DIY Splatter Vase (and a Trick for Grocery Store Roses!)

 photo zDSC_0737.jpg

When I was leaning over the paint counter, thinking about what colors I'd like to add to my bedroom, I thought an oxblood red would be the perfect balance to the new green lamps and the Knoxville Gray walls. I usually have something of every color in my extra tchotchkes/accessories closet (we all have one, right?), but this time I was coming up a little short in the oxblood red department.

 photo IMG_7961.jpg

So I swung by the craft store and picked up a plain, clear glass vase for about $3. They have these vases everywhere - even the grocery store. And they make the perfect base for customizing (hello! - great gift idea!). Here's the how-to:
I wanted a splatter pattern on my vase, so for the first layer, I grabbed a bottle of black nail polish and sort of carefully whacked the brush around the rim of the vase.

 photo IMG_8021.jpg

 photo IMG_8026.jpg

This enamel spray paint from Rustoleum is the perfect color of oxblood. It so glossy and deep - love it.

 photo IMG_8089.jpg

I wrapped the outside of the vase with a grocery bag and sealed it up with painters tape along the top edges of the rim

 photo IMG_8092.jpg

 photo IMG_8095.jpg

Then I sprayed the inside of the vase with the red color. Don't go too heavy with the paint here. You want to coat all the glass evenly, but it looks prettier if the light can still get through the layer of paint.

 photo IMG_8098.jpg

Just like Christmas morning!

 photo IMG_8172.jpg

 photo IMG_8185.jpg

The oxblood pairs so well with the pinks and purples in my favorite lady portrait and in the pink grocery store roses.

 photo cDSC_0736.jpg

Also, here's a little trick for getting cheap $10/dozen bodega roses to look more like garden roses. 

 photo IMG_9733.jpg

To loosen the buds a little, put them in some warm water for an hour or two and then use your fingers to help them open a little more. If you put your fingers in a pinching position and sort of spread them from the center of the bud, they'll open up beautifully! And if you do it gently, there won't be any damage to the petals. Also I think they live just as long as before this way, especially if you're good about changing the water every other day or so. I can usually get my flowers to last about two weeks that way.

 photo IMG_8343.jpg

The roses are so much more pretty this way, don't you think? Hard to beat $10 for a pretty arrangement that last for weeks!

 photo qDSC_0717.jpg

Oh, and some of you were asking about our flip clock. It was an Amazon purchase! Takes some work to get it going, but it's cute and fun!

 photo DSC_0776.jpg

30 comments:

  1. I wouldn't have guessed the vase was spray painted. It turned out great! I'll have to try your trick with grocery store roses next time. They look so pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Do you protect the spray paint with a clear coat of poly? I was worried that the water would peel back some of the paint? Looks fantastic!

    ReplyDelete
  3. So cute! What a great DIY!

    www.ahealthymrs.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. You are a wizard. Seriously, you always have the greatest DIY projects!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love how the vase turned out! I am not normally a fan of red, but you are totally right about it rounding out the look. Your blog makes me so happy!

    poshpurpose.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks, friends!

    Jamie - You don't need to clear coat over this paint because the enamel is oil-based. Forgot to mention that part in the post. Thanks for asking!
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  7. This all looks great! I want to know about your cell phone case too :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. This all looks great! I want to know about your cell phone case too :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. This looks like a project. I have a lot of clear vases that would be perfect for this DIY.

    Thanks!
    dee@delolovesdesign.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love this! What a fantastic idea.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ooh, I especially like the tip about grocery store roses. I'm going to have to run out and pick some up.

    http://www.fullbellywornsoles.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh my gosh. It turned out so well!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Where is the diving motel print from? I so want it!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Jenny I love this DIY project! You are amazing! I thought that red vase was a high end vase, I had no idea it was your DIY! You always leave me in awe! I love to check your blog everyday to see what new post you have to inspire me! I love your posts! Keep them coming!

    ReplyDelete
  15. So sweet your work and really enjoyed to read your post. I also read your profile and i am interested you join with your family. Living Room Decor Ideas

    ReplyDelete
  16. Your ability to mix color is so incredible! Is that design school learned or just intuitive? I would love to see a post on how to build a color story. Thanks for the constant inspiration and learning :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. You are so clever! Such a cute vase and thanks for the tip for roses!
    Leslie
    House on the Way

    ReplyDelete
  18. This vignette is one of my favorites of all time. I was wondering what process you used for that vase! I thought that it might have been a DIY after your kitchen desk project (in which everything was GENIUS). Thanks for sharing! A similar process would be pretty with those plain glass ornaments you can buy to decorate/fill yourself (although I think you'd have to use a paintbrush bc the opening is too small for spray paint).

    ReplyDelete
  19. Could you please share the name of the color and where you purchased it? Would save me (maybe others) so much time during this busy season. And I do intend to use that color on something for my home. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  20. What a fun DIY project! Thanks for sharing. I am going to try that rose tip too....

    Happy Tuesday!

    Ivy

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi Jenny,

    I've been following your blog for awhile and I really appreciate your taste. I've been remodeling a boarded up home for the past several months and I'd love your input on our living room. Do you do e-design, or how do you work with clients long distance?

    Thanks!
    Laura

    ReplyDelete
  22. I have the same tortoise shell phone case, my life is complete!!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Jenny, love this vase! As for the roses, do you mean to immerse the roses in warm water or only the stems?

    ReplyDelete
  24. Jenny, love this vase! As for the roses, do you mean to immerse the roses in warm water or only the stems?

    ReplyDelete
  25. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  26. The Wishbone Walnut Chair (or 6) will soon be living with me!

    ReplyDelete
  27. What a great idea!! Thanks for sharing! So simple, and I love the potential to come up with lots of different variations.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Such a good idea! Think you've given me the inspiration I needed for a table centre piece. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  29. This is amazing! What is the name of the Rustoleum color shade?

    ReplyDelete

I so appreciate hearing from you. Nice comments make my day! Thanks for keeping things light here, friends! :)