This project, my friends, was a complete and utter experiment. And I decided that no matter the outcome, I would post the final results. That’s not an easy promise for me to make- the idea of posting a failure gives me great anxiety! And what, pray tell, was that crazy idea of mine? Getting the look of vintage crocks or a stoneware crock on a white ceramic canister from the thrift store!
Antique crocks are SUPER trendy right now as part of vintage farmhouse decor. In fact, I used a vintage crock and a modern crock in this Thrift the Look blog post I did on French farmhouse decor.
Anyway, I wondered if I could recreate the look of antique crocks on a white ceramic canister from the thrift store. Because, let’s face it, we see these at thrifts all the time.
After I brought it home, I hand-washed it in the sink and set it on my counter to dry. Which happened to be right next to the stoneware crock that holds my wooden kitchen utensils.
I doubted that I could transform it seamlessly to the point that I couldn’t tell the difference between the two. But it was an inexpensive experiment to try!
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Creating a Faux Finish that Looks like Vintage Crocks
After mulling over paint options and various faux painting techniques, I settled on my favorite style: spray paint.
First, though, I had to get rid of the shiny surface on the white ceramic canister and gave it a quick (i.e., imperfect) coat of gray primer.
Next, I used a multi-colored spray paint that I found on Amazon (there is a different, more-coarse version in hardware and home improvement stores).
And yes, it’s textured (unlike a stoneware crock), but the mottled color was pretty decent. So, I gave it a whirl with 2-3 thin coats.
And while it certainly wasn’t a perfect match (only decades and use will do that anyway!), I was pleased with the mottled color.
Let’s compare the two again!
It’s getting there, isn’t it?
Now, neither of my antique crocks have stamps, seals, or any type of lettering on them. But I thought it would be a nice touch on my DIY version.
So, I selected a DecoArt stencil (specifically for the No. 7 part) and two shades of craft paint (this one and this one) to mix in order to get a faded indigo/denim blue.
Because I hadn’t sealed the textured paint yet, I was worried about fixing the stencil to my crock with painter’s tape! So, I stopped biting my nails in worry long enough to hold the stencil on my crock, stipple on the paint with my favorite brush, and be done with it. Whew…
I was ALMOST done!
Getting the Look of Vintage Crocks on a White Ceramic Canister
But…my stoneware crock still needed something. I studied my antique crock and zeroed in on the random speckles of dark brown that covered the surface. Like freckles. Crock freckles.
Crockles.
Yep, I made that word up and now I’m going to use it ALL THE TIME. But anyway, my crock needed crockles. Dark brown craft paint and the pointy end of a bamboo skewer to the rescue!
To finish off my stoneware crock, I needed to give it a glossy sheen, just like the real deal. I added a few coats of clear enamel and then it was done!
And I won’t pretend that it is an exact (or even close) replica of antique crocks. Don’t get me wrong!
But…what a great alternative if you want to use a crock as a planter…or perhaps on your porch as part of vignette. If it breaks or something else happens to it…so be it.
With a DIY version, your grandmother’s heirloom crock is still safe and sound. I just love the idea of having a DIY stoneware crock version to use, as well.
And if you enjoyed this upcycling idea for vintage kitchen decor but want a dose of color, check out these retro canisters that I made from an unmatched set of wooden canisters!
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.
“Crockles”: I love it when creating something gives you new terms. Crockles, crockles, crockles!!! What a fun and useful word!!!
Right?? it’s just fun to say, if nothing else, LOL.
I love everything that you do! This was a great way to update that crock–now I know what to go with all of mine because I can’t resist them either!
Thank you so much, Dawn!
Very nice, it looks like an old crock! What a great way to update an old canister set. Kudos to you, another creative home run.
Thanks, Susan!
Sarah, I often wondered whether the textured paints were difficult to work with, but it appears that is not the case. Your crock looks great with the added stencil design too, well done!!!
This one was super easy to work with- not sure if the coarser version is, as well, though!
So clever,that looks great!!
Thank you so much!
What another great idea! I’m so glad I found you, keep the crockles coming!!
Hahaha, thanks so much, Ronna!
I love it, as usual! Great tutorial! Applying crockles one by one had to be tedious–but spatter painting with a toothbrush would probably be too much. I LOVE neologisms (new words). A schizophrenic I worked with was describing a problem he was having with his project. Carogonal. I was totally lost and asked him to explain. First he said it louder, several times; well, that didn’t help. He said, “you know, a crack that’s on the diagonal.” Made perfectly good sense then. Another one is “flustrated”; a cross between flustered and frustrated.
looks authentic to me… crockles, haha!! I love your projects, great inspiration.
Thanks so much, Lisa!
“Crockles ” haha, good one! Love how it turned out. It looks pretty darn close!
I have a crock from the 70’s or ? With a decal on it. Been trying to decide what to do with it (no, I don’t like the decal). I don’t want to paint the whole thing so maybe I can just cover that up. I’m going to use your technique as a starting point! Thanks for the inspiration!
Awesome, Cecilia!! You are very welcome. 🙂
LOL, that’s the best word ever Sarah. Crockles 😀 So perfect
Right?? Fun to say! 😉
I love the transformation, Sarah. Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm!
Thank you, Cecilia!
Very nice upcycle!
Thanks, Denise!
This is so neat! I’ve been wanting a crock but seriously am not going to pay an arm and a leg for one. I’ll be trying this out!
Awesome!!!
I need to make a crock similar to this for a musical prop. It can’t be breakable. Do you think this method could work on a plastic container?
I don’t see why not!! I hope it works out for you!
LOVE this! Saw it for the first time at Morning Cup! Would love for your to join us each week at Homestyle Gathering! We would be blessed!