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35+ Vase Decorating Ideas That’ll Elevate Any Room

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.

Decorate-a-Vase with one of these ideas

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.

bottles of folk art multi surface paint

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.

Which Formula Should I Use on Glass?

You can use any Mod Podge formula you like – there are no “rules.” Get my guide to Mod Podge 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!

Decorating Glass Vases

Learn how to decorate a glass vase with one of these unique methods! You're going to love these great ideas for vase decoration, perfect for your home or gifts.


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:

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" . . .