You can make these upcycled vases using stickers and some spray paint! This super affordable DIY decor project is really simple and the final transformation is incredible! Such a creative and easy way to spruce up a plain glass vase!
RELATED: How to Make Geometric Clay Earrings
HOW TO MAKE UPCYCLED VASES using STICKERS
There’s been a TON of really cool DIY decor hacks on Pinterest lately! After seeing an awesome art piece using wooden shapes, I was super inspired! I knew I could make some really unique vases using a similar technique AND on a budget.
These glass vases were really simple to make and you can create all kinds of textures and patterns using only foam stickers – the kind you probably remember playing with as a kid! They are affordable, come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and you can layer them to create more dimension on your vase.
I was super happy with how these turned out! I really LOVE how they look styled together with some flowers and plants! These up-cycled vases would make a such a great housewarming gift, not to mention they’re the perfect compliment to any bare shelf or empty table!
Supplies you’ll need:
The full printable list of instructions is available at the end of this post, but here’s a list of affiliate links that will take you to products on amazon that are similar to the supplies I used to make them.
- Plain Glass Vases
- Geometric Foam Stickers (pre cut)
- Adhesive Foam Sheets (cut your own shapes!)
- Primer (white)
- Spray Paint (any colour)
- Sealer
- Scissors (optional)
These DIY upcycled vases are simple to put together and end up looking incredibly chic!
THRIFTING YOUR VASES
One of my favourite things to do is check out my local Goodwill for unique pieces I can up-cycle. I knew they were FULL of plain glass vases that would be perfect for this project! I got a few different shapes and sizes so I could try a couple different patterns and designs.
It goes without saying, but the first thing you’ll want to do once you get your vases home is give them a good wash. Once they’re completely dry, you’re ready to rock!
ADDING THE STICKERS
These little foam stickers were a blast from the past and honestly worked so much better than I thought they would! I got a large bag at my local craft store and had way more than enough to make 4-5 vases.
Look at the shapes and let them speak to you! Don’t be afraid to cut them to make new shapes or play around with them until you’re happy. Once you’re set on a design you love, THEN you can peel the backs off and stick them down.
Start by adding the first layer then build on top of that. The stickers work so well because it’s easy to add and layer them to add dimension. I went with 2 layers for this piece.
Once you peel and stick your first layer, press down hard on each of the foam shapes to make sure they’re good and stuck down. Then you can add your second and third layer if that’s what you want.
I recommend you plan everything out beforehand. Have all your shapes and layers laid out and cut so you know exactly which pieces go where.
PAINTING YOUR VASES
These vases aren’t much to look at yet. The super bright stickers aren’t very attractive, but all of that is about to change!
In a well ventilated area, set up a zone for spray paint. Because spray paints are toxic when inhaled, consider wearing a protective mask as well.
PRIMER
Spray 1-2 coats of the paint/primer. Primer helps block out and cover the bright colours of the stickers and will help your paint colour to really stand out!
Leave your primed vase to dry for a few hours (follow the directions on the can.) Come back for a second coat if necessary. Then leave it for a few more hours. Once the primer is fully dry, you can start with the first coat of spray paint!
PAINT
This is my favourite step. Once the first coat of paint goes on – your vase will start to come together!
Again, you’ll have to wait a few hours between coats. I only needed 2. After leaving it overnight, I went back to add a couple targeted sprays on a few of the edges of the foam pieces since it can be difficult to completely cover them without over-spraying.
SEALER
Once your vase and foam pieces are fully and evenly covered leave them to dry completely. Then you can finish it off with a coat of varnish to seal everything in place!
When your varnish has cured – your vase is complete. What a transformation! You’d never believe the sculptural details were foam stickers!
This one has 3 layers. I think it might be my favourite! It’s so much fun coming up with designs and patterns to fit the personality of each vase.
I knew I wanted to do something with those little hearts! I really love how this one turned out.
Honestly, I’m a little surprised at how good these actually look! LOL I really wasn’t sure when I first started but once you get those first coats of paint on, things really start to take shape! Not only do they look great on a shelf with some flowers or a plant, but they’d make an amazing housewarming gift am I right?!
Spray Painting Tips:
- Make sure you paint in a very well ventilated area like a garage or outside.
- Wear a mask so you don’t breathe anything in.
- Keep the nozzle about a foot away from the surface and use light and even strokes. Heavy applications may cause dripping or streaks.
- Despite the use of a sealer, the exterior of the vases are NOT water-proof. I don’t recommend getting the outsides wet, especially the areas with the foam stickers.
- When painting glass, it is recommended to use a spray paint that’s material specific – it should say so on the can. I don’t believe the brand I used is the best for glass but it’s all I had and I think it worked out great!
Can I use my upcycled vases for real flowers (with water?)
Absolutely! Just make sure you either a) don’t paint the inside of the vase at all, or b) paint the inside but make sure it gets a good coat of the sealer. Avoid getting water on the outside on the foam and you should be good to go!
Will the stickers stay stuck or should I use glue as well?
So far, my stickers are all holding up nicely! I will admit, a few of the edges are slightly lifted on one of the vases but it’s barely noticeable. Once all the coats of paint and sealer go on, they are pretty durable!
How to Upcycle Vases using Stickers
With just a few foam stickers and some spray paint, plain boring vases go from basic to beautiful!
- Scissors
- 1 plain glass vase
- 1 bag geometric foam stickers
- 1 can primer (white)
- 1 can spray paint (any colour)
- 1 can Sealer
Wash and dry your glass vase.
Plan out your design with the geometric foam shapes. Try different combinations and layers to see what works best. Use scissors to cut some of the pieces if necessary.
Position the first layer of stickers. Peel the backing off and stick them down one by one. Press down on each one to secure them to the glass.
Add the second layer on top of the first. Repeat a third time if necessary.
In a very well ventilated area, use a spray primer + paint to evenly coat the entire vase. Leave to dry according to the instructions on the can. Once dry, assess the first coat and add a second if necessary. Let dry.
Add the first coat of coloured spray paint. Once dry, rotate the vase to spray the bottom as well to ensure an even coat. Let dry. Add another coat and leave to dry over night.
Finish off with an even coat of spray sealer. Leave to dry completely before handling.
You vase is complete!
These DIY upcycled vases using stickers turned out so well and were super affordable to make! With just a few foam stickers and some spray paint, plain boring vases go from super basic to totally beautiful in only a day or two! Such a cool and unique way to reuse old glass vases!
Here’s some more nifty crafts to try out!
How to Make Geometric Clay Earrings
How to Make a Simple Rope Plant Hanger
Here’s the amazing piece of art that gave me the idea to make these upcycled vases using stickers: @sugarandcloth
