From trash to terracotta: How to transform old vases into VERY on-trend 'ceramic' style decor (and it's MUCH easier than you think)

An Australian home stylist and author has revealed how to up-cycle old vases and transform them into stylish ceramic-looking décor.

Geneva Vanderzeil, from Brisbane, shared the method to her social media channels and said the crafty project is very easy to do.

The DIY process involves mixing bi-card soda with water-based paint to create a ceramic effect, then applying layers onto the vases to form a thick texture.

The idea sparked a 'trash to terracotta up-cycling movement' where thousands replicated the fun project for themselves and shared the gorgeous results online.

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BEFORE: An Australian home stylist and author has revealed how to up-cycle old vases and transform them into stylish ceramic-looking décor

BEFORE: An Australian home stylist and author has revealed how to up-cycle old vases and transform them into stylish ceramic-looking décor

AFTER: The DIY process involves mixing bi-card soda with water-based paint to create a ceramic effect, then applying layers onto the vase to form a texture

AFTER: The DIY process involves mixing bi-card soda with water-based paint to create a ceramic effect, then applying layers onto the vase to form a texture

'I created this easy technique for making ceramic effect chalk paint, which can be used to up-cycle ugly vases, and also for painting planters, cups and anything else you want to give a ceramic look,' Geneva said.

'When I came up with this idea at the start of the year, I had no idea how much it would spread! I actually tested a whole bunch of paint additives to see what would work best, including plaster of Paris and sand.

'The baking powder won hands down thanks to the reaction it has with water in the paint,' she said.

Geneva Vanderzeil (pictured) shared the method to her social media channels and said the crafty project is very easy to do

Geneva Vanderzeil shared the method to her social media channels and said the crafty project is very easy to do

'I created this easy technique for making ceramic effect chalk paint, which can be used to up-cycle ugly vases, and also for painting planters, cups and anything else you want to give a ceramic look,' Geneva saidThe baking powder can be applied to any type of water-based paint

'I created this easy technique for making ceramic effect chalk paint, which can be used to up-cycle ugly vases, and also for painting planters, cups and anything else you want to give a ceramic look,' Geneva said 

The idea sparked a 'trash to terracotta up-cycling movement' where thousands tried the fun project for themselves and shared the gorgeous results onlineGeneva said she tried a variety of paints, but found mixing in the bi-carb soda was the best technique to create a ceramic look

The idea sparked a 'trash to terracotta up-cycling movement' where thousands tried the fun project for themselves and shared the gorgeous results online

The craft project is fun and simple to do on a weekend and the unappealing second-hand pots turn into chic, modern vases that will fill any dull corner.

Any type or colour of paint can be used as long as it's water-based - Geneva said she originally painted several vases using the 4L Megatreat Terracotta liquid paint from Bunnings Warehouse, though it's priced at $85.97.

Those painting on a budget may wish to consider purchasing small sample paint pots from Bunnings in order to decorate multiple vases different colours.

TIPS WHEN PAINTING THE VASES  

Both glass and old ceramic pots can be used  

Use sample paint pots from Bunnings Warehouse to stay on a budget and choose a variety of colours 

Any paint can be used as long as it's water-based  

Use as much bi-carb soda as needed to create the desired texture  

Paint the inside, outside and the bottom of the vase too 

Make sure sure all the paint is dry before adding on another layer of paint, otherwise it will peel off

Add as many layers as desired - the more paint that is added the more authentic it will look 

The craft project is fun and simple to do on a weekend and the unappealing second-hand pots turn into chic, modern vases that will fill any dull corner

Any type or colour of paint can be used as long as it's water-basedThose painting on a budget may wish to consider purchasing small sample paint pots from Bunnings in order to decorate multiple vases different colours

Any type or colour of paint can be used as long as it's water-based. Those painting on a budget may wish to consider purchasing small sample paint pots from Bunnings in order to decorate multiple vases different colours

The demonstrative video shared has been seen more than half a million times on TikTok and has received 9,100 'likes' on Instagram

The demonstrative video shared has been seen more than half a million times on TikTok and has received 9,100 'likes' on Instagram

The demonstrative video shared has been seen more than half a million times on TikTok and has received 9,100 'likes' on Instagram.

'So beautiful!' one person said online, another added: 'Trying it this weekend!'

'This is absolutely genius and the final product is amazing!' a third said.

The transformed vases can also be used as pots for plant to brighten up the garden or can be used to store artificial foliage inside the house.