How to make a handled vase

Inspired by the ceramic handled jugs that are on-trend right now, this project is a great way to upcycle one of your inexpensive glass vases. You just mix white paint with bicarb soda to create a textured effect, and make the handles out of curtain rings cut in half. Clever!

WATCH: Juliet make handled vase

Textured vases with handles have become increasingly popular and trendy. Reminiscent of Greek and Roman water jugs, they’re a quick and easy craft project for the kids on the weekend. And the best part is getting outside to pick some flowers from the garden to finish the project off. Grab a vase and a couple of curtain rings and let's get to it.

Gather your supplies

• Timber curtain rings
• Glass vase
• Water-based enamel gloss paint in white

You’ll also need

Sharp knife
Cutting board
Measuring tape
Marker
Construction adhesive
Medium-grit sandpaper
Acetone
Plastic container
Spoon
Bicarbonate of soda
Paintbrush

Here’s how

Step 1

Remove screw eye pins from 2 curtain rings and cut in half using a sharp knife.

Step 2

Use a measuring tape to find locations for handles on opposite sides of the vase, and mark. Trim rings if needed so their edges sit flat against the glass. Apply construction adhesive to the ends of 1 curtain ring half.

Step 3

Press ring half against vase and hold in place until adhesive grabs. Repeat with remaining ring halves. Let adhesive set.

Step 4

Sand glass vase to create a key for the paint to adhere to. Remove sanding dust, then clean glass with acetone. Make sure handles are clean, too.

Step 5

Put 250ml paint in a plastic container, then scoop in 1 teaspoon of bicarb soda and mix.

Step 6

Using a paintbrush, apply 3-4 coats of paint mixture to glass and rings, leaving to dry after each coat. You need this many coats to achieve a textured effect. Leave overnight so paint dries completely.