Upcycle an old coffee jar into a stylish Oliver Bonas inspired vase!
I’ve upcycled a fair few old coffee jars over the years. In the past, I have used caulk and tape to create a minimal textured vase and have used paint and pencil to create a faux raku vase from an old coffee jar. This time, I really wanted to change the shape of my jar, and paint it in a design that was reminiscent of the lovely striped vases that I’ve seen about - like this one from Oliver Bonas. To create a taller and narrower top to the jar, I used air dry clay. This worked really well, and it’s got me thinking about all the various ways I could potentially upcycle glass jars in the future. I chose a terracotta colour to paint my stripes in and I’m loving the way that this and the design pleasantly clash with the other patterns in my living room. I’d love to hear what you think below, and if you love it too, don’t forget to share on social media and subscribe to updates!
1.
First of all, give your empty coffee jar a good clean.
2.
Then add air dry clay to create smoother transition from the widest part of the jar to the lip.
3.
Continue building the air dry clay up and on top of the lip of the jar.
4.
Roll out lengths of clay and add these on top of the clay and on one another until your vase is the height you want it to be. Use water to smooth the clay together.
5.
Roll out a larger tube of clay and add this on top to give your vase a new lip. Again smooth the clay with water until you are happy with the finish.
6.
Leave the air dry clay to thoroughly dry. Give the clay a light sand if you want it to be smoother.
7.
Next, paint all over with paint mixed with baking powder. This gives a lovely texture and helps the paint to stick to the glass. Apply as many coats as you need to get your desired effect.
8.
Once your base boat is dry. mix up the colour you want for your stripes. I mixed together yellow, red and brown acrylic paint to create a terracotta colour.
9.
Use a relativley firm flat brush with a width that is the approximate width you want your stripes to be and begin painting vertical stripes down your jar. Part of the appeal is the lines being organic so don’t worry if they aren’t perfect!
10.
Continue this all the way around your jar and leave it to dry.
