There are several ways to upcycle empty food jars, but I hope you will love this new way that is inspired by Pottery Barn earthenware. Anytime I can get the Pottery Barn inspired look with furniture or decor, for less, I’m happy! This technique is so easy, it’s paintable, and requires no prep to the glass jars. Just wash your jars but no need to remove labels. There is something so unique and pretty about these DIY Pottery Barn inspired vases! I love that they make perfect gifts, or they can be used in your shelf styling or tabletop styling.

I created a YouTube video to show you the process and just how straight forward it is. Be sure to listen to the audio because that’s where I explain the texture and technique that you see me doing in the short video. I realize that not everyone will want to purchase the CelluClay product, and I have good news – I think the same texture can be accomplished by soaking and straining paper egg cartons, maybe newspaper as well, but then you have to add an adhesive (like glue or flour and water). I’ve seen people boil down toilette paper to create a paper mache base too, but with the history we’ve had with TP shortages, maybe stick with CelluClay. If you use a little less water, I think you can smooth the surface better after applying it to the jar. If you like an even thin layer, apply smaller amounts at a time. This will take longer, but you’ll be able to control the thickness better.

This product and craft would be fun for kids to do too. They could make a vase, let it dry, and then paint it. Or you can use a little less water and mold it into a shape – I haven’t tried this myself and you may need to have something to help prop up the final piece to hold its shape, but it could be fun to try. You could also take an old toy and cover it with CelluClay to give it a new strange life for kiddos to really use their imagination. I’m contemplating taking one of the old Barbie dolls and covering it to create a Barbie statue for Quinn – we’ll see. At any rate, your imagination is the limit and it’s a fun product to work with.

DIY Pottery Barn Inspired Vase

In case you don’t check out the video, here are the basic steps:

• Follow the CelluClay instructions – 1 lb. of clay with 4 cups of warm water
• Break apart large chunks of CelluClay before mixing with water
• Use hand to blend and mix CelluClay and water
• Once the water is even dispersed, apply handfulls to the outside of the glass jar
• Gently press and push the mixture evenly around the glass. Be sure to cover all spots
• Leave an uneven organic edge around the top OR create a faux lip around the top
• Allow to completely dry, 24-48 hrs.
• Leave natural or paint
• The dried product isn’t waterproof, but you could try spraying it with polyurethane if you wanted it to last.

DIY Pottery Barn Inspired Vase – YouTube Tutorial

That’s it, so easy, right?! There are several ways to paper mache, but I really like this unique texture, it doesn’t slide off of the glass, and it’s not very messy. And I couldn’t be happier about repurposing these gallon sized pickle jars! Don’t you think a pretty vase and some flowers make a lovely gift? Be sure to subscribe for my email list and receive your free shelf styling eBook~