#PinstripesChallenge: Homemade Vases
Following the success of our blog on foraged foliage wreaths, we've got another #PinstripesChallenge for you all! Get ready for some artsy, craftsy, slightly messy at home fun!
We don't know about you, but we've certainly been partial to a glass of our favourite tipple during this challenging time (after office hours of course!). This got us thinking - surely we can do something with those empty bottles? So we've come up with a little craft project that we hope you can join in with too…..
This is our step-by-step guide on how to make a lovely decoupage vase from an upcycled bottle. If you haven't heard of decoupage, it's basically fancy paper mache. It's an easy at-home craft that's accessible to the whole family (just make sure to supervise those kids when using scissors!).
What you'll need:
Scissors
Paintbrushes – Ideally use brittle brushes that work well with glue. Don't worry you if you haven't got those at home, you can always use a piece of foam to dab the glue on instead.
Paper – Be it old magazines, newspapers, wrapping paper or anything else you can find around the house!
Mod Podge – This is the stuff for decoupage. It's a glue, sealant and finish all in one and is available to buy online. However, we think good old PVA glue would do the trick too.
Something to decorate - We used a bottle for our demo, but you could easily apply the same techniques to breath some new life into old plant pots. Don't forget to clean off any muck first!
Step One – Get Your Paper Ready
It’s a good idea to have all your bits of paper prepared before you bring sticky glue into the equation. Have a flip through those magazines for some interesting bits and start snipping! Think about the size of the container you’re decorating to make sure you have enough paper to cover it. You can cut all sorts of exciting shapes out, or even tear the paper for a more rustic look.
Step Two – Start Sticking
Brush the Mod Podge or PVA onto the vase, covering an area big enough to stick your first piece of paper to. Then place the paper onto the bottle and brush some more glue over the top. Top tip: use smaller pieces of paper for curved surfaces and crevices to avoid creasing.
Step three – Keep sticking!
Keep pasting paper onto the bottle until you are happy with the result. This may mean leaving things to dry off for a while if you’re layering designs.
Step Four – Leave to dry
Leave your container to dry somewhere, making sure it’s not touching any surfaces that the glue could damage. Mod Podge dries quite quickly, but you may need to leave PVA overnight.
Step Five – Marvel at your creation
Once dried fill your new vase or pot with something pretty. We used dried hydrangea in our vase, and wouldn’t recommend using fresh flowers as you won’t be able to wash your vase afterwards.
We’d love to see your crafty creations! Let us know how you get on by tagging us on one of our social media channels @pandpflowers and with the hashtag #PinstripesChallenge or send us a picture to flowers@pinstripesandpeonies.com
Stay at home with flower power, The Pinstripes & Peonies Team