With the change of the seasons I was ready to update my shelf décor. I was really feeling neutral colors and I knew I also wanted to add some stacked books or boxes (like this Studio Mcgee box). I had seen others on social media take vases from second hand stores and paint them. I thought I would give that a try! So off to the thrift store I went. Much to my surprise there was actually a sale that particular day so most vases ranged in price from .50 – $1.50.
Once I was at the thrift store I got the idea to see if they had any hardcover books that I could use for stacking on my shelves. They sure did and all hardcover books at my local goodwill were only $1.50. Once I started looking through the books I got the idea to try painting those as well.
Here is a look at the vases before and after ( I will get to how I painted them shortly).
I had read that if you add baking soda to craft paint it gave a matte look, almost like clay so I gave it a try and sure! Here are the colors that I purchased for the project.
Then I started playing around with the baking soda adding a little at a time until it thickened the paint up.
Each vase took a few coats and be sure to let your vases try good in-between coats.
Once done with the vases I moved on to the books. For these I just removed the glossy jacket and painted directly on the hardcover. I did not add baking soda to this paint for the books.
Overall this was a quick, easy and inexpensive DIY and I love the way it spruced up my shelves. What do you think? Follow along on Instagram at instagram.com/mitten_mack for more DIY projects and home décor.
