3.02.2010

Antiqued Mirror Vases

A while back I tore this out of my Martha Stewart Living magazine (magazine's shutter when I pick them up, I'm all about ripping out the pages!)
Now I love Martha, but sometimes her directions for projects are a bit, dare I say it, lacking.  Not that this was a difficult project, but there were definately some tips I can share with you now that I made my own!
 
  
I didn't take the time to stage them with the flowers and stuff because I was just so excited to share them with you.  So here is what you need to make your own, and a few tips that Martha didn't give you!
Mirror like spray paint (your Michaels employee will probably tell you they don't carry it, they are good at that, but they DO carry it) In my store it's back by the glass paints on the very bottom shelf, yep, they hid it pretty well but we (my huband and I, don't think my Michaels employee made any effort) found it. By the way, it's about $12 a can so make sure you have one of those 40% off coupons!

Thrifted gladd vases. I like the look of the complete cylinder ones but you can use any shape you like

Spray bottle with water

Paper to wrap the outside of the vase- tape something around the outside to keep any extra paint from getting on the wrong side.  If you choose to skip this, just bring a damp rag to wipe it up as you go.  I started with the paper then decided I wanted to see better and switched to the rag.

Get yourself somewhere ventilated to start, this stuff is very stinky.  With short bursts, rotate the vase as you spray a thin layer inside your clean vase.  You will most likely get a small pool of paint at the bottom of the vase.  Turn your case sideways and roll that extra paint around inside to get a thin even coat.  Let it dry for about 2 minutes then repeat three or four times.

When it looks pretty covered take your water bottle and lightly spritz a bit of water inside (this makes the mirror look a bit worn and antiqued).  Set them upside down on some paper towel to dry over night.

Once they are dry, spray one or two more light coats.  Enjoy!

31 Reactions to this post

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  1. Hanneke Nelson said... March 02, 2010

    Thank you! Both for the tips and for reassuring me it isn't just me that has trouble from time to time with Martha's instructions. Now, if only we had a Michael's (or Joann's or Hobby Lobby) close by... Your vases turned out wonderful!

  2. CRICKET said... March 02, 2010

    I am always amazed at the different paint out there! I feel that way about most stores but Target being the main one.

  3. Hana said... March 02, 2010

    I am definitely doing this! I just bought several glass cylinders (from $1 store) to use to hold treats at my daughters birthday party. I wasn't sure what I was going to do with them now that the party is over. Now I know!! Thanks for sharing!

  4. theteo5 said... March 02, 2010

    I love that! I can't wait to find some cheap glasses and get going on it!

  5. Samantha said... March 02, 2010

    wow, these are amazing and I never woulld have attempted this project, well now that you have tried it maybe I will! Thank you

  6. Kim's Treasures said... March 02, 2010

    I love these...thanks for sharing!!!

  7. Vesper... said... March 02, 2010

    Oh I love vases. Cant get enough of those!

  8. LuLu said... March 02, 2010

    Great vases.....I really do not like Michael's though, they really do have the worst customer service, I always try Joann's first which is right across the street for me! I'm going to give these vases a whirl!

    ~Lauri
    http://knitsandreads.blogspot.com

  9. michelle@somedaycrafts said... March 02, 2010

    These rock! I love the look! I will feature these tonight at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com

  10. Erin said... March 02, 2010

    Yours turned out better than mine did! Martha does really lack on clear directions most of the time!

  11. Jen~ Lipstick and Laundry said... March 02, 2010

    I love them, they turned out beautiful!

  12. Molly said... March 02, 2010

    You are awesome for providing the extra tips... Thanks! :)

  13. Annie Wilcox Designs said... March 02, 2010

    What a great fun project for the spring. Just around the corner I hope. I will be looking for this right away, as I am sure your blog will have them selling off the shelves! Have a great day.

  14. Rebecca said... March 02, 2010

    These are amazing and I'd really like to try it. I was wondering if you had any tips on how to color the "mirroring" effect. Pink glass, etc. It's almost like its vintage mercury.

    ~Rebecca
    pinkpearlstudio

  15. Just Rhonda said... March 02, 2010

    i ripped that page out too!!! Thanks for the tips!!

  16. Amy said... March 02, 2010

    Aha! That's such a good idea, I lurve mirror glass but I can never find any whilst out thrifting in Kent. Now I can just make my own, yay! xx

  17. Nielsen Family said... March 02, 2010

    I was just observing the mirrored effect of the decor at our local funeral home (I know...morbid) Thanks for letting me know how I can recreate it so I didn't have to ask for their decorator's # :)

  18. Tiffany said... March 02, 2010

    LOVE it!!! Thanks for sharing!!!!

  19. Kendra @ Domestic Princess in Training said... March 02, 2010

    Martha is my homie....although your right, her directions can be a little deceiving. I'm make my 1st Martha recipe tonight (apple sauce coffee cake) and I'm a little worried how about how it's going to turn out.

    These are great! I have no idea where I’m going to put them but I’m totally making them! I'll link back to ya when I do.



    Kendra “Domestic Princess in Training”

  20. Leanne said... March 02, 2010

    I love them and can't wait to try it. Thanks for the added info.

  21. The Thriftress said... March 02, 2010

    Very cool!

  22. Maggie said... March 02, 2010

    I'm so happy I found this project, I've been trying to make something similar but not having any luck. I'm going to go try and find the same paint you did and then hit the thrift store for some vases and whatnot!

  23. Carmen said... March 02, 2010

    These are awesome! Thanks for the instructions. You know, I have found at Michael's that the employees don't know much at all. And they aren't very helpful.

  24. Sarah Lou said... March 02, 2010

    Oh I love this! I have my fingers crossed I can find this stuff in Australia.

  25. Anny said... March 02, 2010

    These are gorgeous! Way to outsmart that Michael's employee!

  26. Mandy McDonald said... March 18, 2010

    You're so awesome. I went to Michael's with my coupon in hand. Walked straight over to the glass paint section, (I knew just where it was because I've been working with Vitrea 160 lately to paint my clear mason jars turquoise like the antique ones), squatted down and there was the mirror like spray paint right on the bottom shelf for $12 just exactly like you said it would be. I went to the thrift store today and picked up some glass pieces to try this on. Thanks for taking the time to include every detail. love it.

  27. Kim said... March 25, 2010

    I skipped over here from your paper bag flower post. This is so pretty - on my "to do" list. Thanks for the heads up on the "helpful" Michael's employees :).

  28. Mom of 5 said... May 03, 2010

    i had also torn this out as a possible wedding reception decoration for my daughter. You said you put a layer of paint , then sprayed? I thought martha had reversed those steps? did it work better to do it your way? I think this will be pretty for a summer outdoor wedding and reception.

  29. sadienstella said... May 04, 2010

    I cut out and saved that same M. Stewart article, hunted high and low for the paint months ago--finally found it and have not done the project yet. Now I have motivation again to spray and create. Thank you!
    PS The black/white plaid boots were my fav too--they look great on you~~

  30. Looking Glass Jewels said... May 12, 2010

    Oooo I love this! They look so expensive! I will be on the lookout for that spray paint! Wouldn't they look great with your coffee filter roses in them?

    ~Amanda @Looking Glass Jewels

  31. EliWagar said... July 22, 2010

    That's a really cool technique. I love the mirrored look. Antique Vases Is a really good site for vase ideas as well. Good job, they really do look like antiques.

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