Florist vases are a staple at most thrift stores, aren’t they? On one of my thrifting excursions (many, many months ago), I came across a shelf that was exploding with them. And for whatever reason, I started wondering if they could be painted to look like a Cloisonne vase.
And by “look like”, I mean abstractly…using specific colors that are typical in Cloisonne (gold and jewel tones).
Of course, real Cloisonne is a true art form: metal objects that have been decorated precisely with wires and filled in with enamel paint. Obviously, I was working with pressed glass so it would never be the same.
So, maybe I might end up with something that looked more like the “I Dream of Jeannie” Bottle or a genie bottle in general. Either way, I was definitely curious about it…
Anyway, I was home…I had the vases…with plenty of paint…and tons of time to kill. It was worth experimenting with, right?
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Preparing the Florist Vases for a Makeover
First things first, I gathered the clear glass vases and set up shop outside to spray paint them gold.
A gold background would give me the “metal” look of a Cloisonne vase.
After a couple of light coats, I made sure every nook and cranny of the pressed glass was now an opaque gold. Then, I set them aside to allow the gold spray paint to dry and set thoroughly.
Next, I focused on the “enamel” part of a Cloisonne vase.
I wouldn’t actually use enamel paint, of course. But rather acrylic craft paint in a rich hue and some dainty craft paint brushes.
I squeezed out some craft paint and let it sit in the open air for a few minutes to thicken up. Then, I used a small, square-tipped flat paint brush to transfer the paint onto the shapes of the florist vases.
In other words, I didn’t really brush it on but rather “paddled” it on. Does that make sense?
The goal was to “fill in” the shapes of the pressed glass with rich, opaque paint coverage without showing any brush strokes or unevenness.
Getting the Look of a Cloisonne Vase
For this particular vase, I only painted part of the design. The diamonds got pretty small and I didn’t have super dainty brushes to accommodate that.
But I kind of liked it like that. A much more modern take on a Cloisonne vase.
And since acrylic craft paint typically has a matte finish, I headed back outside to give my Cloisonne vase a glossy topcoat.
While that vase dried, I went back to the other florist vases that I had spray painted gold. I played around with different ways to add color to them.
One vase had diamond-shaped dimples across the entire thing, almost like the giant ball at EPCOT. To give it the Cloisonne treatment, I dipped paint brush handles in paint to “fill in” the dimples.
And this vase had ridges that required the straightest of lines.
And, well, I’m just not that talented with a paint brush!
So, I used some glass paint markers in alternating colors to fill in the ridges.
Finally, I used the same glossy topcoat to finish them off!
Faking a Cloisonne Vase for Eclectic Home Decor
And while they don’t sport the intricate patterns of a real Cloisonne vase, they ended up with a very intriguing and exotic look!
They kind of reminded me of a souvenir from an exciting trip overseas.
I LOVE them. I love how they look exotic and globally inspired. But they’re simply florist vases from the thrift store.
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AND hurrah! Today is Thrift Store Decor Day, so check out what my upcycling friends have been up to.
1. Bookcase Makeover – My Repurposed Life
2. Urine Specimen Bottle Display – Petticoat Junktion
3. Shutter Shelf DIY – Refresh Restyle
4. Nightstand Makeover – My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
5. Florist Vase Makeover Inspired by Cloisonne – Sadie Seasongoods
6. TV Console Makeover – Our Southern Home
7. Repurposed Kitchen Tools as Planters – House of Hawthornes
*****
What do you think of this makeover inspired by a Cloisonne vase? It’s definitely a change of pace for me, that’s for sure!
I’m also excited to announce that my first book is now available! If you enjoy upcycling clothing and simple sewing projects, then you will love my book on flannel crafts!
If you enjoyed this upcycling idea for exotic or eclectic home decor, then you may also be interested in this boho style basket wall decor, as well!
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 vases are gorgeous!
Thank you so very much, Linda!
These are SO great and I have ONE vase that I JUST put into the re-donate pile! Guess what I’ll be doing with it now!
Tania
Ha!!! I have pulled out several things from my re-donate pile to keep me busy during this time, so I understand completely. And thank you, friend!
You are just so darn creative! Only you would look at those grimy old vases and have the vision to make them cool again!
Thanks, Pam!!!
Beautiful job! I LOVE your orange fluffly cat, orange cats are the best (in my opinion)!
Thank you! I’ve had kitties all my life but he’s my first Orange. And I have to say, I completely agree with you! He’s the sweetest, most charming cat I’ve ever known.
Cool! I love how your vases turned out!
Thanks, Fonda!
One word….AMAZING!!!
Hugs,
Deb
Thank you so much, Deb!
This is brilliant, you have such a creative mind!!!
Thank you so very much! The funny thing is, I was nearly certain that I would hate how they turned out and I put this project off for more than a year. Shows you how much I know, LOL.
oh my gosh. I would sooo try to duplicate the genie bottle from the tv show.
They definitely have that vibe, I agree!
These are gorgeous!
Thank you so much, Cindy!
thats so beautiful. I love it =)
xoxo
tina from wimpernverlängerung salzburg
Thank you, Tina!!
Sarah,
You never cease to amaze me with your eye for design! What an amazing makeover you did on these cheap vases. I love painted glass!
pinned!
gail
Thank you, Gail!! Looking forward to hopping around to everyone’s projects- I always love TSDT day!
Absolutely LOVE this! Will definitely try! TFS
Yay!! Thank you so much, Beverly!
This project is so wonderful, Sarah! You are so creative! They turned out beautifully! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much, Linda! I hope you’re doing well. 🙂
THese turned out beautiful! My mom’s had so many of these, I wish I would have kept now!
Thank you so very much, Kristin!
Hi, I just have to say, I love this idea!!!!! Thanks for sharing your creative goodies!
Thank you so much, Tracy!!
With these colors, these vases look very Egyptian, which is my “thing”. I really want to get a couple of these vases (which I have always hated) and get started. Thank you!
Yes!! As soon as I finished the one with the stripey lines, I was struck at how Egyptian it felt to me! I’m glad I’m not the only one who thought so.
I wonder if a few coats of nail polish might give you the glossy look you are looking for… Of course, you would have to work outside or you might get “high” on the polish.
It might- but it would take a lot of work compared to the spray gloss I used. I also don’t know how it would chemically react with the paints that I used.
I have real cloisonne cases my dad got in Japan as well as pigeon blood ones he got right after the war. I also have dresser lamps in both.
That’s amazing, Gretchen!
Sarah, These are so funky and gorgeous! I could so see them in my daughter’s boho college apartment bedroom. The ways you styled them is perfect!
Awww, thank you so much, Christy!!
What a creative way to give these old florist vase an updated look! Love this project!
Thank you so much, Paula!
These are so pretty! I’m almost positive I have some similar thrift store vases hiding somewhere in my basement. I know what I’ll be doing tomorrow! 🙂
Those vases know how to multiply in cupboards, I swear!
Very clever. You certainly have an knack for seeing past what is to what could be. Beautiful!
Thank you so much!
Wonderful idea, turned out so pretty! I can’t wait to give it a try with grandchildren.
Thanks, Sharon- happy crafting!
Beautiful art!! thanks
Thank you so very much!
I absolutely LOVE your bottles! I’ll have to start taking a second look at those type of vases when the thrift stores reopen. I’m now following you on instagram. 🙂
Thank you so much, Allyson, and happy hunting!!
Gosh I love the way your creative mind works, Sarah, these a stunning!
Thank you, Marie!
Wow, these turned out great! I love them! By the way, I like a LOT (all?) Of your posts! I just don’t normally take time to comment. Probably because I’m usually looking on my phone. 🙂
I sincerely appreciate hearing that, Shelly! It’s always extra special when you find a kindred spirit in the crafting/thrifting world!
Cannot. wait. to try this!
Woohoo! Happy crafting, Melanie!
Honestly? Upon first glance I thought these were antiques you collected. Mind-blown! They really turned out so jewel-like!
This cool project is featured on DIY Salvaged Junk Projects 528 this weekend. Thanks for linking it up!
Thank you so very much!! I definitely went into this project completely unsure as to what would happen and if they’d even turn out!
WOW! These vases turned out stunning.
Happy weekend,
Kippi
Thank you, Kippi!
I have been a fan of yours for a long time, these really are so creative! My mind is blown, never would have thought of this in a million years, so pretty and clever.
You are way too kind, my friend, and the fandom goes both ways for sure!
Gorgeous! You obviously have more patience than I do, lol.
Ha!!! Quarantine gave me nothin’ but time… 😉
Absolutely stunning!
Thanks, Carol!
I’m angry with myself now for throwing those old glass vases out!! You’re creations are beautiful.
Thank you so very much!!
Hello,
thank you for sharing. It was really nice to read it.
Best wishes
Jana
Such a cute idea
Thank you so much!
Did the green glass vases cover well with the gold spray paint?
Hi, Maggie- hopefully you saw in my tutorial photos and text that I only used the clear/colorless vases for this project.