Don’t throw that ugly vase away! Give it new life with this quick & easy upcycle project - twine wrapped vases! You can make them in just a few hours, with supplies you already have at home. They’ll spruce up your home decor, and also make a great gift. And best of all, you can completely personalize them to your own style!
A few days ago, while working in the yard, I looked around at all the beautiful flowers that are now in bloom. The sunflowers are getting really tall, with their big heads showing off that sunny yellow color, bees flitting around to collect their pollen. And the zinnias have grown so much, bursting with yellows, whites, yellows, and reds. I decided to cut a few of these gorgeous flowers to bring some sunshine into the house.
Looking for a vase, I realized that I could only find the same old vases I always use...and honestly, I’m bored with them. There’s nothing special about any of them, just clear glass with no design. Just your regular ho-hum, snooze-fest, boring vases.
Wait a minute...I have twine...I have paint...I have glue! Craft time! I’m going to spruce up these vases and make them into something beautiful that I’m proud to display in my home.
Materials
- Vase
- Clear-drying glue
- Masking tape
- Twine
- Paint
- Scissors
I gathered my supplies and went to work outside. Sure, I could have done this inside too, but it was such a beautiful day. I laid out some parchment paper to protect the table and got to work.
Measuring
The first thing I did was wrap twine all around the vase, to make sure I was measuring the correct amount. Holding the beginning of the twine in place with a piece of masking tape definitely helps! Just in case my measurements weren’t exactly correct, though, I pulled another couple feet off the spool to be safe and cut it to length.
Dyeing with Paint
I then found an old Tupperware container and squirted some acrylic paint in it. You could probably use different types of paint, but this is what I used. I then diluted it with some water, then a little more paint, then a little more water...until I achieved the color intensity I wanted.
I dipped about one-quarter of the length of string into the “paint dye” and let it soak a few minutes. I could have let it soak longer for more intense color, but I was happy with this short time.
Taking the twine out of the water, I squeezed out the excess fluid as I went. Next, I added more water to the “dye” to lighten the color a bit, then dipped in the next section of twine...and so on. I was going for an ombre look with this particular vase...but you can also just dip all the twine in at once for a more even color. I hesitate to say the word “even” though, because the twine will soak up the color in different amounts along its length.
Once all the twine was dyed, I placed it on some more parchment paper and laid it out in the hot summer sun to dry. After an hour or two, the twine was nicely dried, so I grabbed my clear-drying craft glue and started putting it all together.
Wrapping the Vase
Tip: I tried two different methods of wrapping the twine, starting at the top and starting at the bottom. By far, the easier method was starting at the top. Just take my word for it & you’ll save yourself a giant headache.
Starting at the top, I spread glue all the way around the top 1” or so of the vase.
Placing one end of the dyed twine along the top, I found that it kept slipping down. The solution I found to this problem was holding it in place to the vase with a few pieces of masking tape along the first row.
Keep applying glue as you go, in about 1” sections (if you put on too much glue at once, it will dry out before you get there). As I was wrapping the twine around, I noticed that it kept twisting and I had to keep un-twisting it. I then discovered that the best way to address this issue was to twist the vase as I went...the twine twisted less this way. Also, while wrapping the twine, I found it very helpful to push “up” as I wrapped, pushing up against the previous row, to keep it tight. Don’t worry, this is all in the video below for a visual aid.
I kept wrapping and wrapping, my fingers covered in glue and some paint that had seeped out of the twine (oh right...wear gloves if you don’t want stained fingernails)...including the bottom of the vase until I just couldn’t wrap any more.
I cut off the end, tucked it in the center, and left it to dry. Depending on the glue you use, drying time will vary, but I found that mine was completely dry in a few hours.
I’m thrilled with the result of my upcycled Wrapped Vases! I love their classy yet earthy look and that they reflect my own personal style. You can completely personalize these vases to your own style...use different colors, do an ombre effect, use different thicknesses and materials of twine or rope, add other elements to the outside once it’s dried, and so on!
CAUTION: Do not use with candles. Both the string and paint may be flammable. Also, the heat from the candle may loosen the glue.
Watch the video below for more of a visual aid to show you how to make your own wrapped vases! Enjoy!
Did you make these Twine Wrapped Vases upcycle project? Let us know in the comments below!
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