Why Spend $200 When You Can Spend $20?
Let’s be real: walking into a home decor store in fall is dangerous. One whiff of pumpkin-spice-scented candles and suddenly you’re swiping your credit card for a $200 “artisanal” ceramic vase that looks like it was sculpted by a monk in the Italian countryside.
But here’s a secret: you can fake that luxe, textured ceramic look with stuff from your kitchen and a thrift store vase. No monk required.
This DIY is perfect for:
- People who love high-end aesthetics but have a budget that screams “IKEA sale rack.”
- Crafters who want fall decor that doesn’t scream “I murdered a pumpkin and glued it to everything.”
- Anyone who’s ever looked at a thrift store glass vase and thought, “You could be so much more.”
Ready to turn sad, forgotten glass into minimalist masterpieces? Let’s go.
Supplies: The DIY Route vs. The “I’d Rather Buy It” Route
Option 1: DIY Like a Pro (But With Room for Mistakes)
What You’ll Need:
- Thrifted glass vases (milk bottles, candle jars, or even old pasta sauce jars—no judgment).
- Baking soda (the hero of this story).
- Matte paint (latex or acrylic—no glossy finishes unless you want it to look like a kindergarten art project).
- Mixing bowl and brush (dedicate one to crafts unless you enjoy glitter in your scrambled eggs).
- Sandpaper (optional, for that ~~distressed~~ vibe).
- Faux stems (pampas grass, faux maple branches, or dried florals for fall).
Affordable Amazon Supplies:
- Americana Decor Matte Chalk Paint – Great for smooth coverage.
- FolkArt Matte Acrylic Paint Set – Budget-friendly and versatile.
- Faux Pampas Grass Stems – Fluffy, trendy, and no shedding.
Option 2: “I Love This but I’d Rather Just Buy It”
If DIY isn’t your thing (or you’d rather spend your time binge-watching Netflix than sanding a vase), here are some ready-made faux ceramic vases that nail the look:
- Anthropologie-Inspired Textured Vase – High-end dupe.
- Minimalist Ceramic-Look Floor Vase – For a dramatic touch.
- Set of 3 Neutral Faux Ceramic Vases – Instant curated look.
Step-by-Step: How to Fake It Till You Make It
Step 1: Thrift Like a Treasure Hunter
Head to your local thrift store, garage sale, or even your own cabinets. Look for:
- Glass vases with simple shapes (avoid anything too curvy for your first try).
- Old candle jars (soak them to remove wax residue).
- Bottles with interesting necks (wine bottles? Yes.).
Pro Tip: Clear glass works best, but colored glass can add a cool undertone if you use a thin paint mix.
Step 2: Mix Your “Faux Ceramic” Paint
This is where the magic happens.
Recipe:
- 1 part matte paint (choose neutral fall tones like taupe, cream, or slate).
- 1 part baking soda (yes, the stuff in your fridge that’s expired).
Mix until it looks like pancake batter—thick but spreadable. Too runny? Add more baking soda. Too thick? A tiny bit of water.
“If you mess up, just pretend it’s ‘organic texture.’ Art is subjective, right?”
Step 3: Slap It On (Like You Mean It)
- Use a stiff brush to apply the mixture in thick, uneven strokes. The texture is what sells the ceramic look.
- Don’t worry about perfection—imperfections = character.
- Let the first coat dry (about 1-2 hours), then decide if you want a second coat for more coverage.
Step 4: Sand for a “Lived-In” Look (Optional)
If you want a worn, matte finish, lightly sand the dried vase with fine-grit sandpaper. Focus on edges and raised areas where natural wear would happen.
Step 5: Style Like a Pro
Now for the fun part: making it look expensive.
- For fall: Use faux maple stems, dried wheat, or pampas grass.
- For year-round: A single sculptural branch or eucalyptus.
- Pro Styling Trick: Group vases in varying heights for a curated look.
Luxury-Look Stems on Amazon:
- Faux Maple Branches – Perfect for autumn.
- Dried Bunny Tail Grass – Subtle texture.
- Oversized Faux Pampas – Instagram gold.
Why This Works (And Why People Will Buy It)
If you’re making these to sell, here’s the selling points:
✅ Looks high-end but costs under $10 to make.
✅ Customizable—match any home decor style.
✅ Eco-friendly (upcycling glass = good karma).
Price them at $25-$50 depending on size and styling. Market them as:
- “Hand-textured minimalist vases”
- “Organic ceramic-look decor”
- “Boho-chic fall centerpieces”
Final Thoughts: You’re Basically a Ceramic Artist Now
Who knew baking soda could be the key to fancy home decor? Whether you’re keeping these for yourself or selling them, this DIY proves that good design doesn’t have to be expensive—just clever.
So go forth, raid your thrift store, and remember: if it turns out weird, just call it ‘abstract.’
Want More Fall DIYs?
Check out the full list of 21 Fall Crafts You Can Make and Sell for more inspo!
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