Decor Team Day! Please check out all the thrift store makeovers that my friends have been working on, too!
1. Farmhouse Bar Stool – My Repurposed Life
2. DIY Nautical Farmhouse Planter – House of Hawthornes
3. DIY Frosted Seaglass Vase – Domestically Speaking
4. Making Boho Vases from Clear Glass Vases – Sadie Seasongoods
5. Spray Paint a Trumeau Mirror – Petticoat Junktion
6. DIY Welcome Porch Sign – My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
7. Lampshade Makeover Idea for a Front Porch – Reinvented Delaware
8. Round Wooden Box Sunflower Table – Organized Clutter
9. How to Strip and Bleach Wood Furniture – Our Southern Home
10. Metal Garden Dragonfly Refresh – Shop at Blu
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I hope you’ll check out this fantastic craft paint- I found it at a few different craft stores, too! Please let me know if you use it on some thrift store glass for your own take on a boho vase. I think you’ll love the results as much as I did!
And if you love this upcycling idea for clear glass vases, you may also be interested in this Cloisonne-inspired makeover I’ve done, as well. What can I say, I love finding ways to upcycle all of that clear glass at thrift stores!
Craft on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Your painted vases are all spectacular! Hard to believe they were clear glass. Pinned!
Thanks, Carlene!
I see so many clear glass cases at the thrift stores. This is a really great way to give them a new life. I’ll be looking for this paint. Not that I don’t have any paint…don’t ask!!
Ha! I get it- SO MUCH PAINT. But I can’t help myself buying more when I see a new variety, though…
I have to get out more, I didn’t even know they made a terra cotta paint! The vases look great. I think I love the greenish-blue on the best!
Right?! Such a fortuitous discovery!
Sarah, your color choices are spot on for the boho vibe that is so popular today! I have to try this paint! Pinned 😊
Thanks, Cindy!
That color is perfection on the vase, I just love how it turned out!
Thank you so much, Kristin!
The green one is my favorite, it looks so yummy! I love, love, love painting clear thrift store vases. Beautiful job Sarah!
pinned!
gail
Thank you so much!
Well, I got a lesson about more Bo-ho looks. So far I have limited it to the crazy, dangley earrings I have made from upcycled beads! I am not a big bo=ho fan but I loved these vases. Sarah, silly question–do you sell any of your creations? I have made variations of your projects, put them in my vintage/craft/antique booth and they generally don’t sell. And seeing as they were YOUR ideas and came out so well, I just don’t understand–and they are reasonably priced, too. Thanx.
I used to sell a lot of my projects via Etsy, but the ROI was too low for the effort involved (listing, shipping, etc.).
I totally need to rethink donating these vases again. I never thought they could look so good painted! The pattern of the glass really shines now!
Right??
They turned out so pretty and I love the colors you used.
Thanks, Maryann!
Does it have to be clear glass? Wouldn’t it work on any glass vases or pots?
No, you can use it on other materials, too. I just lean towards clear glass because there’s an overwhelming amount of it at thrift stores.
These look lovely and I’m so glad you found an alternative to spray paint. I love to read about refinishing and repurposing, but always cringe when these eco-friendly projects use paint that emits fumes into the environment. This one is a win-win! Love it.