diy stoneware

CRAFT YOUR OWN STONEWARE POTTERY

Inspired by the elegance of old world pottery, this DIY project gives your space a look of the stoneware past with a modern feel. In addition, the neutral color and natural looking textures make it timeless for any season. Handmade or designer pottery typically retails for sixty to hundreds of dollars. However, this simple DIY costs less than $20 by reusing outdated pottery and paint supplies that you probably already have. Therefore, it is a great way to give new life to thrifted or unused vases, jars, and pots. It's important to find vessels with an interesting shape, but without any unwanted three dimensional details.

BY AMY WILLIAMS OF CUTER TUDOR

REQUIRED MATIERIALS: White spray paint primer or sandpaper Joint compound Latex or acrylic paint in whites or light browns Coffee grounds or dirt Paint brushes and palette knife Clear spray sealer in matte finish

transform any vessel into a work of art using common goods

1. prep + prime

After gathering your materials, you will need to prepare the pottery for paint. First, remove any residue or price tags and wipe down the surface. Then, use a medium grit sandpaper to sand any glossy ceramic or glass surfaces which will allow the paint to adhere easier. However, a light coat of white spray paint primer works great on wood or metal containers.

2. apply paint mixture

Mix one part latex or acrylic paint with one part joint compound. This should be a thick, yet creamy texture. Use your personal preference of paint color, but this layer is white.

With a sponge brush, apply the paint mixture with long, horizontal brushstrokes ensuring the pot is completely covered in a thin layer. The base coat should conceal the original color or pattern. Allow the compound to dry for an hour. Next, brush another thick layer of the paint mixture onto the pot with shorter brushstrokes and more material. The goal is to create lots of textures so peaks of paint are fine. Dry a few hours.

3. play with paint!

This is the fun part, because you get to play with paint. First, pour three different colors of paint onto a disposable plate. Then, get creative and paint a few different shades of creamy white, light brown or terra cotta color onto the pottery. Don't be afraid to try a few of these techniques to achieve the look that you desire. If you mess up, just paint over it.

add texture

Mix coffee grounds into the paint to create a gritty texture that mimics the look of handmade stone pottery. Then, brush on randomly. Or, rub dirt to semi-dried pottery. Either way, apply gently as to not scratch the previous layers of paint.

dry brush

The goal of dry brushing is to create lots of texture with distinct brush stroke marks rather than blending the paint altogether. Therefore, it's important to use as little paint as possible. So, dab off any excess paint from the brush and do not apply on wet paint. With this technique, make quick, short strokes with a stiff, bristly brush in different directions. It's best to work with different shades of color and lots of thin layers to build dimension.

white wash

This extra translucent layer creates a chalky look similar to limestone and blends the previous layers of colors together. Simply, mix one part of a water based paint with three parts of water. Then, apply a thin layer of the white wash with a paint brush over the entire pot.

4. seal + style!

Once the pottery is completely dry, protect it with a clear spray sealer which forms a water resistant barrier. I prefer the matte finish, because it looks more natural. Lastly, style your pottery. For instance, group upcyled pottery on a shelf together or display with greenery as a table centerpiece. For spring, add leafy branches, house plants or your favorite bouquet of flowers.

The Ruffled Nest, Kansas, USA

"It’s always been a dream to share my love of decorating with hopes of inspiring others to create a curated home that they love. In the fall of 2017, a few months after having my third daughter, I started a decor page on Instagram @rufflednest.decor. As creating decor to style our home became our passion, my husband James and I dreamed of starting a business. Two years later, after months of prayerful consideration, we took the leap. Our hobby of crafting items for the home transformed into a business, Ruffled Nest Décor. We have a local booth in Wichita, Kansas, and often do vendor shows where we love meeting our customers. In 2020, our business grew as we started our selling online, as well. The connections that we’ve made and the support that we’ve received from our customers through Instagram, our blog and website have blessed our family more than we could ever imagine. We love creating pieces that can be used both functionally and decoratively to make your home uniquely yours. Our favorite product is most definitely our home decor bead strands. Our girls are even involved and help string beads in every color of the rainbow! In the garage turned workshop, James and I brainstorm new product ideas and then, bring them to life. We get very excited when our newly handcrafted pieces are well received by our customers. Therefore, we are both honored and proud to offer products that our family has handcrafted into our customers’ homes. " -Angie and James Christenson

This one of a kind, double tasseled, wood and glass decor bead strand is crafted with various sizes of wood beads and African recycled glass beads in a beautiful blush pink hue. On both ends, the strand is finished with a wool blend tassel dyed in a variegated gray and pink tone. Each strand varies due to the natural characteristics of the wood, glass and yarn color making every strand truly one-of-a-kind. This particular design and color scheme is a collaboration between Susie, Tina and Angie to create something beautiful, classic and exclusive. To style it in your home, simply drape the beads over a stack of books, gather them loosely in a wooden bowl or lay across the coffee table.

Shop: rufflednestdecor.com Like: @rufflednest.decor

lines written in

early spring

by william wordsworth

“I heard a thousand blended notes, While in a grove I sate reclined, In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts Bring sad thoughts to the mind.

To her fair works did Nature link The human soul that through me ran; And much it grieved my heart to think What man has made of man.

Through primrose tufts, in that green bower, The periwinkle trailed its wreaths; And ’tis my faith that every flower Enjoys the air it breathes.

The birds around me hopped and played, Their thoughts I cannot measure:— But the least motion which they made It seemed a thrill of pleasure.

The budding twigs spread out their fan, To catch the breezy air; And I must think, do all I can, That there was pleasure there."

Curated by Susie + Bundled by Raegen Hain, Texas, USA

A little extra something from me to you! I always find the return of tulips to be so romantic in the Springtime! After the long, hard winter, their anticipated return is faithful and enduring. They undeniably bring a burst of cheer and freshness to any room.

Each bundle was assembled by hand here at my home in Plano, by Raegen who is happily preparing to throw her own bouquet in August. These spring beauties were not maker-made, but we wanted to include them as a little something extra to say "thank you for shopping local".