Make beautiful home decor – decorate a vase! Get 35+ quick and easy DIY vase decoration ideas using various supplies like paint and Mod Podge. Scroll down to get a video at the end of this post showing you how to decoupage on rounded objects.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate. Some of these techniques are easier than others, but none of them are exceptionally hard. Basic crafting skills are necessary, like using a paintbrush or punches and stencils.
I love decorating vases! There’s something about a simple, smooth (and typically glass) surface that says “decorate me.” So that’s exactly what I do.
A DIY vase makes a great home decor items to keep, and of course you can also add flowers and give them as gifts as well.
Tips for Decorating Vases
Before we jump into the projects, I wanted to go over a few basics. Make glass vase decor that is truly impressive using these tips!
Where to Buy Surfaces
Glass and ceramic vases are readily available at craft stores like Michaels, Jo-Ann, Hobby Lobby, AC Moore . . . but you can get them on a budget at Dollar Tree or WalMart.
I am impressed with the glass selection at our local Dollar Tree. You can also use recycled jars as vases. Pretty much any vessel that is round and can hold water can be considered a vase!
Preparing Your Vase
When I’m dealing with glass or ceramic surfaces, I wash them with warm, soapy water and then rinse thoroughly (here’s an article on removing labels). Then I let them dry.
I also wash my hands before working with them so that I don’t get oily fingerprints all over the surface.
Paint to Use
I like to use FolkArt Multisurface paint to decorate all sorts of items (it’s what I use to decorate birdhouses), and I use it for glass as well. There’s also a FolkArt Enamel paint made specifically for glass.
For my purposes the multisurface works just fine. Get my guide to painting on glass.
I do like to use Mod Podge Gloss on any vases I decorate because glass is shiny, and Mod Podge Gloss is shiny as well. So I feel that the finish most closely matches the sheen of the vase.
I should mention that I use Gloss if the vase is going to be for decorative purposes only. If you are wanting to be able to wash the vase, I’d use Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge. Be sure to follow the curing instructions on the bottle.
The fun part is that, because there are so many ways to adorn vases, you get to experiment with a ton of different craft supplies in the process. Scroll down to get the ideas!
1
Update a Glass Vase in 60 Seconds
Learn how to Mod Podge a glass vase in about a minute! This is such a simple and easy home decor project with big results.
This is one of my favorite methods to decorate a vase because it’s so dang easy! If you cut tissue paper into shapes, you don’t have to worry about it wrinkling so much. Plus you can create unique textures and colors patterns.
Add a modern pop of color to your desk to make your work day a little brighter with these fun, hand-painted vases. Perfect for pencils, pens, and all your desk supplies, these vases are easy to create with a simple coat of paint and some funky patterns.
Did you know you can get wood patterned contact paper? Yep! Then you can decorate a vase with it in about 15 minutes or so. It doesn't take long to get out all the wrinkles!
This particular surface came from Dollar Tree. I had a piece of scrapbook paper that was begging to be used, and then I found this flower vase for a buck. So all I did was use Mod Podge and roll the paper. It’s pretty dang easy!
Do you have several glass vessels needing to be saved? Mix some paint with baking powder and create an entirely new look and effect. So easy and the results are so beautiful!
Learn how to decorate a clear glass vase to make it come to life with color and pattern in less than five minutes. This is a simple home decorating idea that you will be able to easily change seasonally or for special occasions.
Create your own bud vases with a little spray paint and this glass bottle upcycle project. You'll find out the easy way to make stripes on any glass surfaces.
This upcycling tutorial will allow you to recycle your glass bottles to transform them into decorative vases. The papier-mâché technique is not just for children! Use it to make beautiful and interesting vases that people ask where you got them from.
Reuse a glass vase and transform it into a beautiful centerpiece to decor your home, wedding, birthday party, or just to surprise your friends and let them know how special they are. Easy, pretty and inexpensive.
One of my favorite ways to show appreciation is with some flowers. But why stop there – why not make a beautiful fluted vase to go along with it? That's exactly what Zoe did with dowel rods and stain.
Do you have some blah-looking vases that are in need of a makeover? Or maybe you want fancy looking ones that you can get on a dollar-sized budget?Then you gotta check out this fun DIY project on how to hydro dip vases using spray paint! It’s so easy, you won't believe it!
Embrace the folklore trend in your DIY home decor with this elegant vase you can paint! There's a panel of glass you can see through on the front which makes it extra unique.
This is one of my favorite vase decoration ideas of all time! Add some wood half spheres to a glass vessel with a glue gun and then add your favorite spray color to finish.
Decorate a vase with Gallery Glass, but this time you’ll spread several colors (separately) on a silicone mat in a medium layer and let dry overnight.Peel off the silicone and cut out leaf and flower shapes using a craft knife. You can cut out lines, too! I love the color and texture of these vessels.
Color shift is the coolest paint! It comes in both brush on types and spray paint. You can paint it over glass vases and make the coolest sort of effect that shifts in the light.
If you haven't used stone spray paint, now is your chance. You can take glass vases and turn them into the coolest faux stoneware the world has ever seen.
Decorating glass vases is made very, very simple by simply applying a metallic band of paint! Chelsea will show you how to do it the easiest way possible.
Add a fun watercolor effect to a simple hurricane vase with alcohol ink and Mod Podge. This is a great project to spruce up your dining table or home decor this spring or summer.
Decorative glass vases have never been easier with this tutorial! Use enamel paints to decorate them using Eden's tutorial. This is super easy and very budget friendly!
David made these vases with pipe (you can do the same on glass) and then sealed them with Mod Podge Outdoor. Perfect for a Mother’s Day brunch to show mom how much you appreciate her. Wouldn’t these be great for a wedding too?
Yami used joint compound to make a textured vase for a fraction of the price she saw at a popular store. You can use this technique on glass, ceramic, and more.
You can decoupage photos directly to a glass vase with Mod Podge, or you can use the photo transfer decal method.The decal method basically creates a glass cling with a vintage look, and I think it’s very cool! Learn how to do it here, and don’t forget to read my top five tips for using Mod Podge photo transfer medium.
I love turning old Coke bottles into DIY vases! They are perfect for that vintage look. Mine are party-ready because I used a coat of spray paint and then attached the confetti with Mod Podge. You can use any sort of tissue paper or napkins for the same effect.
If you have a craft stash and the inclination, decorate a vase with a skein of your favorite yarn! If you can wrap, you can make this DIY vase. In fact, it’s so easy that even a child can do it. This would be perfect for a kids’ summer camp craft.`
These DIY vases were made specifically for winter, but you can change the paper cuts used and make them for any time of year! I particularly love the touch of Sparkle Mod Podge. Can’t wait to make something like this for the holidays.
Before you get started, watch the video in this post that shows you how to decoupage on rounded objects. It’s very useful! I’d also love for you to check out these other posts:
I have to make 3 really large "church" stained glass windows for my play's backdrop. If I use plexiglass, or something similar, could I use puffy black paint for my lead lines? Will it stay stuck or is there a method to use a Mod Podge to protect it from sliding?
Amy
Monday 23rd of April 2018
Judy you could absolutely use puffy black paint for your lines. Just make sure it dries completely on a flat surface. I don't think it will be as raised as the lead lines because I believe you have to iron puffy paint? I can't remember. But it should work for your purposes!
Mindy Drummond
Sunday 22nd of April 2018
Love, Love, Love these ideas!! Decoupage was one of the first true craft projects I learned as a kid and I still love doing it today. I'm thinking this is a good week to finally hit my "vase stash" and get to work :)
Amy
Monday 23rd of April 2018
Mindy please share what you make in the group! :D
Pat Kline
Saturday 21st of April 2018
You might try using a bottle cap and go around it with the liquid lead to get circles.
Amy
Monday 23rd of April 2018
Pat that is a great idea!!
Jan J
Friday 20th of April 2018
Great ideas! I do wish you could use Redi-Lead on those circles on the geometric vase with Gallery Glass. That is an awesome vase! But I don't think it comes in circles - my hand is too unsteady with the liquid lead. I never thought to use scrapbook paper on a vase! I digital scrapbook now but have lots of paper left from my paper scrap days. There are some really beautiful patterns so I will be trying this and a few of the others! Thanks for the great ideas.
Amy
Friday 20th of April 2018
Hi Jan! They used to come in circles but now they are a relic from the past! You might get lucky on eBay. :D My hand is also too unsteady with the liquid lead for circles. I'm wondering if the 1/16" lines could be shaped into circles?? I doubt the 1/8" ones could but maybe you should try it with the 1/16" . . .
Judy
Sunday 22nd of April 2018
I have to make 3 really large "church" stained glass windows for my play's backdrop. If I use plexiglass, or something similar, could I use puffy black paint for my lead lines? Will it stay stuck or is there a method to use a Mod Podge to protect it from sliding?
Amy
Monday 23rd of April 2018
Judy you could absolutely use puffy black paint for your lines. Just make sure it dries completely on a flat surface. I don't think it will be as raised as the lead lines because I believe you have to iron puffy paint? I can't remember. But it should work for your purposes!
Mindy Drummond
Sunday 22nd of April 2018
Love, Love, Love these ideas!! Decoupage was one of the first true craft projects I learned as a kid and I still love doing it today. I'm thinking this is a good week to finally hit my "vase stash" and get to work :)
Amy
Monday 23rd of April 2018
Mindy please share what you make in the group! :D
Pat Kline
Saturday 21st of April 2018
You might try using a bottle cap and go around it with the liquid lead to get circles.
Amy
Monday 23rd of April 2018
Pat that is a great idea!!
Jan J
Friday 20th of April 2018
Great ideas! I do wish you could use Redi-Lead on those circles on the geometric vase with Gallery Glass. That is an awesome vase! But I don't think it comes in circles - my hand is too unsteady with the liquid lead. I never thought to use scrapbook paper on a vase! I digital scrapbook now but have lots of paper left from my paper scrap days. There are some really beautiful patterns so I will be trying this and a few of the others! Thanks for the great ideas.
Amy
Friday 20th of April 2018
Hi Jan! They used to come in circles but now they are a relic from the past! You might get lucky on eBay. :D My hand is also too unsteady with the liquid lead for circles. I'm wondering if the 1/16" lines could be shaped into circles?? I doubt the 1/8" ones could but maybe you should try it with the 1/16" . . .