Turn those old vases, jars and bottles into something beautiful with these free DIY projects that are sure to add a touch of charm and personality to your home.
Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or new to DIY, you’ll find plenty of ideas to inspire your creativity on this page.
We all have that growing collection we’ve accumulated over the years (received as gifts, scored at flea markets, bought for special events, etc.). Then there are those unique glass bottles that we’ve held onto “just because”.
You’ve donated a bunch to goodwill, tried selling a few at garage sales, but there are still a handful that are just-the-right size and you don’t want to part with them. They do the job well, but some can look a little…cheap. Or plain. Or maybe just need a little TLC.
How can they be made pretty?
I’ve put together a lovely collection of free tutorials filled with dozens of creative ideas and techniques. Learn how to give them bold colors or try a faux mercury glass look or making imitation milk glass.
If painting is not your thing, just a little bit of lace, washi tape or ribbon can make it charming, or try adding a strip of burlap or wrapping in yarn or twine to create that rustic look.
Supply costs are minimal and there are so many directions you can go!
If you’re looking for inspiration to whip up bulk centerpieces for baby and bridal showers, garden parties, etc., there are several super cute ways to customize mason jars, milk bottles and even tin cans for those on a budget.
I’ve separated the collection into a few groups for easier browsing:
- General Ideas (all types, shapes and sizes)
- Mason Jar Projects
- Homemade Fillers (some neat stuff here)
Once your project is complete, fill the new vessel with fresh flowers from the garden or opt for artificial florals from the craft store. With the amazing quality and selection available today, you can easily add a pop of color to any room in your home.
No matter your personal style, I’m confident you’ll find an idea or two here that will inspire you. Have fun!
Pretty DIY Vase Upgrades & Transformations
As always here on Tipnut, all tutorials are hand-picked by me and are 100% hassle-free. This means there are no fees charged, no memberships required and no emails to submit. If that has changed since being added to this collection, please let me know in the comments area below so I can remove it.
Directions: Click on images to view project pages, a new browser tab will open & save your spot here
You’ll need Martha Stewart Paint Frost in Beach Glass, rubbing alcohol, paper towels and a small brush. Scrape off any stickers or decorations first, then apply the glass paint. Allow to dry and add flowers or other embellishments.
Source: lisagouletdesign.com
Frosted Phrase: Supplies include letter stickers, frosting spray paint, and masking tape. Make guidelines for the top and bottom of your phrase with masking tape. Stick the letter stickers on the vessel & apply spray. Once dry, remove the stickers.
Source: abeautifulmess.com
Upcycle tin cans into pretty containers with floral ribbon & scraps of fabric. I love this sweet project, there are so many ways you can decorate them. You’ll need tin cans, chalky finish, a brush, ribbon, and some hot glue sticks.
Source: apumpkinandaprincess.com
Textured With Baking Soda: All you need is water-based paint & baking soda which is mixed together to create a textured clay look or terra cotta finish. She recommends being generous with the baking soda amount because it puffs up & gives a nice textured look.
Source: athomewithashley.com
Perrier Bottle Crochet Pattern: Crochet a wrap for the bottle using cotton or twine (with cap, ring & labels removed), a 3.0 mm crochet hook & less than 1/3 of a skein of Rowan purelife organic cotton in DK weight or cotton or jute kitchen twine.
Source: greenbrokelivinginkits.blogspot.com
Twig Flower Pots for Giving or Keeping: Made with hessian, a straight-sided container, twigs or small branches that are fairly straight, jute twine & a glue gun or string. Cut twigs down to the same length, wrap the container with hessian & tie twine around it.
Source: ninimakes.typepad.com
You’ll need a belly basket, which is a round-woven basket typically made out of natural seagrass material, and flowers. Place a bouquet inside the basket for a beautiful decorative storage solution.
Source: psimadethis.com
Super easy yet the results are A+… Apply enamel paint to the vessel with a brush then let it dry. Apply a second coat if necessary. Now all that’s left is to add flowers or other decorations.
Source: sugarandcharm.com
Learn how to create inexpensive milk glass pieces with this tutorial. Milk glass has been around for centuries and is highly collectible (and getting more expensive) but it’s easy to make a faux version that is good enough to be used as a centerpiece.
Source: thebudgetsavvybride.com
Add some sparkle to your home decor or party with these DIY glitter gems that are quick, easy, and perfect for weddings or any occasion that could use some extra shine. A generous supply of glitter & ModPodge is all you need.
Source: thesweetestoccasion.com
Transform plain old bud vases into conversation-worthy pieces with just a few paint pens. Customize with fun & colorful patterns that will brighten up any room in your home. Surprisingly easy to achieve beautiful results.
Source: brit.co
Turn your plain & boring vessels into faux ceramic masterpieces to liven up your space for spring. Supplies include: white clay, acrylic paint, baking soda, sandpaper, acrylic roller, clay cutter, brush & an old cookie cutter.
Source: cityline.tv
One of my favorites! Create a lace surface with a ceramic-like finish using this tutorial. By using enamel spray paint, the finish on the lace becomes very hard, giving it the appearance of ceramic. These are both pretty & practical, perfect for holding flowers or organizing pens and other small items.
Source: dreamalittlebigger.com
Make these Decorative Tin Can Containers for a budget-friendly & practical decor solution. Customize them by selecting different scrapbooking paper designs & use them as flower or candle holders, containers for storing pens, cutlery, or makeup brushes.
Source: hauteandhealthyliving.com
These ombre charmers transform dollar store varieties with some acrylic paint. Using a plate or mixing tray, mix white & green to create an ombre effect then apply it to the surface using a soft bristle brush. An easy & inexpensive project perfect for spring decor.
Source: livingwellspendingless.com
Soup or vegetable cans are spray painted in color of choice then wrapped in a roll of cork (glued in place). A nice touch for the office cubicle but will also work well for parties & wedding favor place cards.
Source: papernstitchblog.com
Washi Tape: Could this be any simpler to make, yet the results are fantastic. A great way to use up leftover washi too! Try a combo of plain, patterned & metallics.
Source: michaels.com
Free Project Gallery
Don’t let those plain, old vases collect dust in the back of your closet. Let your creativity shine and transform them into beautiful decor pieces that you’ll be proud to display in your home.
Creative Mason Jar Ideas
Quick Tip: For hanging jars outdoors to display as small vases or lanterns, here’s a good tutorial for how to make the holders from old wire coat hangers: Magical DIY Hanging Mason Jar Lights (Easiest Ever!). This features another option using 16-gauge galvanized steel wire: Food Jars = DIY Hanging Lanterns.
Make Your Own Vase Fillers
Fillers are decorative objects perfect for adding pops of color, texture, and depth to your displays. From beachy shells and stones to elegant glass beads and crystals, the possibilities are endless. Want to go more natural? Try using dried flowers, leaves, or twigs. And for a truly unique touch, consider adding LED lights or even marbles!
Quick Tip
Not only do vases add a personal touch to your living space, but they can also be used in a variety of practical ways…
- In the kitchen: Great containers to hold cooking utensils.
- In the office: Desktop storage for stationery items.
- In the dressing room: Store and display cosmetic brushes.
So there’s no need to settle on just a single project or two, pick a few and you’ll find just the right place to put your DIY vases to good use ;).
very lovely