Easy DIY Textured Pottery

Save money and create something unique for your home with this super easy DIY textured pottery project. 

When I say this DIY textured vase project is easy, I mean it. It’s fun, too, like doing arts and crafts and, not only that, it takes no time at all. 

Lately I’ve been super into the warm textures and colors of a more European Farmhouse style. I’m drawn to the the rustic woods in the design, the moody dark muted colors of the artwork and especially the textured look and colors of what look like old world pottery. I shared some pieces recently that we found during our trip to the Brimfield Antique Show & Flea Market…

 

 

They were so unique and so pretty but also SO expensive. 

Then I found these at Pottery Barn…

 

 

And these…

 

 

Also super pretty and also expensive. I love the interest they add to a space and so I figured I would give it a shot and create some DIY textured pottery myself.

Here’s how to make your own textured pottery. 

• Thrifted vase
• Craft or house paint
• Plaster of Paris or baking soda
• Round paint brush
• paper towels
• newspaper
• paper plate
• plastic cup

 

Super high-tech, I know. 🙂

 

So how do you make a plain vase look textured? There are a ton of different techniques out there including using baking soda, salt, a combination of both and even adding dirt to your mixture for texture and color. I know, right?!? I chose to make this textured vase with plaster of Paris because I already had it on hand for making chalk paint anyway. 

TIP: If you’ve never used plaster of Paris before, don’t be afraid of it. It’s inexpensive, easy to use and lasts forever. Just know that when you mix it with water for this recipe it hardens SUPER fast.  

1. Spread out your news paper in case you make a mess. I am a messy painter/crafter so I like to prepare. 

 

 

2. Mix WARM water and plaster of Paris (POP) in a dish or plastic cup in a ratio of 1 POP to a little more than one water.  I used an old fork but you can use a popsicle stick or plastic spoon. Once that is mixed and the POP is dissolved, you can add your paint. Play around with it if you feel like it’s too thick or too thin. The paint will make it a bit frothy. 

 

 

3. Apply the mixture to your vessel. I like to use a round paint brush normally used for chalk paint or wax. The shape is perfect because you can “pounce” or “stipple” the paint on like you are stenciling instead of wiping it on like you are painting. Give it a first layer and it will create small “peaks” with the paint. 

If there is too much paint mixture on your brush, dab some off with a paper towel. 

 

 

IMPORTANT: clean out your brush right away so the mixture doesn’t harden on it. 

4. If you put it on too thick you can always sand it down after with a fine grit sandpaper like 220. 

 

 

 

The trick with DIY textured paint is to not try to do it all at once. Add a layer and then let it dry some and then add another layer. 

 

 

 

How do you make a fake clay vase? Instead of starting with pottery, start with a glass vase. Spray it with shellac to help the plaster of Paris mixture stick. Dab on the mixture with a round paint brush just as you did above.

After the 2nd layer…

 

 

Add your layers until you get the color and depth you like and the last step is to spray them with a sealer. I used a matte sealer for a more chalky look but you can use a satin or clear one. 

 

 

Spray the pots in a well-ventilated area. 

 

 

Here are the thrift store vases now…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope you like this project as much as I did. I think I may need to work on a few more pieces and try out some other colors.

Before…

 

 

 

After plaster of Paris DIY paint technique…

 

 

 

If you want somewhat of the same type of look but don’t want the mess, you can use textured spray paint. It is no where near the chunky textured look this plaster of Paris gives you but it does give a light texture.  I layered black and a small bit of bronze to get this look…

 

 

You can also see where I used a different technique when I created a Christmas Centerpiece with clay pots. Instead of a paint brush, I used my hands to spread the plaster of Paris out with a much more thick layer which created a different look. 

 

You may also like…

How to make candlestick holders from old spindles

How to make a farmhouse canister set from old tins

So with a bit of creativity and simple supplies you can make your own DIY vintage pottery or DIY textured pottery to fit in with your style. 

Happy DIY’ing! 

Col

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