Super Simple DIY Terracotta Vases

The faux terracotta vase trend has been circulating around the internet for a couple of years with a recent resurgence on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. This DIY project has gained popularity due in large part to its ease and accessibility as the method is simple and the supplies are low-cost. In fact, you’ll likely be able to get everything you need for this project for about $10! Let’s take a look at how you can make faux terracotta vases at home.

Supplies

This easy DIY has just a few supplies:

• Water-based craft paint
• Paintbrushes (not foam brushes)
• Baking powder
• Mixing containers (deli containers work great)
• Mixing tool (an old wooden spoon or ruler will work well)
• Old ceramic vases

How to Make Faux Ceramic With Paint

Start your DIY project by laying out a newspaper, a few paper bags, or a disposable tablecloth to protect your work surface. Next, pour a generous amount of your water-based paint into your mixing container and add a tablespoon of baking powder (not baking soda), then mix with your wooden tool. The paint will immediately double in size and take on a mousse-like consistency. If the paint doesn’t get fluffy right away, add a little more baking powder.

Using a bristled paintbrush, paint a coat on your old ceramic vase. You can use glass vases, but the paint will not stick as well.  Let the first coat dry then add a second coat, mixing a second batch of paint if necessary. The paint is mixed as it dries quite quickly, so you might want to consider painting multiple vases in each color to use up all of your initial batch of paint.

Where to Get Vases

There are a lot of places you can get old and/or cheap vases for this project. The most reliable option will likely be the thrift store and estate sales. If you want to use new vases that are still affordable, dollar stores, Walmart, and Target are good places to look.