The older I get, the more I find myself drawn to warm, cozy decor made from natural materials. My home is slowly filling up with wooden accents, ceramic vases, and soft, earthy tones. I’ve also fallen head over heels for flowers—there’s at least one bouquet in every room of my house! But let’s be real, a beautiful bouquet deserves an equally beautiful vase. And while I’ve seen plenty of gorgeous terracotta vases online, they’re either way too expensive or not quite the right style for me.
That’s when it hit me: Why not make my own? After a bit of research, I found an easy way to transform an ordinary glass vase into something that looks like it came straight out of a pottery studio. Using just baking soda, acrylic paints, and a few tools I already had at home, I created a textured, terracotta-style vase that’s perfect for my space. And guess what? It’s so simple, you can do it too!
Here’s exactly how I did it, step by step. Plus, I’ll share some tips I learned along the way—like why soda is a game-changer and how to fix mistakes (because yes, I made a few). Let’s get crafting!
Why Baking Soda and Acrylic Paint Work
Before diving into the steps, let me explain why this method is so effective. Baking soda acts like a magic ingredient. When mixed with acrylic paint, it creates a textured, matte finish that mimics the look of natural terracotta. The grainy texture and soft, chalky appearance instantly transform the shiny glass into something that looks handmade and authentic. Plus, acrylic paint is super forgiving—it’s easy to blend, layer, or even remove if you make a mistake.
What You’ll Need
- A plain glass vase. Go for a simple shape like a bottle, jar, or pot. The more minimalist, the better.
- Baking soda. The secret to creating that matte, ceramic-like finish.
- Acrylic paints. I recommend natural tones like Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, Yellow Ochre, Flesh Tint, and Light Red. These earthy hues give the vase a realistic terracotta vibe.
- Sponge and brush. A sponge is great for smooth application, while a brush helps add texture and detail.
- Palette or scrap cardboard. For mixing paint and baking soda. An old plastic lid works fine too.
- Drop cloth or a piece of cardboard. To protect your workspace (this can get messy).
Step By Step Guide
Start by covering your table with cardboard. Make sure your vase is clean and dry. Now, for the magic of of this project. Grab a palette, plastic lid, or even a piece of cardboard, and squeeze out your selected acrylic paint shades. I went for earthy tones like Burnt Sienna, Yellow Ochre, and Flesh Tint. Add a couple of tablespoons of baking soda on the side. Mix the paint and soda directly with a sponge or brush, but don’t overmix—leave it slightly grainy to mimic the look of terracotta. This texture is key to achieving that authentic, matte ceramic vibe.
With your paint-soda mix ready, it’s time to start painting! Use a brush to apply the first layer evenly across the vase. Begin with a darker shade like Burnt Sienna to establish a strong base. Don’t worry if it looks patchy—this actually adds to the natural, handmade feel. If the paint feels too thick, use light dabbing motions to spread it smoothly.
Now comes the fun part—creating texture! Take a sponge, dip it into the paint mix, and gently dab it onto the vase. This step is where you’ll see the transformation truly start to happen. Alternate between colors as you go to add depth and dimension. The uneven texture will make the vase look like it’s made from clay rather than glass.
Once the base layer has dried slightly, it’s time to add layers. Use lighter shades like Yellow Ochre and Flesh Tint to highlight raised areas. For shadows, go back in with Burnt Umber or a similar dark shade. You can use a smaller brush for fine details or continue with the sponge to blend everything seamlessly. The key here is to keep layering until you’re happy with the depth and richness of the colors.
For the edges of the vase, like the rim, use a small piece of sponge or brush to add extra texture and color. These areas tend to stand out, so a little extra attention here makes the piece look polished and intentional. You can also sprinkle and rub a bit of dry baking soda onto the wet paint for added grit and a natural matte finish.
Let your vase dry completely, ideally overnight, to ensure the paint sets properly. I also painted a Martini glass I've never used, because, why not?.
Once dry, admire your creation! The end result is a textured, earthy vase that looks like it came straight from a pottery studio. Add a bouquet of fresh or faux flowers.
You can simply display it as a statement piece. For an extra rustic touch, tie a piece of twine or jute around the neck of the vase. It’s such a simple addition, but it makes a big difference.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Finish
- First of all, work in natural light. Colors can look very different under artificial lighting.
- Start dark, then go light.
- Play with textures. Use a sponge for soft, even coverage and a brush for rougher, detailed textures. For a smoother finish, mix thoroughly. For a rougher, clay-like texture, leave the mixture grainy.
- Blend as you go. Overlap colors lightly while they’re still wet to create soft transitions. If you wait too long, the paint can dry and make blending harder.
- Don’t overdo it. Step back occasionally to assess your work. Too many layers can muddy the colors.
- Gentle care only. Wipe your vase with a damp cloth to remove dust. Avoid scrubbing or soaking, as it might damage the texture.
Final Thoughts
Making this terracotta-style vase was such a rewarding experience. Every time I walk past it, I smile knowing I created something beautiful with my own hands. It’s a perfect example of how you don’t need a huge budget to add personality and warmth to your home. Btw, you can upcycle not only vases but buckets too.
If you’re thinking of trying this project, my advice is simple: go for it! Don’t stress about perfection—embrace the imperfections. That’s what makes it unique. And hey, if you do make one, I’d love to see it. Tag me on social media or share your process in the comments. Let’s inspire each other to keep creating!